For over 30 years, a 39-acre parcel of forestland at Grand Forest East was quietly stewarded by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District — even though it was owned by the Bainbridge Island School District as a potential school site. When the School District announced plans to sell the land in early 2024, the future of this beloved natural space was in question. 

The Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, began a community-driven campaign to preserve the land for public use and conservation. 

Thanks to a $1.6 million gift from an island family's conservation fund, made through the Parks & Trails Foundation, and hundreds of individual donations through the "Stand for the Grand Forest" campaign, the effort raised $2.2 million to secure the property. The land is now permanently protected, owned and managed by the Park District for public use. 

The acreage is part of the greater Grand Forest’s’ well-loved trail network used by hikers, runners, cyclists, birdwatchers, and equestrians – 8 miles of trails on 240 contiguous acres, in the heart of Bainbridge Island. As habitat it is also part of the island’s wildlife corridor, home to species like the pileated woodpecker, great horned owl, and flying squirrel. 

With a permanent deed restriction now in place on Grand Forest East, public access and ecological value will be protected for generations. The public-private partnership can is a model for recreation and conservation projects going forward.  

Grand Forest East
Completed: February 2025
Partners: Bainbridge Island Land Trust, Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District