Capitol Land Trust

Capitol Land Trust At Capitol Land Trust, we conserve and forever care for the lands and waters of the South Puget Sound and Chehalis Basin watersheds. Keep nature close to home.

Give to the Connecting to the Land Campaign: https://capitollandtrust.org/connecting We envision a future for our region in which nature and community thrive because Capitol Land Trust (CLT) and our partners have invested in conservation of and education about our natural places and resources. Through our conservation work and against the backdrop of climate change, we help ensure that our quickly

growing region is a place with clean water to drink and clean air to breathe, healthy populations of native fish and wildlife, and natural open spaces that help define our communities. By creating broader opportunities to learn about and experience our natural environment, we build a stronger and more diverse community that cares about conservation.

What a beautiful, bird-filled morning at Inspiring Kids Preserve! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Bird Outin...
06/04/2026

What a beautiful, bird-filled morning at Inspiring Kids Preserve!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Bird Outing on Sunday, May 31. It was a joy to gather with fellow birding enthusiasts and share in the wonder of the preserve's incredible wildlife.

Groups reported spotting around 30 distinct species throughout the outing. Birds who made an appearance include woodland species like chestnut-backed chickadees, grosbeaks, Steller's and California Scrub jays, Anna's hummingbirds, and Pacific wrens — “so loud for such a small bird,” as one participant put it. Shorebirds like Canada geese, great blue herons, cormorants, gulls, and bald eagles were gathered in large numbers within the estuary, taking advantage of feeding opportunities brought by the low tide.

Events like this that bring bird and human communities together remind us why this land is worth protecting. A heartfelt thank you to South Sound Bird Alliance for partnering with us to make it happen and to Ben Higgins for the amazing close-up shots of a cedar waxwing and white-crowned sparrow.

Check out our events page if you’d like to join us for future outings! https://capitollandtrust.org/events/

🐸 Oregon spotted frog sighting!Earlier this month, Bullfrog Tech Clint Howell visited our Blooms Preserve and spotted on...
05/29/2026

🐸 Oregon spotted frog sighting!

Earlier this month, Bullfrog Tech Clint Howell visited our Blooms Preserve and spotted one of these rare, endangered amphibians in the wetlands.

Could it be one of the frogs responsible for the egg masses discovered at Blooms back in March? We can’t know for sure, but it’s exciting to see evidence that this important population is still active.

The survey also documented a variety of other wetland species, including an American bittern, Olympic mudminnow, stickleback, Northwestern salamander egg masses, and Virginia rail.

Blooms Preserve protects more than 140 acres of wetlands and habitat in the Black River watershed and is home to one of Washington’s last remaining populations of Oregon spotted frogs.

Learn more about Blooms Preserve and our conservation work in the Black River and Chehalis Basin watersheds: https://capitollandtrust.org/conserved-lands/conservation-areas/black-river-chehalis-watershed/

Two preserves. One shared vision.Of the more than 100 properties Capitol Land Trust has conserved, Bayshore Preserve nea...
05/27/2026

Two preserves. One shared vision.

Of the more than 100 properties Capitol Land Trust has conserved, Bayshore Preserve near Shelton and Inspiring Kids Preserve in Olympia stand apart for their ability to connect people with nature close to home.

Through our Connecting to the Land Campaign, we’re investing in these two “ambassador preserves” to create more opportunities for people to explore trails, attend programs, learn outdoors, and build lasting relationships with the lands and waters that sustain our region.

At Bayshore Preserve, recent improvements are already helping more people experience the land in new ways, with more to come. In the years ahead, Inspiring Kids Preserve will become a new place for people to explore forests, wetlands, and shoreline habitats through thoughtfully designed trails and learning spaces.

Learn more about our vision for these special places:https://capitollandtrust.org/connecting

🪻🌹 Spring blooms are putting on a colorful show at Bayshore Preserve. Lupine is currently blooming along the preserve’s ...
05/22/2026

🪻🌹 Spring blooms are putting on a colorful show at Bayshore Preserve.

Lupine is currently blooming along the preserve’s trails in vibrant shades of purple, while camas and budding Nootka rose add even more seasonal color throughout the landscape. These native flowers help support pollinators like bees and butterflies and offer a beautiful reminder of the diversity of plants found throughout the South Puget Sound region.

Whether you’re hoping for a peaceful walk, a chance to spot wildlife, or simply some time surrounded by spring color, this is a wonderful time to visit Bayshore Preserve.

