| | | Hello Friend, Spring is here, and with it come the first signs of life. The crocuses are in full bloom, the birdsong is louder every day, and the sun is (finally!) up long enough for late afternoon walks. This month, I'm particularly excited about getting out into my garden, visiting parks and preserves that are bursting with life, and celebrating a major conservation win - the acquisition of Petersen Farm, 142 acres of agricultural land and salmon habitat now protected forever in the Clear Creek Valley. March is the perfect time to reconnect with the land after winter's quiet. Won't you join us for one of our many events? Discover the riches of our region's geologic history on our monthly Walk & Talk, planting trees and shrubs during one of our many work parties, and celebrate in the outdoors with a local concert or movie. I hope you find moments to witness the awakening happening all around us. Wishing you bright spring days, |
| | | | | The Historic Petersen Farm Becomes Part of GPC’s Conservation Legacy |
| | We are delighted to share exciting news, in January Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) acquired the beloved Petersen Farm in Silverdale, securing 142 acres of prime agricultural land and vital salmon habitat in Clear Creek Valley. Through this acquisition, we’ll create an affordable farm leasing program to create opportunities for beginning and underserved farmers, restore salmon habitat in Clear Creek, and extend the Clear Creek Trail northward, allowing trail users to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outside. The property features 80 acres of prime agricultural soils, which is large by Kitsap County standards. The farm’s central location just off of the Trigger Avenue exit along State Route 3 makes the farm ideally located for low impact agricultural production. The Petersen Farm was identified as a priority farming area by the Kitsap Farmland Preservation Coalition in 2023. Visit our blog to learn more about this exciting acquisition. |
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| Bremerton Middle School Students Take Flight with Osprey Club |
| | Great Peninsula Conservancy’s Land Labs program is spreading its wings! This school year, we’re excited to launch Osprey Club, an afterschool program that fosters long-term relationships with the outdoors. In partnership with Mountain View Middle School (MV) and Catalyst Public School and hosted at MV, this program engages students in unique field trips and outdoor learning opportunities such as native plant cultivation, birding, tree identification, and nature art. Visit our blog to learn more about Osprey Club. |
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| |  | On Tuesday, March 11 you have the power to double your impact for conservation and community! Kitsap Great Give is a 24-hour giving event that unites our region in support of the nonprofits that make Kitsap a wonderful place to live—including Great Peninsula Conservancy. In honor of our 25th anniversary this year, supporters Jan and Gary have pledged $25,000 to match all donations made to GPC for Kitsap Great Give. “GPC has been protecting the places we all love for 25 years, and we want to help make sure they can keep doing it for the next 25! This isn’t just about land—it’s about caring for our community, our clean water, and the special places we share. I hope you’ll join us in making a difference." –Gary S. & Jan T. Make your gift today to help protect the lands, waters, and wildlife we all cherish. Or mail us a check at 6536 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312 and write "Great Give Match" on the memo. |
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| Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Comment Period |
| Every five years, Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) applies to renew its accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards in conservation. As part of this process, we’re inviting public feedback! The LTA Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is currently reviewing our policies and programs. They welcome signed, written comments from the public about how GPC meets national standards for ethical and effective land conservation. You can find the full list of standards here. To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit the LTA website or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments; (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on Great Peninsula Conservancy’s application will be most useful by May 17, 2025. |
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| Divide Community Forest Public Meetings |
| Interested in learning more about The Divide Community Forest? We will be hosting a series of public meetings and forest tours starting in April and May. During these meetings, we'll host collaborative discussions on the future of The Divide. Meetings will take place during the evenings of 4/8, 4/22, and 5/6, and we'll be out on the property every other Saturday from 4/19-5/17. Stay tuned for more details! Got questions? Reach out to Micaela Petrini, Stewardship Manager, at micaela@greatpeninsula.org. |
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| 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 had a long-running online book sale that, thanks to dedicated volunteers, has continued 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. |
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| Kitsap County "Year of the Rural" Survey |
| Did you know 2025 is officially the "Year of the Rural" in Kitsap County? Our rural landscapes and resources are what make this place special, and now YOU have the chance to help shape their future! The County is updating the Rural and Resource Lands Chapter of our Comprehensive Plan, and your input is crucial. This plan will determine how our community preserves it's beautiful rural character for years to come. - Take the Survey by 7th! It's anonymous unless you choose to add your contact info.
- Join Kitsap County on MARCH 4th for a kickoff meeting at 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Rd NE, Kingston.
