Community • Home Buyers • October 3, 2024

Sustainable Living & Bainbridge’s Environmental Nonprofits

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

sustainable-living-grow-bainbridge-island

Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community at the forefront of sustainable living. Just a quick ferry ride from downtown Seattle, it is home to many environmental nonprofits. Check out the important work being done to ensure Bainbridge Island remains an eco-friendly place to live.

Preservation and Restoration

Many organizations are involved in the preservation and restoration of Bainbridge Island’s land and water. Since 1989, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has helped protect over 1,400 acres. Over 1,000 of those acres are open for public use. Additionally, the Bainbridge Food Forest supports farmland protection. It is dedicated to creating a locally-sourced food system. Likewise, Friends of the Farm s is working tirelessly to preserve local agriculture and support the farming community on the island.

Also, Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation works with stakeholders to improve parks, trails, and recreational opportunities, funding and mobilizing resources. The Bainbridge Island Watershed Council is committed to restoring the watersheds and the shorelines of the island. They do this through stewardship, outreach, and education.

One way to help Bainbridge’s forests is to join the Weed Warriors. Simply grab your gloves and sheers. This group has weed-pulling events to promote forest health.

Sustainable Living Practices

Many local organizations focused on sustainable living practices are part of the Sustainable Bainbridge initiative. Bainbridge GreenWays is on a mission to reduce the need for cars on the island. They advocate for a network of trails and paths to allow residents to walk or bike safely to school and work.

Meanwhile, ReFashion Bainbridge encourages residents to rethink their role as fashion consumers and their environmental impact. They host a fall clothing swap and a fun, annual Re-Fashion show.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, check out the Bainbridge Island Zero Waste group. Their website contains interesting blog articles and useful information with best practices. They also list upcoming events. Additionally, they have a comprehensive guide about what to do with old household goods lying around.

Educational Resources

Preservation, conservation, and sustainable practices take time to adopt. But the more you know, the easier it is to get involved. EduCulture: Education in the Field includes a program for school children and educators called Edible Education. They host farm tours, field study opportunities, and farm-to-fork programs.

Bainbridge Beach Naturalists hosts beach explorations for the public. The goal of these explorations is for residents to gain a greater understanding (and appreciation) of the animals that inhabit the shoreline. Moreover, they are also a part of monitoring beaches and reporting findings to other stakeholders throughout the area and state.

How to Support Local Nonprofits

If you have little time to spare but want to show your support, check out the annual Red Envelope Campaign: One Call for All. A local tradition since 1960, it services all of the non-profits on Bainbridge Island. The campaign raised over $2,000,000 in 2023. Currently, the 2024-2025 campaign is accepting donations.

Sustainable Homes for Sale on Bainbridge Island

If you seek a sustainable living community, check out the Grow Community. This is a Net Zero neighborhood on Bainbridge Island. The community boasts solar power to cut down on energy costs. Additionally, it has what’s called a ‘5-Minute Lifestyle.’ Everything someone would need (grocery stores, doctors, the library, restaurants, etc.) is intentionally within a short walking or biking distance. The neighborhood has a great walkability score.

Additionally, the community is meant for all ages and includes a broad range of housing types. Residents can enjoy nature in many of the green spaces. There are native plants, a community garden, and a large park with open space for residents to gather. If this type of community piques your interest, contact one of our highly-rated local real estate agents. Many homes in the community have sold, but there are some new ones coming to market. Our agents will also be able to discuss other options that might fit your interests and needs. They’re highly knowledgeable, and many of them grew up here or have lived here for years.

Community • July 7, 2020

Best Summer Activities on Bainbridge Island

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

There’s something magical about Bainbridge Island in the summer. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular tourist destination. While it’s nice to know what tourists enjoyed about the area, it’s even better to get the inside scoop from locals. And, many of our real estate agents are 2nd and 3rd generation islanders. So we are happy to share our agents’ favorite Bainbridge Island summer activities.

If you are planning on visiting or partaking in these activities, please make sure to brush up on the most recent Bainbridge Island Covid-19 rules to make sure you are prepared. Also, look at businesses’ websites or Facebook pages before visiting in person so that you have all the latest information regarding their current operating hours and the protocol they’re following.

Enjoy the Island by Water

What better way to experience island life than by water? After all, we are surrounded by it. Many of our agents are avid kayakers and sailors.

best summer activities on bainbridge island

Our very own Patti Shannon loves kayaking. Catch her if you can!

