Grand Forest East Drop-in Day — Guided Walk Series

Time to hit the trails! These guided walks will be led by local experts in conservation and environmental education, offering a unique opportunity to get to know the flora and fauna of the Grand Forest East. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a plant lover, or simply looking to get outside—join a walk for a chance to connect with nature and experience this forest in a new way.

Guided walks will begin at Prue's House with a brief presentation on our Stand for the Grand Forest campaign.

• 10:00-11:00am, Families in the Forest — Led by Brady Fullwood, Program Director at Nature Nuts, and Zoe Vrieling, Executive Director at Peacock Family Services. For families with young explorers, set out on a fun and educational adventure in the woods! This is a perfect opportunity to engage kids with the wonders of the Grand Forest East.

• 10:00-11:00am, Naturalist Walk — Led by Christina Woolf. This certified Master Naturalist and self-described "Amphibian Aficionado" will lead a discussion on amphibians, helping participants discover the often-overlooked creatures of Bainbridge Island. Christina’s passion for nature and her work as an iNaturalist contributor will make for a captivating learning experience.

• 11:00am-12:00pm, Families in the Forest — Led by John & Kathy Haskin. For families with young explorers, set out on a fun and educational adventure in the woods! This is a perfect opportunity to engage kids with the wonders of the Grand Forest East.

• 12:00-1:00pm, Native Plants — Led by John van den Meerendonk. An expert horticulturalist, landscape designer, former Land Trust Board member, and "Friend of the Ferns," John will lead a walk highlighting the Grand Forest East's flora, focusing on the diverse and fascinating native species that thrive in the area.

• 1:00-2:00pm, Habitat Networks & Forest Health — Led by Gina King, Conservation Director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, wildlife biologist, and inventor of the Conservation Values Index. In this guided walk, Gina will share her knowledge about wildlife networks and forest health in the Grand Forest nature complex.

• 7:00-8:00pm, Dusk Walk — Led by Gina King, the Land Trust's Conservation Director, & Megan Rohrssen, the Land Trust's Community Education Coordinator. This quiet walk will allow you to experience the forest in a new light while listening to the sounds of nature at dusk.*

• 8:30pm-9:30pm, Night Walk — Led by Gina King, the Land Trust's Conservation Director, & Megan Rohrssen, the Land Trust's Community Education Coordinator. This quiet walk will allow you to experience the forest in a new light while listening to the sounds of nature at night.*

*Please note that Land Trust public preserves and BIMPRD parks are open from dawn to dusk outside of guided walks to avoid disturbing wildlife, making these night walks a rare treat.

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WHAT: As part of Grand Forest Drop-in Day, this is an opportunity to explore the Grand Forest East and get involved with the Land Trust's effort to protect it! Besides the guided walks, we will have opportunities to learn about the Stand for the Grand Forest campaign and connect with partners at our drop-in Open House, volunteer at the hands-on conservation work party, or go for an outdoor adventure with our forest scavenger hunt! Learn more about Grand Forest Drop-in Day.

WHO: This is a family-friendly event, open to all. The Families in the Forest guided walks will be geared toward kids & their families, but children are welcome to all walks under close adult supervision.

PARKING: Get Directions to Prue's House. Parking is limited—please park by the barn behind Prue's House (accessible off the south end of Mandus Olson Road NE, closer to New Brooklyn Rd). Carpool if possible. Additional parking is located by the entrances to the Grand Forest East, approx. 0.3 mi walk to Prue's House.

WEATHER: The guided walks will go on rain or shine. Bring clothing appropriate for the weather—especially sturdy, water-resistant shoes.

ACCESSIBILITY: The guided walks will take place on the trails in the Grand Forest East, with largely flat, even terrain.

REGISTRATION: Please make a $5 suggested donation per attendee (additional donations are always welcome.) Email Megan if you are unable to pay the donation but would still like to register. 1 ticket per attendee—please register for one session only.

ABOUT THE GRAND FOREST EAST: The Grand Forest Complex includes several interconnected parcels that form an expansive and ecologically significant natural area, making up approx. 580 contiguous acres of conserved lands. The Grand Forest East is one of the largest and most-visited sections, featuring dense forest core, critical wildlife habitat, and popular multi-use trails.

ABOUT STAND FOR THE GRAND FOREST: This spring, nearly 40 acres of beloved forest and trails enjoyed as part of the Grand Forest East could be lost to development. Led by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, with the support of the BI Parks & Trails Foundation, our mission is clear: to protect this extraordinary land and ensure that its natural beauty and benefits endure. Join our movement to Stand for the Grand Forest and together we can protect a place we love at the heart of the Island. Learn more & donate today.