| | | | Hi Friend, The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for all of us at GPC, and we've never been more grateful! First, The New York Times featured GPC and the Listen Up Collaborative in their prestigious "50 States, 50 Fixes" series, highlighting how our local partnership of land trusts, tribal nations, county parks departments, and forestry groups is reversing forest bird declines. Then, on Tuesday, NPR's All Things Considered shared our story with listeners nationwide. It's been surreal and humbling to have our work recognized on such a large stage—but more than anything, it's a reminder that none of it happens without you. Because let's be honest, our region is thriving because of the conservation community we've built together. As we close out 2025, I find myself reflecting on what we have accomplished together. With your support, we've protected 337 acres of forests, streams, and wildlife habitat, bringing our total conserved land to over 12,500 acres across the Great Peninsula. Three hundred volunteers committed 1,670 hours to planting trees, removing invasive species, and maintaining trails. And, over 2,950 young people received hands-on lessons about the ecosystems right in their backyards thanks to Land Labs, our environmental education program. These numbers showcase the power of community. The many neighbors who show up each month to pull invasive weeds and plant trees. The donors who give because they believe this work matters. And the teachers, students, landowners, and partners who care deeply about this place we call home. The national recognition we've received this month is wonderful, but the real honor is working alongside all of you. Thank you for being part of our community. Best wishes and happy holidays, | |  | Samantha Hale
Communications Manager
samantha@greatpeninsula.org
www.greatpeninsula.org P.S. Want to read about the Listen Up Collaborative on The New York Times, but you don't have a subscription? You'll be able to read the article after you sign up for a free 7-day trial; no credit card necessary! | | | | | | | | GPC and the Listen Up Collaborative Have Been Featured In The New York Times | | | | We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! The Listen Up Collaborative, a pioneering partnership started by GPC’s Stewardship Director, Adrian Wolf, has been featured in the New York Times’ prestigious “50 States, 50 Fixes” series. The feature highlights how the seven-organization coalition is using affordable technology and proven science to reverse declines in forest bird populations—and inspiring land trusts nationwide to adopt similar methods. Visit our blog to read more about the Listen Up Collaborative and find a link to the feature. | | | | | | | | 21 Acres of Forest and Salmon Habitat—Protected Forever | | | | Butterfield Forrest is now permanently conserved thanks to a partnership between Great Peninsula Conservancy, PenMet Parks, and community supporters. This project protects more than half a mile of stream habitat, expands the wildlife corridor near Sehmel Homestead Park, and will be open to the public for passive recreation in early 2026. This is the power of partnership—when willing landowners, local agencies, and community members come together for the places we love. We're grateful to everyone who made this possible. Visit our blog to learn more about this new acquisition and when PenMet Parks will open the property to the public. | | | | | | | | Planning for the Next Three Years | | | | This year, we did something we don't often have time to do: we stepped back and asked ourselves what Great Peninsula Conservancy should focus on for the next three years. Our five-year strategic plan is set to expire at the end of 2025, so earlier this year, a group of staff and board members came together to build the next one. We wanted something different this time—not a dense document that lives on a shelf, but a succinct, active plan that will support our growth and mission. The result? A focused, three-year plan with measurable goals: conserve 1,000 acres, restore habitat on our preserves, and strengthen our community connections through 100 annual events. Visit our blog to learn more about how we developed our new plan, and to see what goals we've set for ourselves. | | | | | | | | You Ensure Conservation Close to Home | |  | Thank You for Leading with Gratitude this GivingTuesday! Together we reached our goal and raised a whopping $12,500—an amount matched dollar-for-dollar for a total GivingTuesday sum of $25,000! What better way to celebrate GPC's 25th anniversary year! Your generosity helps Great Peninsula Conservancy act quickly to protect wildlife habitat, restore streams, and maintain trails and parks that bring our communities together. Our staff, board, and community are so grateful that you've chosen to stand with conservation this giving season. Keep up the momentum! Now through December 31, every gift is matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 thanks to generous leadership donors. Your support safeguards working forests, expands access to nature, and continues programs that connect kids and families with the outdoors. Ways to Give: - Make a gift on our website.
