Contacts:

Paul Dorn, The Suquamish Tribe Fisheries Department, Friends of Miller Bay
360.981.7658
Kate Kuhlman, Great Peninsula Land Conservancy
360.373.3500
 

The 42 acre Cowling Creek Forest Preserve includes trails through the mature forest and riparian corridor of Cowling and North Cowling Creeks.  The forested property filters and moderates creek flow and provides a corridor for wildlife connecting the forest with the nearshore-marine environment.  Up to 30,000 chum salmon return to Cowling Creek each fall to spawn.  Bear, eagle, and river otter feed on these salmon and find refuge on the land

The Suquamish Tribe, Great Peninsula Conservancy, and Friends of Miller Bay work together to ensure that all activities within the preserve are consistent with conservation values and the protection of the natural resources.  Educational opportunities are provided in partnership with the Suquamish Tribe, local organizations, and educational institutions.

Parking for those wishing to access the trails through the preserve is provided at the Cowling Creek Center.
 

History of the Preserve

The Cowling Creek Forest Preserve has its origin in the environmental values and commitments of Virginia and Bill Cowling, who purchased forest acreage near Suquamish with two streams running through the land to Miller Bay in 1967. During their lifetimes, they actively supported community and Tribal efforts to preserve and protect habitat for the benefit of fish and wildlife not only on their property, but throughout Kitsap County.

Ever advocates of the Suquamish Tribe’s salmon recovery and habitat protection program, Virginia and Bill Cowlings’ legacy to the community includes 28 acres which are now owned in fee by the Great Peninsula Conservancy.  Funds for the purchase of 18 of these acres were raised by Friends of Miller Bay, who remain active stewards of the land.   The second component of the Preserve - another 14 acres, including the Cowlings' home – is under the ownership of the Suquamish Tribe.  The Tribe administers this component, known as the Cowling Creek Center, to advance salmon recovery research and education programs for the preservation and enhancement of Pacific salmon and steelhead populations and their habitats.

Children encircle a 350-year-old cedar on the Cowling Creek Preserve.

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