In January 2025, the ecologically rich Grand Forest East, was at risk of being sold. In response, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, the Park District, and the Parks and Trails Foundation united with community members to protect this vital habitat. In just two months, the collaboration to protect the forest and its inhabitants — from pileated woodpeckers to flying squirrels — paid off: the forest is now protected in perpetuity. Read more about the community’s successful effort to save this beloved forest here.