Natural Resources

Please Use Designated Trails

Social trails are unofficial trails created by users who routinely divert from designated trails. They’re often shortcuts or detours that lead users away from maintained surfaces. Social trails negatively impact our parks by degrading wildlife habitat and increasing the risk of injury by exposing users to potentially dangerous conditions. Sanctioned trails are built to minimize erosion, protect sensitive vegetation and wildlife, and create a pleasant experience for trail users. Please recreate responsibly and utilize designated trails to help us conserve biodiversity!

See a social trail? Let us know. Contact Morgan Houk, Natural Resources Manager at morganhouk@biparks.org.

Preserving Our Island Resources

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District manages over 1,600 acres of property, with 1,200 considered natural areas. Natural areas are the home of many of Bainbridge Island’s recreational trails, view corridors, shoreline access points, nature preserves, conservation easements, and open areas. Our natural areas serve a vital role in community wellbeing, watershed health, and the fight against climate change. Therefore, ongoing restoration efforts in natural areas have focused on removing invasive plant species and replanting native vegetation. To accomplish our restoration goals, staff leverage Park District resources, partner with local agencies and organizations, and develop long-range management plans for its natural areas.