The last time the Ted Olson Nature Preserve was expanded, in 2010, Nancy Norton helped clear trails with her kids. This time around, she led the campaign.  

In a whirlwind four-month effort, a neighborhood group rallied by Norton teamed with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust to add 2 acres to the north-end park. 

The $350,000 “Ted Olson Nature Preserve: Protect and Expand” campaign wrapped up last week with a ceremonial check passing to the Land Trust from the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, a $20,000-plus grant that helped push the effort over the top. 

“It’s been a great ‘COVID project,’” said Norton, whose family has enjoyed the north-end park for the past 18 years. “I was just really pleased that in spite of all the challenges people have had during COVID, we were able to raise this amount in such a short time. 

“It’s a true treasure,” she said […]