Ekar-Overhulse Preserve

Conserved in 1997, expanded in 2004

Property Overview:

• 7 acres located near the intersection of Overhulse Road and Evergreen Parkway.
• The land was formerly forested, but due to beaver activity much of the property is flooded and has become scrub-shrub wetland.
• This property was expanded in 2004 to create more contiguous habitat through the purchase of 13 acres on the bordering lot. The property was also rated as Category 1 habitat in 1993 by the City of Olympia, designating it as best remaining habitat in city limits.

Thank you to the following partners:

• Kevin and Kathryn Ekar
• Bob and Carol Olson
• Lea Mitchell
• Elliott Krivenko, Elizabeth Mann, and Brian Pointer

CLT Strategic Conservation Goal Achieved:

• Conserve wetlands, riparian areas, and associated upland forests.

Trust Receives Overhulse Wetland

(Issue 23 Spring 1997)

Kevin Ekar and his partner, Bob Olson, have donated the title to a seven acre shrub-scrub wetland located at the northern end of Overhulse Road near The Evergreen State College. The parcel runs for 530′ along the road and extends about 600′ back. Beavers have backed up waters into a formerly forested area killing the trees and leaving a multitude of snags now enjoyed by woodpeckers and perched raptors.

In its 1993 Wildlife Habitat Survey, the City of Olympia rated this area as Category 1 or the best remaining habitat. Visual sight lines into the wetland from Overhulse road are wonderful, affording excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The waters flow southeast from the wetland towards Green Cove Creek and through a large-lot subdivision soon to be developed by the donors. This donation is an excellent example of how sensitive residential development can proceed while preserving the wildlife habitat and water quality values of a critical wetland.

Our parcel was legally separated early in the subdivision process, and had no development potential. By giving the parcel to the Trust and not a homeowner’s association, the developers ensured active, long-term, professional protection for the wetland as well as realizing a significant charitable contribution. The neighborhood wins, the developers win, and we do, too.

Lea Mitchell, who lives nearby, has volunteered to be the Steward for this acquisition. She and her neighbors will keep an eye on the property, monitoring its condition and use and recommending any management actions needed to maintain the natural values of the site. The Trust looks forward to recruiting more volunteers like Lea as our ownerships increase in size and number. Call the office if you’re interested.