Can't make the meeting? No problem! The survey is your chance to ensure your voice is heard on how we preserve what makes rural Kitsap special. Questions? Email compplan@kitsap.gov. |
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| | | GPC Legacy Member Highlight: |
| | This month, we're proud to recognize Legacy Society members Paul and Anne Kundtz. Paul’s love for nature began decades ago in the breathtaking landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Now, as President of the Board at Great Peninsula Conservancy, he and his wife, Anne, are committed to ensuring that future generations can experience the same natural beauty that has shaped their lives. Their dedication to conservation has led them to make a bequest to GPC—an investment in protecting the lands and waters of our region for years to come. Only two spots remain in our $20,000 Legacy Challenge! When you submit a pledge to include GPC in your estate plans, you are investing in the future of conservation in our region AND activating a $1,000 donation that will support our work now. Visit our blog to learn why they chose to leave a lasting impact. |
| | | GPC is excited to share our first 1% for the Planet partner:
Grounds for Change |
|  | Grounds for Change is a local family-owned and operated coffee roasting business in Poulsbo. They roast small batches of 100% fair trade, organic coffee. "As long-time members of 1% for the Planet, we are excited to expand the reach of our donations and continue supporting great organizations doing important work that we believe in,” said founders Kelsey and Stacey Marshall. In 2024, Grounds for Change nominated Great Peninsula Conservancy to receive donations through 1% for the Planet as an Environmental Partner. “We used to live in Indianola and drove past Grovers Creek every time we went into town. We like the idea of the Conservancy, buying land and keeping it wild. There’s something very appealing about that,” says Kelsey. “You’re also a long-standing organization that has broad spectrum appeal and staying power. We hope that by nominating you for 1% that we can encourage other local organizations to support you as well.” |
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| | | Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour - Bremerton, WA Get ready for a night of adventure, breathtaking films, and giving back! Join us for the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Roxy Theatre in Bremerton, WA, March 7-8th, 2025. In partnership with Live to Play (@mountaingear), GPC has been selected as a benefiting organization of ticket proceeds! Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of adventure and make a positive impact. When: Friday and Saturday, March 7-8th, doors open at 6:00pm, show begins at 7:00pm Where: Roxy Theatre, 270 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337 |
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| Salmon in the Classroom Volunteer Training The Salmon in the Classroom program at Clear Creek in Silverdale needs volunteers for elementary school field trips in March. No experience necessary! Click here to learn more about this exciting hands-on environmental education program. Attend a volunteer training and learn how to support student engagement through four field trip stations: water quality, stream bugs, habitat, and salmon release. When: Tuesday and Saturday, March 4th & 8th, times vary Where: Clear Creek Trail (Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park), 11601 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA |
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| Tree Planting Work Party at Tahuya River Preserve Join the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) Stewardship team for a day of planting and fun at Tahuya River Preserve. HCSEG will lead us on a day of planting and protecting a mixture of shrubs and conifers. Volunteers will need to register on the HCSEG website before they can sign up. Reach out to info@pnwsalmoncenter.org for more info. When: March 8th & 15th, 10:00am – 12:00pm Where: Tahuya River Preserve, 171 NE Neyhart Farms Ln, Tahuya WA 98588 |
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| "For the Birds" Concert For the Birds features a jazz quintet performing the original music of Seattle pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. But this is not just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression — live music, spoken words, images and poetry — to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change. Ultimately a story of hope, individuals leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action. When: Friday, March 14th, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Where: Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island |
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| Stone Stories: The Geology of Key Peninsula Details: Join GPC for a Walk & Talk through the stunning land and seascape of the Key Peninsula. We will be walking through the Johnson South Sound Wildlife Refuge to discover the riches of geologic history found within. Discover feeder bluffs, hunt for agates, and learn about GPC’s ongoing projects in the area and how you can get involved! When: Saturday, March 15th, 10:00am – 12:00pm Where: South of Longbranch, WA |
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| Clear Creek Meet & Greet #2 Join GPC staff for a second meet and greet for volunteers of the Clear Creek Trail on Saturday, March 8nd from 10:00am – 12:00pm. We have lots to talk about, from a new Joint Use Agreement between Kitsap County to the many ways you and your businesses and families can help strengthen this essential community partnership. No RSVP necessary - we'll see you there! When: Saturday, March 8th, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: Clear Creek Sa’qad Interpretive Center, aka the “Red Barn, at 9641 Levin Rd NW, Silverdale, WA 98383 |
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| Key Peninsula Forage Fish Surveys Join GPC staff and WDFW biologists for a hands-on day of learning about forage fish populations in Puget Sound. Learn how volunteers like you can contribute to meaningful community science efforts that shed light on the spawning practices of surf smelt and sand lance on GPC preserves. Get outside with conservation-minded neighbors to collect and process beach sediment samples using sieves, gold-mining equipment, and microscopes. Will we find eggs or won't we? RSVP to find out! When: Tuesday, March 18th, 9:30am – 4:00pm Where: Longbranch Improvement Club (4312 Key Pen Hwy SW, Longbranch, WA 98351) |
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| Spring Cleaning at The Divide It’s time for some spring cleaning! Join GPC at the Divide Community Forest to pick up garbage and remove invasive scotch broom! This will be the first step in transforming this brand-new property into a healthy and vibrant community forest, publicly accessible for all to enjoy. Come out to explore this beautiful place with us! When: Saturday, March 29th, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: North of Poulsbo, WA |
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