Darlin Creek Preserve

Capitol Land Trust’s public-access preserves are closed until further notice, in support of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order by Governor Jay Inslee.  The Governor’s order encourages people to continue to exercise, be outside and get fresh air—and we encourage you to spend time outdoors closer to home, where it is easier to maintain social-distancing practices.

Purchased in 2016

Property Overview:

We are pleased to announce the conservation of 312-acres in the Black River watershed near Capitol State Forest and adjacent to Capitol Land Trust’s Edwards Conservation Easement.

This acquisition is 15 years in the making. First identified as a conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy, it took nearly a decade to raise the funds to purchase the property.  The landowners, Aloha Lumber Corporation, had the opportunity to sell the property as a 45-home sub-development, but gave Capitol Land Trust the opportunity to try to protect it first.

Darlin Creek Preserve protects hundreds of acres of healthy forest, 70 acres of diverse wetland habitat, Lake Lucinda, important wildlife habitat for state and federally listed species, and more than 2 miles of fish-bearing streams: Darlin, Dempsey, and Pants Creeks – all Black River tributaries that run through the property.

Thank you to the following partners:

• Aloha Lumber Corporation/Obsidian Finance Group LLC
• Thurston County
• WA Recreation and Conservation Office
• Washington Coast Restoration Initiative
• The Nature Conservancy
• Capitol Land Trust supporters

CLT Strategic Conservation Goals Achieved:

• Conserve wetlands, riparian areas, and associated upland forests

Darlin Creek Preserve Trail

Plan a visit to Darlin Creek Preserve to enjoy the scenery and wildlife!

Guidelines:
Open from dawn till dusk.
Keep pets on leash and dispose of waste properly.
No hunting, fires/fireworks, camping or motorized vehicles.
No removal of vegetation or mushrooms.
Stay on designated trails.

Location:  8910 Lake Lucinda Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98512. Free parking is available at the site.

Trail Map: Darlin Creek Preserve Trail Map