Stimpson family Nature reserve and geneva pond
Land trust owned
Ownership Type
369
Total Acres
2000
Protected Since
Yes
Easement
The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve and Geneva Pond is 370 acres of forested land and wetland habitats protected by the Whatcom Land Trust and the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. The protected property, located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed between the Sudden Valley Subdivision and the Geneva neighborhood of Bellingham, includes sandstone ridges and cliffs with small wetlands and ponds throughout the space. The nature preserve is home to a portion of Beaver Creek, a large beaver dam, a forest of mature 2nd growth conifers dominated by Western Red Cedars. Throughout the property, western sword ferns and salmonberry are extremely prevalent. This nature preserve is accessible to the community through a 3.1 mile hiking loop throughout the property, starting at the 15 car parking lot where a bathroom and map is located at the start of the trail.
Why We love this land
The protection of the Stimpson Family Nature Preserve helps ensure a higher quality of water within the local Lake Whatcom watershed, maintains valuable wetland and forest habitat, and creates a space for outdoor recreational enjoyment.
Ownership and Management
Acquired through several phases, the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve and Geneva Pond was obtained by the Whatcom Land Trust through section of acreage. The first 80 acres of the nature reserve were bought through a Statutory Warranty Deed from the Trillium Corporation on November 6th 2000. The second section of acreage was also donated on November 6th 2000, when the Stimpson family donated 116 acres through Quit Claim Deed. The third section of land was acquired from Western Washington University through Quit Claim Deed on June 26th, 2002, when the university donated 16 acres of land. The final section of land was acquired on January 23rd, 2015 when the Stimpson family donated another 20 acres via Quit Claim Deed. In Noveve.rmber of 2000, the Whatcom Land Trust granted the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Department a conservation easement. In September 2002, the Whatcom Land Trust, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the County created a joint management agreement for the property. This agreement combined the 232 acres owned by the Whatcom Land Trust and the 138 acres owned by the NRCA and combined them to be managed cohesively as a 370 acre nature preserve.
Things to know
Please leave your dog at home. This nature reserve has sensitive wildlife habitat. See park rules
Access
The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve and Geneva Pond is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed between the Sudden Valley Subdivision and the Geneva neighborhood of Bellingham.
Parking
Parking lot available.
Restoration Efforts
There have been trail cleanup and building events involving community members from the local area.