Dear Bainbridge Island Community,
I’m excited to announce the launch of our new monthly email newsletter! This will be our go-to resource to keep you informed about the biggest topics happening in Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. We hope this newsletter helps you stay connected with the ongoing work we’re doing to enhance our community.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who joined us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, for our annual Day of Service at Blakely Harbor Park. Thanks to your hard work and dedication, we turned this day into a powerful opportunity for community engagement and environmental stewardship.
With the help of 230 volunteers, we greatly impacted the park and our local ecosystem. Here are just a few of the incredible results from that day:
- Nearly 400 native plants were added to the landscape
- 50 yards of wood chips were spread to support the health of our native plants
- 25 yards of invasive species like blackberry and ivy were removed and hauled away
- Dozens of pinecone bird feeders were made for our feathered friends
- 10 gallons of trash were collected, helping to keep the park clean and safe for everyone
We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our incredible community partners—Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, IslandWood, and Sustainable Bainbridge.
As we reflect on the month’s achievements, I’m also thrilled to share that Morgan Houk, Park Services Natural Resources Manager, was recently honored as one of Leadership Kitsap’s “20 Under 40” outstanding young leaders. Morgan’s dedication to environmental stewardship and her leadership within our team make her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Join me in congratulating Morgan for this well-deserved recognition!
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the amazing staff and volunteers who serve our community with passion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to preserving our parks and recreational spaces.
We invite you to join us on February 26 from 5:00-6:30 PM at Strawberry Hill Center to celebrate our incredible volunteers. This is a great opportunity to learn about the various ways you can get involved and make a difference in our community parks and recreation. Together, we can create a lasting impact on both our community and the environment.
See you out there,
Dan Hamlin
Executive Director, Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District