Local conservation organization is helping connect people to nature and each other
For nearly 40 years, Capitol Land Trust (CLT) has been conserving the local lands and waters that sustain our region. To date, the organization has protected more than 6,700 acres and nearly 20 miles of marine shoreline across the South Puget Sound and Chehalis Basin watersheds.
Now, building on more than a decade of managing public access preserves, CLT is advancing its next chapter: enhancing access at Bayshore Preserve near Shelton, while thoughtfully preparing Inspiring Kids Preserve in Olympia to open to the public. CLT’s vision is to expand access to nature while protecting the habitats these lands were conserved to support.
“Inspiring Kids Preserve and Bayshore Preserve offer unique ways to engage a broad range of people in our community,” says CLT Executive Director, Dave Winter. “Given their rich diversity of habitats and proximity to local communities, these two preserves are perfect places to explore, learn, and connect to the benefits of nature.”
The Connecting to the Land Campaign
To bring this vision to life, CLT is launching the Connecting to the Land Campaign — a fundraising effort to turn these preserves into more welcoming and accessible places where people can experience the transformative power of nature close to home.
CLT believes the foundation for lasting stewardship is built upon the meaningful relationships people develop with nature and each other. Helping more people understand, value, and care for the land fosters increased interest in long-term protection of our vital landscapes.
Visitors to these places will notice they aren’t like typical city parks and they’re not like national parks either. They occupy a space in between. As nature preserves they deliver a sense of wilderness and yet, being located near urban centers, are easily accessible.
“We’re creating opportunities for people to experience the land in ways that inspire lasting care and a long-term commitment to conservation,” says CLT Development Director, Alison Beglin. “Especially for young people who will shape the future of this work.”
Seeing is Believing
The impact of the Connecting to the Land Campaign can be seen firsthand in CLT’s new video, “What Do You See?” In just two minutes, the video reveals why community support is essential to ensuring more people can experience the wonder, connection, and belonging that nature makes possible.
“What Do You See?” allows viewers to witness the power of nature to enrich the lives of those who experience it. Through breathtaking videography, the beauty and majesty of Bayshore Preserve and Inspiring Kids Preserve are on full display. By following visitors as they encounter the sights and sounds of these preserves, the video demonstrates the benefits of spending time in nature and invites us to learn more about the Connecting to the Land Campaign.
Forever, One Nature Preserve at a Time
Much of CLT’s conservation work happens behind the scenes through habitat protection, restoration, and long-term stewardship across the region.
What visitors to CLT’s public access preserves might not know is that conservation work is forever. When CLT conserves a property, that land is permanently protected for future generations.
“Conserving land isn’t a temporary project or a short-term designation,” says CLT Conservation Director, Alex James. “It’s a long-term commitment to protecting habitat and the ecological systems that support healthy communities and biodiversity. Once land is conserved, we continue caring for it in perpetuity.”
Support the Vision
“This is a unique moment for people to help bring this vision to life,” explains Beglin. “We’re raising funds to make it possible, and we’re almost there. We’re encouraging everyone to share the link to the video so even more people will be inspired to help us create welcoming places where people can build relationships with nature, create cherished memories, and feel a sense of belonging in their community.”
Donations to the Connecting to the Land Campaign will be invested in welcoming trails, gathering spaces, educational experiences, and expanded programs at both Bayshore Preserve and Inspiring Kids Preserve. Public support will also strengthen a Public Access Fund, ensuring these preserves are cared for responsibly for generations to come.
Source: Thurston Talk, June 2026.