This holiday weekend, consider exploring the spring blooms at Bayshore Preserve near Shelton. No parking pass required! https://capitollandtrust.org/conserved-lands/visit-a-preserve/

Looking for a great way to spend a spring morning? 🐦 Join Capitol Land Trust and South Sound Bird Alliance on a guided ...
05/20/2026

Looking for a great way to spend a spring morning? 🐦

Join Capitol Land Trust and South Sound Bird Alliance on a guided bird outing at Inspiring Kids Preserve near Olympia. This 113-acre preserve along Henderson Inlet offers a remarkable mix of habitats — including forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands — making it a wonderful place to spot spring migrants and resident species alike.

This event is free, beginner and family-friendly and covers up to two miles at a leisurely pace. Space is capped at 30 participants, so sign up soon!

Sunday, May 31
8:30 am – 11:30 am
Inspiring Kids Preserve, Olympia (directions sent after registration)

Register and learn more: https://capitollandtrust.org/bird-outing-to-inspiring-kids-preserve-2/

05/19/2026

🐣 The wood ducklings at Darlin Creek Preserve recently hatched!

Following their mother’s call, the tiny ducklings climb out one by one and leap from the nest box for the very first time. You may even spot a few hooded merganser ducklings mixed in!

Nest boxes like this help provide safe nesting places for cavity-nesting birds in areas where natural tree cavities are limited.

See what else we’ve got hatching at CapitolLandTrust.org

📹 Jerrmaine Treadwell

Thanks for another fantastic Second Saturdays at Bayshore Preserve! 🌳With the help of guest photographer Leslie Coulter,...
05/13/2026

Thanks for another fantastic Second Saturdays at Bayshore Preserve! 🌳

With the help of guest photographer Leslie Coulter, we captured some amazing photographs while gaining a deeper appreciation for Garry oaks and their importance to local landscapes. One highlight was observing the many species who depend on these magnificent trees, from the Steller’s jays that feast on their acorns to the tiny insects who make a home under fallen branches.

Events like Second Saturdays provide a unique opportunity to learn something new while spending time with community in the great outdoors.

Missed it this time? Join us next month for Prairies & Pollinators!

Upcoming events: https://capitollandtrust.org/events/

05/12/2026

A huge thank you to the volunteers who joined us this past Friday at Inspiring Kids Preserve!

Together, this incredible crew pulled, cut, and hauled Scotch broom, clearing the way for native plants and wildlife to return.

The sun was out, the energy was high, and more than a few stubborn shrubs met their match. One highlight? Our drone captured a stunning bird's-eye view of the conservation efforts in action.

We’re grateful for everyone who showed up to care for this place. Missed this one? Keep an eye out for future volunteer opportunities and stewardship stories in our e-newsletter, The Heron: https://capitollandtrust.org/email-sign-up/

🍃📸 Spend a morning among the Garry oaks at Bayshore Preserve.Join us for Second Saturdays: Garry Oaks & Nature Photograp...
05/08/2026

🍃📸 Spend a morning among the Garry oaks at Bayshore Preserve.

Join us for Second Saturdays: Garry Oaks & Nature Photography. We’ll explore the important role these native oak trees play within Bayshore’s ecosystem while learning some helpful photography tips and tricks along the way. Whether a beginner, seasoned photographer, or someone who simply enjoys spending time outdoors, all are welcome to walk with us among the Garry oaks.

Saturday, May 9
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bayshore Preserve, 3800 WA-3, Shelton
Free • No parking pass or RSVP required

Details: https://capitollandtrust.org/second-saturdays-garry-oaks-nature-photography

A new chapter begins today. 🌿For nearly four decades, we’ve worked to conserve the lands and waters that sustain our reg...
05/06/2026

A new chapter begins today. 🌿

For nearly four decades, we’ve worked to conserve the lands and waters that sustain our region. Now, we’re building on that work in a new way.

Introducing the Connecting to the Land Campaign!

We’re creating welcoming, accessible places where people can experience nature, learn from it, and build lasting relationships with the land and each other.

Because when people feel connected to the land, they’re more likely to care for it—and help protect it for generations to come.

Explore the campaign: https://capitollandtrust.org/connecting

Address

Mailing Address: PO Box, Tumwater, WA 98511
Freedom, WA
14065

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13609433012

Website

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