The Bainbridge Island Land Trust announced April 9 that it is closing on the purchase of the Winslow Heron Rookery, a nesting site for Great Blue Herons along the shores of Eagle Harbor.

The rookery, home to approximately 25 heron nests constructed high in the big leaf maple trees, is one of the few known nesting sites for Great Blue Herons on BI, per a news release. The half-acre parcel also includes tidelands, shoreline, wetlands, and riparian vegetation.

In 2024, the property was listed for sale, raising concerns within the community about potential development that could threaten the habitat. After completing its due diligence process and negotiations, the land trust mobilized a fundraising campaign in February with a goal of $300,000 to secure the land. The campaign raised the funds, enabling the land trust to purchase the property.

“This conservation success demonstrates our community’s deep commitment to protecting Bainbridge Island’s wildlife habitats and natural spaces,” said Cullen Brady, executive director of the land trust. “Because of this collective effort, the Winslow Heron Rookery will remain a safe haven for Great Blue Herons and other wildlife for generations to come.”

In late March, several Great Blue Herons were seen returning to the rookery for their annual nesting season. The rookery itself is not open to the public to minimize disturbances to the nesting herons and maintain the integrity of the habitat, per the release. However, visitors can view some of the rookery activity from Lovell Avenue.