Thanks for your good words in support of the Land Trust’s Hilltop project. The acquisition of Hilltop, a prime 31-acre property that will knit together the east and west sections of the Grand Forest, is by far the biggest project we have taken on.

The response to our appeal for support has been quite wonderful. More than 220 households have already contributed to the Hilltop campaign, and over $2.3 million of the $3.6 million needed to complete this project has been committed.

On the strength of that early success, we have exercised our option to buy the property, with the seller financing the purchase over the next five years.

We have taken this big step in the firm belief that Bainbridge Island residents will continue to support the preservation of this special place for the benefit of all of us.

With $1.3 million left to raise, we have a steep climb ahead. But with lots of helping hands, we expect to reach the summit. Hilltop is just the latest example of island people protecting island places.

Val Tollefson,

Land Trust Board and Hilltop co-chair