Beaverton Marsh Preserve
San Juan Island
Year Protected: 2021
Land Protected: 325 acres
Public Benefits: Open space, scenic views, upland forest habitat, wetland freshwater resources
The San Juan Preservation Trust, San Juan County Conservation Land Bank, and a very generous major donor teamed up to acquire 325 acres of Beaverton marsh and the adjacent wooded ridgeline on San Juan Island. The Preservation Trust launched a $2.1 million campaign to help fund the $2.6 million purchase of the wetland, which is the largest freshwater marsh in San Juan County. The area’s rural character, scenic views, upland forest habitat, and freshwater resources are now protected forever.
This 325-acre acquisition joins more than 175 acres in Beaverton Marsh already protected by the Preservation Trust and the Land Bank, for a total of 500 acres of conservation land in one of our top-priority areas. The Land Bank owns and manages the preserve, while SJPT holds a conservation easement.
The Land Bank has created a network of public trails in the preserve. Trails through the wooded upland located northwest of the marsh can be accessed from a newly created trailhead off Halvorson Road. Trail access from Linde Park in Friday Harbor is scheduled to open in summer 2024.
