This nature reserve includes some very old logged areas (now with big second growth) but also some old growth forest (> 450 year old trees). Aside from its beauty and diversity, it is remarkable for fact that its maintenance is a multi-agency support effort. The preserve, (The Stimson Family Nature Reserve) now of 388 acres was donated by a long time family in our area and supported and maintained by many entities including The Whatcom Land Trust, the State of Washington, Whatcom County, and the City of Bellingham, among other partners. I reported on this reserve a couple of years ago as an illustration of how many governmental and non-profit agencies can work in concert to maintain valuable tracts of our environment. Click here to get a broader view of the forest.
Not only is the Reserve relatively primal forest, it is close to town, borders on residential development and is only 6 miles from my house which is across town. The Reserve is readily accessible, even by city bus service and/or bicycle. Amid its varied terrain it has a beaver pond. Within minutes from home, one can get the sense of being in “deep forest” with lush flora and a variety of fauna.