Bountiful and Beautiful – a Wetland Paradise

Glendale Wetland Preserve, on South Whidbey, is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

Glorious wetlands! They are among the most productive and beneficial ecosystems on earth. That’s why we’re so glad to announce the protection of the new Glendale Wetland Preserve on South Whidbey off Cultus Bay Road.

Building off of a previously protected and adjacent forested wetland property, 51 acres are now permanently protected in the upper watershed of Glendale Creek. The mosaic of open water, forested and emergent wetlands, upland meadow, and forest protects water quality in Glendale Creek, one of only three salmon-bearing streams in Island County.

The new preserve provides incredible wildlife habitat used by an abundance of species found here, including amphibians and water-dependent birds. Hawks, falcons, and owls cruise the preserve for food while Pileated Woodpeckers hunt insects in red alder snags. Songbirds sing in delight.

Sopheay Hun and her family owned the property for 15 years. She loved connecting with nature in such a peaceful setting.

“It was a sanctuary for our family to visit and enjoy its open space and wildlife, especially birds,” Sopheay said. “It invokes my childhood memories of the simple joy and carefree nature of playing outside in the open.”

This precious place was protected with funds from a generous private donor and an Island County Conservation Futures Fund grant.

“I am happy to see it protected for future generations to enjoy its tranquility,” Sopheay said.