A 113-acre stretch of Puget Sound shoreline, forest, and wetlands on Olympia's Henderson Inlet is on track to become the city's newest public nature preserve.

Capitol Land Trust is raising funds to build trails and facilities, though public access is still years away.The Tumwater-based conservation nonprofit launched its "Connecting to the Land Campaign" to open Inspiring Kids Preserve on Johnson Point Road NE to the public for the first time.

The preserve protects a mile of shoreline and is home to what Capitol Land Trust describes as nearly every native tree species in western Washington. The organization has not announced a specific opening date, saying the work will unfold "in the coming years."

Executive Director Dave Winter said the preserve's diversity of habitats and proximity to Olympia make it an ideal place for residents to connect with nature. Capitol Land Trust calls both Inspiring Kids Preserve and Bayshore Preserve near Shelton "ambassador preserves," positioned somewhere between a city park and a national park in character. Donations will pay for trails, gathering spaces, educational programs, and a Public Access Fund for long-term maintenance.

Capitol Land Trust's connection to the site dates to 1992, when Harmony Glover donated a conservation easement on 56 acres of mature forest and shoreline. The organization purchased an adjacent 52 acres in 2016, then bought the Harmony Farm parcel outright in 2018 to assemble the full preserve.

Restoration crews have since removed 16 derelict structures and four abandoned vehicles from the property. They've controlled invasive plants on roughly 75 acres and replanted about 20 acres with native species including Oregon ash, serviceberry, Nootka rose, Garry oak, and willow. A wetland on the property's eastern side has expanded enough to support beaver.

More than 400 young volunteers have pitched in over the past four years, helping with planting, mulching, trail work, and invasive removal.

Development Director Alison Beglin told ThurstonTalk in a June 29, 2026, feature that the campaign is nearing its goal, though Capitol Land Trust has not disclosed a specific dollar target.

Conservation Director Alex James framed the commitment as permanent: "Once land is conserved, we continue caring for it in perpetuity."

Capitol Land Trust, nationally accredited through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, has protected more than 6,700 acres and nearly 20 miles of marine shoreline across Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Lewis counties over its nearly four-decade history.

Residents who want a preview can register for an Evening of Reflection at Inspiring Kids Preserve on July 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event includes a plant identification walk and quiet reflective time, and is open to adults and teens. Registration is required; driving directions are sent upon sign-up. Details and donation information are available at capitollandtrust.org/connecting/give.