The Olsen Creek Preserve, 61 acres situated east of Agate Bay, combines three adjacent watershed purchases and a small conservation easement. The property covers a wide range of Lake Whatcom terrain, from shorelands and creek delta to grassy meadows and thick forest. Most of the property is a moderately sloping upland parcel just above the Bonneville Power Lines, bordering Y Road on the west and Olsen Creek on the east.
The forested portion of the Preserve remains largely undisturbed, with many old trees, lush shrubs, ferns and mosses. Olsen Creek bisects this area and naturally supports a ten-thousand-year-old strain of landlocked salmon known as Kokanee. During the fall spawning season, the stream fills with migrating red fish.
While this portion of the stream corridor remains well protected, other portions of the property required dump-site removal and replanting with native vegetation. Both the City and Bonneville Power are working to reduce invasive species, illegal vehicle usage, and land clearing along the power line easement to further ensure the conservation of the watershed and the purity of its water.
Total Acres
- 61 acres; 14 units removed from development
