Great Peninsula Conservancy and Kitsap County recently announced a new agreement to coordinate maintenance of the Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale.
The urban trail follows salmon-bearing Clear Creek as it winds through the downtown areas of Kitsap’s largest retail center, passing through remnant riparian forests, wetlands, and community green spaces. The non-motorized trail is wheelchair friendly, where possible, and is used by many, including families, dog walkers, runners, and cyclists, per a GPC news release.
“For years, the Clear Creek Task Force has done a great job managing the trail. Now GPC is picking up the mantle in partnership with Kitsap County to make sure this vital community resource is maintained for all to enjoy,” says GPC executive director Nathan Daniel. “It’s a big job and one that will be successful with support from local businesses, service groups, and volunteers.”
The trail starts in the south at Silverdale Waterfront Park and meanders north to the county-owned Schold Farm, with a spur to the east ending at Ridgetop Boulevard near St. Michael Medical Center.
“As Kitsap County continues to grow, preserving and maintaining spaces like Clear Creek Trail becomes increasingly important,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to balancing development with conservation, ensuring our community remains a place where people want to live, work, and play.”
The agreement comes on the heels of GPC’s recent purchase of the Petersen Farm off Trigger Avenue, where the nonprofit aims to implement an affordable farm leasing program allowing opportunities for beginning and underserved farmers.
“With the recent acquisition of Petersen Farm, we plan to extend the Clear Creek Trail northward, allowing trail users to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outside,” says Daniel. “Not only that, but the acquisition allows us to work with the (Suquamish Tribe) and Kitsap County to restore vital salmon habitat in Clear Creek.”
The creek provides habitat for various salmon species, including coho, chum, cutthroat trout, and historically limited runs of Endangered Species Act-listed steelhead trout, per the release.
Clear Creek was named in 1886 by Hannah Schold, who was inspired by the creek’s clarity after a storm. In 1950, the Best family built a barn called Tides End at the mouth of Clear Creek, which later became a community landmark. In the 1990s, the barn and surrounding property were donated to the Kitsap Land Trust, which merged with three other local land trusts in 2000 to form GPC. The donation initiated the development of the Clear Creek Trail System, the release says.
GPC is building and coordinating a volunteer network to assist with trail maintenance efforts and environmental education volunteer opportunities. Businesses and community members who want to get involved should contact GPC at volunteer@greatpeninsula.org.
For more information, visit www.greatpeninsula.org/clear-creek-trail-team/.
