When the first parcel came on the market, board member Jon Thomas asked the Conservation Committee, “do you have any idea what is behind that wall of blackberries?” More blackberries was the answer, and Scotch broom, but also remnant pastures that resembled “natural” meadows.

John Browne, the native plant guru who helped found the Land Trust habitat restoration program, later said that our restoration efforts had made the water in Judd Creek run cleaner than he had ever seen.

In 2005, Mike Kneeshaw left the Land Trust his 9-acre parcel in his will – part of what old-timer’s will remember as “Doretha Park.” We continue to honor Mike’s gift with a “nature trail” that leads to and around his pond.

Judd Creek is Vashon’s largest, and host to wild-spawning runs of Coho and Chum salmon. The rare freshwater pearlshell mussel used to be found in this reach of the creek but has not been seen in recent years. Please let us know if you spot one!