Three Brothers Preserve

Orcas Island

Nestled near the northern shore West Sound, this 58-acre preserve was a donation from the estate of Frank S. Bayley III.

Surviving Bayley family members, together with Preservation Trust staff, decided to name the donated property the Three Brothers Preserve, in honor of Frank and his brothers, Doug and Tom. The three Bayley brothers were the Preservation Trust’s first board members when the organization was founded in 1979.

The Three Brothers Preserve is a rarity in the San Juan Islands, with its 58 undeveloped acres of high-quality mixed conifer and deciduous forest, wetlands, and remnant oak and mossy bald habitat. The preserve expands upon other SJPT-protected lands nearby: It’s adjacent to the 18-acre White Preserve; a six-acre parcel that Frank Bayley previously donated during his lifetime is a few hundred yards away.

The Preservation Trust will manage the preserve for forest health, educational and research opportunities, and neighborhood walking access. Existing walking trails will be maintained, providing a space for monitoring access and enhancing forest health and wildlife habitat. While broader public access may not be available due to logistical constraints (such as lack of parking access), the preserve’s presence contributes to the rural character and wildlife habitat of Orcas Island along the Deer Harbor Road corridor.

Frank Bayley III’s commitment to island conservation is not confined to his donations of land alone; he also left a substantial monetary bequest to the Preservation Trust. His generous contributions stand as a poignant testament to his love for the San Juan Islands and desire to see their beauty protected for future generations.