Where We Work - Serving Communities

Indianola Waterfront and Woodland Preserve
(Public land)

The community of Indianola took advantage of trails and beach access through the undeveloped Prentiss Bloedel properties for years. When Mr. Bloedel died and the community learned that the family was selling his prime real estate, they realized that something had to be done to preserve this land that contributed so significantly to the character of Indianola.

In 1997, after much lobbying from the community, the two Bloedel properties were purchased by Kitsap County from the Bloedel Family Trust with the understanding that the Indianola Land Trust, now a chapter of the Great Peninsula Conservancy, would raise half of the $1.2 million purchase price. Through a diverse mix of fundraising efforts that included gospel choir concerts, tours of historic cabins, a silent auction, and a 5th grade fundraiser at a local elementary school, the community rallied to raise $567,000 in grants, foundation and individual contributions to secure conservation easements from the county forever ensuring the use of this property as a public open space.

The woodland preserve is comprised of acres of trees and undeveloped walking trails. It consists of mature mixed conifer forests and broadleaf forests crossed by a seasonal stream that meanders down to Miller Bay.

The waterfront preserve includes public access to a beautiful low-bank beach on Puget Sound through a serene forested trail crossing over a tidal estuary. Pileated Woodpecker, Cooper’s Hawk, Osprey, Bald Eagle, and Violet-Green Swallow are among the many birds that call the area home.

Directions to Indianola:

From Bremerton, take Hwy. 3 to the Hwy 305 S. Exit and head east toward Poulsbo. Turn left onto Bond Rd. NE and go 2 miles to Gunderson Road; turn right. Follow Gunderson to its end, at Miller Bay Road. Turn Left onto Miller Bay Road. Go .2 miles and turn Right onto Indianola Road. Drive about 2 miles until you come to Gerald Cliff Dr NE and turn right. The properties are directly at the bottom on NE Seaview Ave.