A virtually self-contained watershed which drains into Illahee Creek.
A salmon stream in an urban area.
A forest and wildlife preserve which contains old growth Douglas Fir, Western White Pine, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar.
Interpretative walking and hiking trails for all ages.
Brief History of Illahee Preserve
The Native Americans called Illahee "a place to rest, a forest abundant with wildlife, Douglas Fir, Red Alder, Maple and Western Red Cedar." In approximately 1732, a fire by unknown causes opened the canopy allowing Western White Pine and Western Hemlock to sprout up among the more established species. Time passed and the forest recov dered (and the natives returned to rest). Soon immigrants came and homesteads were established.
A 640 acre piece of this land became the Illahee Trust Land by federal decree. Next came the timber companies (and although the smaller old growth Douglas-Fir went untouched) many of the trees were clear cut in the 1930's. The Douglas-Fir reached the age of 270 plus years in 2003. Over the years various efforts were undertaken to clear cut this forest and develop it for commercial and residential purposes. The community organized and after a 25 year campaign, convinced farsighted government leaders and agencies to designate the land as park and preserve. (A record of that struggle is recorded in the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Plan.) The Stewardship Committee met many times and with the help of Kitsap County Parks and Recreation, developed the plan that was approved by the Kitsap County Commissioners.
Statement of Intent
To establish and develop a premiere nature preserve and park for the education and enjoyment of this and future generations.
To preserve to the greatest extent possible the natural character of Illahee forest lands and the Illahee Creek watershed, including vegetation and wildlife habitat.
To provide limited appropriate active and passive recreational opportunities while maintaining sensitivity to the natural character of the sites.
To solicit the support and help of local residents, organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies and Native American nations to work together to carry out the vision and plans for the preserve.
Future Plans and Dreams include:
An interpretative center
An educational salmon hatchery
A "forest to sound" trail above Illahee Creek
Passive and active recreation areas
Become a Volunteer - Get involved!
You are invited to help establish and develop this beautiful park, in a premiere nature preserve, for the education and enjoyment of this and future generations. We are recruiting volunteers from scout troops, environmental groups, interested conservationists, schools, churches, individuals, etc. Please e-mail us if you're interested.
LOCATION:
Illahee Preserve is located in the east Bremerton area of Kitsap County. The entrance is at Thompson Lane off Riddell Road. There is also a trail head at the corner of Almira and Fuson Road across from Lowe's parking lot.
The Native Americans called Illahee "a place to rest, a forest abundant with wildlife, Douglas Fir, Red Alder, Maple and Western Red Cedar." In approximately 1732, a fire by unknown causes opened the canopy allowing Western White Pine and Western Hemlock to sprout up among the more established species. Time passed and the forest recov dered (and the natives returned to rest). Soon immigrants came and homesteads were established.
Statement of Intent