Kayaking

If you are itching for some classic summer fun, Kayaking in the Puget Sound is a wonderful activity. Our local SCUBA and kayaking center, Exotic Aquatics has kayak rentals and guided tours at their kayak dock at Waterfront park. Exotic Aquatic will also deliver kayaks to your location, and they also have kayaks for purchase at their store on Madison.

Our Managing Broker, Patti Shannon is an avid kayaker. Keep your eye on the water for a chance to say hi!

Sailing

- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
  Bainbridge has a great sailing camp. Courses are taught by certified instructors. For more information, check out the sailing section on Bainbridge Island Parks’ website.

Low Tide Beachcombing

If you aren’t familiar with our area, we have incredible swing tides. The beaches double and triple in size, showing off all the wonders hidden by the Puget Sound. Seaglass, shells, and hidden secrets hide beneath our high tides. Don’t forget to skip a rock or two.

Fishing and Crabbing

There’s nothing like a feast of crab and freshly caught fish to show you’re savoring summer on Bainbridge Island. Whether you want to fish or crab with or without a boat is up to you, but always make sure you have a license. Check out more about the optimal times and places to go.

Explore on Your Own Two Feet

Bloedel Reserve

The Bloedel Reserve’s mission is “To enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” With 150 acres and beautiful trails that weave through forests, meadows, sculpted gardens, this will not disappoint. “Walking in Bloedel is special! It’s gorgeous and full of nature’s best and local history!” Says Broker, Diane Sugden.

Fort Ward Park

Looking to go on a nice stroll with a wide, open path free of cars? Fort Ward Park is an excellent spot. “I love the closed road at Fort Ward Park,” says Managing Broker, Susan Grosten. “No cars are allowed in and it is a level road. A lot of young kids practice their new bike riding skills there without fear of traffic. It is like ‘training wheels lane’!” Diane Sugden also recommends a visit to the park. “Walking or biking at Fort Ward is great. It’s fun because there are old wartime bunkers there and the kids love to explore. The beach there is rocky so it’s fun to turn the rocks over and find crabs.”

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial/Pritchard Park

“Our family, grandkids, and dogs especially like visiting Pritchard Park during the summer,” says Managing Brokers Maureen and Ed Buckley. “You can swim, sit on a sandy beach or a log, and have a beach fire or barbecue.”

“The Japanese Exclusion memorial at Pritchard Park is a beautiful tribute to the first Japanese American families removed from their homes and put into camps in World War II. In this time of inclusion awareness, this is a good reminder for everyone. It needs to be age-appropriate for the kids, as it is a difficult time in our history, but it is important,” says Susan Grosten.

Have Fun with the Kids

Kids Discovery Museum

There’s no better place for young children than Bainbridge Island’s museum for kids. The Kids Discovery Museum aims to spark children’s curiosity through experiential learning. Right now, they’re offering summer camps and a virtual art room to feature kids’ creations online. They also have at-home activities that promote STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math).

Pick Fresh Berries

If you’re not from the PNW then you may be surprised to find that there are blackberries all over our island. Enjoy some free fun with the family by seeing who can pick the most and then use them to make delicious pies or jam.

There are also opportunities to pick other types of berries on the island like the strawberry patches at Suyematsu Farms. For the blueberry lovers in your family, visit Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.

Inspire the Artist in You

BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network)

BARN’s mission is to “build and support an open, intergenerational community of artisans and makers who are dedicated to learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, craftsmanship and community service”. They are now offering a series of online classes and will be reopening when Kitsap County has entered into Phase 3 of Covid-19. Susan Grosten enjoys BARN and what it offers. “It is such a cool and creative place for artists and woodworkers. It was built with community funds. They have great classes including jewelry making, woodworking, writing, creating fabric arts, and using 3D printers.”

Eagledale Pottery Studio

Bainbridge Island is home to one of the best-kept secrets: the Eagledale Pottery Studio. A simple, WWII-era cinderblock building, this pottery studio houses a vibrant community of ceramic hobbyists of all ages and skill levels. They have classes for kids and adults, individuals, and school groups.

There are so many great summer activities here on Bainbridge Island. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to wear your mask, follow the Bainbridge Island COVID-19 rules, and take pictures of all the fun you’re sure to have. We hope you have a healthy, happy summer!