The Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) was recently awarded a nearly $370,000 grant from the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to purchase 3.26 acres of wetlands at the mouth of California Creek. The grant will add yet another piece of protected wetland near the soon-to-be California Creek Estuary Park.
The area has for years been earmarked as a site for environmental protection, as well as for recreation opportunities like kayaking and bird-watching.
The award, given September 24, will preserve an additional 600 feet of shoreline, or the length of nearly two football fields, along California Creek at 4585 Drayton Harbor Road, according to RCO.
The total land area purchased by WLT has now eclipsed 100 acres, with 55 acres transferred to the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) for stewardship and to build a fully-fledged park.
BBBPRD2 has yet to discuss purchasing the new tract of land from WLT, said Heather Lindsay, executive director at BBBPRD2. The parks district is instead focused on building trails, a new kayak launch and other amenities for the future park.
WLT transferred California Creek property to the parks district in 2020, 2023, then finally the largest donation of 31 acres in November 2024.
The land trust and parks district hope the land purchases will improve water quality in Drayton Harbor, and WLT has committed to removing a fire-damaged home and invasive plants.
Chinook salmon and steelhead trout, both species that the Endangered Species Act considers threatened with extinction, call California Creek home, and the creek’s coho and chum salmon populations feed endangered seabird species such as the marbled murrelet, according to RCO.
BBBPRD2 intends for the park to be used for recreation that does not disturb the fragile estuary.
“[The park] is on track to break ground spring 2026,” Lindsay said. “The site will feature a floating kayak launch, trails to include an interpretive trail, a picnic pavilion, and restrooms – providing our community with new opportunities to enjoy nature and connect with others.”
The park is planned be part of the future Bay to Bay International Trail, a mixed-use trail connecting Birch Bay State Park to Peace Arch Historical State Park.