- Mail a check postmarked by Dec. 31st to our office at 6536 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312
- Give through a donor-advised fund, IRA distribution, or stock
| | | | | | Join the Legacy Society
Another way to make a lasting difference is through a gift in your will. By including GPC in your estate plans, you can help protect the places you love for generations. This year, we’re proud to welcome ten new families who have made a legacy pledge: Anonymous (2)
James Boyles
Bart & Carrie Kale
Rick & Meredith Machin
Karen & Mark Molinari
Ellen & Alan Newberg
Hilary Vonckx & Alexander Clark
Bill & Sandy Walgren
George & Barbara Willock | | Memorial Gifts
Supporters also honored loved ones with gifts in memory, leaving a meaningful legacy for both people and nature. We are grateful for these tributes this year and remember the following members of our community: | |  | If you’d like to learn more about planned giving or make a memorial gift, contact Development Manager Katherine Tacke at katherine@greatpeninsula.org / 360-373-3500 x 107. | | | | | | | | | | | | Clear Creek Trail Work Party Join us this December for a winter work party on the Clear Creek Trail! We’ll tackle essential trail maintenance tasks like removing invasive species, repairing boardwalks, cleaning up litter, and more. Bundle up and join us to help enhance the Clear Creek Trail—your presence makes a difference! When: December 13th, 9:00am – 12:00pm Where: Silverdale, WA | | | | | | | | Stewardship Work Party: Winter Weed Removal at Hansville Highlands Join us for winter weed removal at Hansville Highlands! With your help removing invasive plants and weeds, we can continue to restore and preserve this beautiful site, enhancing the health of the ecosystem. This is your chance to make a direct, positive impact on this area. Acquired early in 2022, the Hansville Highlands extends the habitat and trails of Hansville Greenway. With a history of timber harvesting and clear-cutting, much of this preserve has turned into thick groves of invasive Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. By removing these invasives, we will be building a thriving habitat for the native flora and fauna of our region. Come connect with your landscape and get your hands dirty through this collaborative reforestation plan. When: December 13th, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: Hansville, WA | | | | | | | | Walk & Talk: Mammal Tracking Workshop Join GPC and local tracking experts at Curley Creek Preserve for an exploration of the many tracks left behind by mammals, small and large! The muddy banks of this flourishing ecosystem will be the perfect opportunity to talk about wildlife that often is spotted in and around our preserves. What is a chevron-shaped heel pad? How long is a bear’s stride? Learn this and more at this Walk and Talk! Perfect for both novice and experienced naturalists. When: December 20th, 10:00am – 12:00pm Where: Port Orchard, WA | | | | | | | | Make a Difference While You Shop | |  | Now, through December 31, support local conservation efforts when you shop at Columbia Sportswear. Inspired by the work of land trusts across the country, Columbia has initiated a checkout fundraising campaign to support local conservation efforts by raising funds through customer donations at Columbia retail stores in the U.S. When you check out at the register, you'll have an opportunity to "round up" your purchase to support the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA). All donations made across the country will be equally distributed to selected land trusts. GPC is honored to have been selected as a grant recipient alongside 30 other land trusts. Visit the LTA website to learn more about the program. | | | | | | | | Stillwaters Online Book Sale | | Want to expand your library in an environmentally friendly way? Shop Stillwaters’ online used book sale at AbeBooks. Stillwaters Environmental Center's long-running online book sale has continued, thanks to dedicated volunteers, through the transition to GPC. You can shop for our books online, all year round at AbeBooks! Click HERE to browse our online books for sale. If you are interested in donating books, we accept them all year long. Contact us at info@greatpeninsula.org for more information. | | | | | | | | 🌿 Rooted in Conservation, Connected in Community 🌿 | | | | Great Peninsula Conservancy invites local businesses, organizations, and community partners to sponsor our 2026 Conservation Celebration on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Benefits include recognition in GPC’s annual report, e-news (4,200+ subscribers), website, social media, and event program, plus perks like reserved seating, spotlight recognition, and private preserve tours for lead sponsors. Show your commitment to conservation and community. To learn more, contact Katherine Tacke, Development Manager at katherine@greatpeninsula.org or (360) 373-3500 x107. | | | | | | | | Like what we're up to? Our work is made possible by generous donors like you. | | | |  | | | | | If this email was forwarded to you, you can join our e-news to receive your own copy in the future. | | | | | | | |
