GPC seeks $94.5K in donations to save 40 acres

By Staff report • May 3, 2023 1:30 am
A map showing the location of the land Great Peninsula Conservancy wants to acquire adjacent to Grovers Creek Preserve. GPC courtesy map

As development continues to expand across the region, Great Peninsula Conservancy, the nonprofit land trust serving Kitsap, west Pierce, and north Mason counties, is partnering with community members to preserve prime wildlife habitat that will help expand the forests that span North Kitsap.

GPC has a chance to acquire nearly 40 acres of wetland and forest to expand the 279-acre Grovers Creek Preserve, a news release states.

GPC has launched a $237,000 campaign to acquire the property by the end of May. Campaign costs include the purchase, closing and stewardship funds needed to acquire and care for the land in perpetuity. As of April 25, the campaign has raised $142,500.

The acquisition builds on the legacy of the Kitsap Forest and Bay Project, which was launched over a decade ago to permanently protect the forest landscape of North Kitsap. Dozens of community partners worked to preserve GPC’s Grovers Creek Preserve, Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park and expand North Kitsap Heritage Park. Now the community has rallied again to ensure continued conservation of vital habitat.

“This is a rare opportunity to protect a significant amount of mature upland and wetland forest in north Kitsap County that otherwise faces a real threat of development. Preserving large blocks of high-quality wildlife habitat not only provides the space and resources for animals to thrive, but these forest lands are increasingly important in creating a climate resilient landscape,” GPC’s executive director Nathan Daniel said.

Towered by hemlock, alder, spruce and cedar, a peaceful mossy oasis lies at the heart of the property, which lies just north of the rare grove of 200-year-old Sitka spruce on Grovers Creek Preserve, the release states. The forest supports an array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, bobcats, beavers and birds. Streams and wetland pools release a year-round flow of clean cold water, making it critical for threatened steelhead. The green space is a place for people to explore natural wonders.

Donations are due by May 25 at greatpeninsula.org or send a check to GPC at 423 Pacific Ave. Ste. 300, Bremerton, WA 98337 and earmark “Grovers Creek Campaign.”