Protecting Rainwood: Our Urgent Acquisition Project

The Illahee Preserve, a Kitsap County Heritage Park, spans 600 acres of undeveloped, ecologically rich land in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Kitsap County. With its deeply incised ravines, mature conifer forests, wetlands, and pristine riparian zones, the Preserve protects Illahee Creek—one of the last relatively undisturbed salmon-bearing streams in central Kitsap County, supporting native cutthroat trout and coho salmon. This unique watershed remains nearly self-contained, with groundwater-fed base flows and natural storm water filtration that make it one of the region’s most valuable hydrological

assets.

Over the past three decades, Kitsap County and a dedicated community have worked together to acquire and safeguard this exceptional habitat. Today, the Illahee Forest Preserve (IFP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is leading a bold new initiative to protect the last remaining 30 acres of unprotected land within the Illahee Creek Watershed, known historically as Rainwood. This three-parcel tract includes the South Fork of Illahee Creek, beaver wetlands, mature forests, a pond, and a 1920s-era earthen dam. It lies within the urban growth boundary near Bremerton, making it a critical buffer against dense developments—and a keystone property in the effort to permanently conserve the full watershed.

Right now, we need your help. To secure the 3.7-acre parcel designated for a future Watershed Park's Interpretive Center, we must raise at least $500,000 by August 31, 2025.

This future park is a natural living outdoor classroom, with water exhibits about aquifers, streams, dams, and a hands-on watershed exhibit. Restoration activities—including invasive species removal, slope stabilization, and riparian planting—will engage volunteers, youth, and others in support.

Your support—whether through a donation, sponsorship, or helping spread the word—can directly protect this irreplaceable land, expand access to green space for underserved communities, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Together, we can preserve this vital watershed—forever.

Rainwood’s History

The property known as the Rainwood Estate was established in 1918 by Erik Engstrom and Hattie Elliott-Engstrom as a homestead and working farm. They cultivated fruits and vegetables and maintained an apple orchard, supplying fresh produce to the local community. A portion of the land was later sold to Hattie’s younger brother, Elmer Elliott, who had helped with the estate since childhood. Elmer built a home on the south-western edge of the property, where he raised his family and continued to support the upkeep of the estate.

After Erik’s passing in 1965, Hattie began boarding horses as a new source of income. Over the next 30 years, local horse owners boarded their animals at Rainwood and became part of a small circle granted the privilege of experiencing its natural beauty. When Hattie passed away in 1997, the entire property reverted to Elmer, who maintained it as a hidden and  private  sanctuary.  Rainwood  remained  one  of  Kitsap  County’s best-kept secrets.

Background

The Illahee Preserve is often referred to by local stewards as “The Lost Continent,” a nickname that reflects its remarkably untouched condition despite its urban setting. The Preserve offers an immersive natural experience with its dramatic topography, mature conifer forests, and thriving wildlife. Since its founding, the Illahee Forest Preserve (IFP) nonprofit has worked hand-in-hand with Kitsap County Parks and other partners to implement a shared long-term vision:
A 600 Acre Forested Central Park & Wildlife Preserve

To achieve this vision, IFP is executing a phased acquisition strategy:

Phase  1:  The  Rainwood  property, which includes essential portions of the South Fork of Illahee Creek and the surrounding riparian and forested lands. This area has been named the “Crown Jewel” due to its location and ecological significance.

Phase   2:   Establish   wildlife connectivity by linking the Preserve with nearby Illahee State Park and securing properties along the main and north fork tributaries of Illahee Creek.

Phase 3: Acquire core parcels in the center of the Preserve (Heart of the Park) to enhance ecological integrity and  support  public  access  and recreational opportunities.

Overview

Rainwood includes three parcels totaling approximately 30 acres. These have been reconfigured under a Declaration of Boundary Line Adjustment to match three separate Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs). This structuring enables a staggered acquisition timeline aligned with anticipated grant cycles and community fundraising milestones.

The landowners have long expressed a wish to see the property preserved. With the passing of the primary owner in April 2023, the estate has honored this commitment, provided the acquisitions move forward as planned.

The current effort to acquire Rainwood builds upon IFP’s earlier success in 2020, when a 70–100foot-wide wildlife corridor was purchased along Rainwood’s eastern boundary. That initial acquisition, transferred to Kitsap County Parks in 2022, established a relationship with the landowners, who expressed their desire to see the entire property preserved as a park.

PROPERTY PURCHASED!

Parcel 1 - Wildlife Habitat

Parcel 1, the largest of the three Rainwood parcels at 16.8 acres, forms the eastern edge of the property, extending continuously from the northern to the southern boundary. It is an ecologically rich and diverse landscape composed of mature forest, wetlands, the southern half of Hattie's Pond, pasture areas, and steep ravines. This dramatic terrain supports a vibrant ecosystem that serves as essential habitat for a wide range of species, including deer, foxes, otters, beavers, bird populations, and the occasional black bear. The parcel’s intact riparian corridors and section of Illahee Creek make it a critical component of the regional watershed, enhancing both wildlife connectivity and watershed health.

Ecological Value & Landscape Features

Funding Status & Acquisition Timeline

Parcel 1 was purchased on July 11, 2025 and is now permanently protected and designated as wildlife habitat, forming an integral part of the broader vision for a natural preserve within the Illahee Creek Watershed. The acquisition of Parcel 1 was made possible  thanks  to  Kitsap  County  Parks  and  County  Commissioners  with  the collaboration of multiple partners and broad community support. The $1.374 million purchase price was met through a combination of grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO grant 20-1742), the Department of Commerce, Kitsap County Conservation Futures, and nonprofit contributions from the Illahee Forest Preserve. This preserve will not only safeguard regional biodiversity but also enhance public appreciation of and access to one of Kitsap County’s most treasured natural landscapes.

Parcel 2 - Hattie’s Pond & Dam

Ecological & Landscape Features

Parcel 2 spans 9.6 acres and includes the northern half of Hattie’s Pond—a vital link between the Illahee Preserve and the South Fork headwaters wetland. Its acquisition is key to completing the conservation of the Illahee Creek watershed. The 1920s earthen dam provided the opportunity for a later roadway over it that now poses a major safety risk if the roadway fails. This makes the acquisition a high priority for both conservation and public safety.

Funding Status & Acquisition Timeline

  • Estimated Spillway costs: $300,000+

  • Estimated purchase price: $675,000 available per RCO Grant 24-1770

  • Community fundraising and/or safety grants essential

  • Target closing: June 2026

Remaining Actions & Future Use

The Illahee Forest Preserve (IFP) is working with the estate to help manage the dam, now regulated by the WA Department of Ecology (ID: KP15-0752). A 2023 inspection flagged key deficiencies, including the need for an Emergency Spillway and a formal Emergency Action Plan (completed). There are several options to resolve safety concerns. These include:

  • Spillway Installation: A required option at an estimated $300K or more pending the disposition of the roadway. Failure to install a spillway could wash out Illahee Road and downstream properties.

  • Roadway: Removal or Retention with Engineered Buried Spillway: Full safety design and regulatory compliance issues are being discussed with the estate to find resolutions.

  • Dam Removal: Not recommended due to an estimated $2M cost and loss of ecological value.

IFP, with the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, installed a riser protection system under a 2023 HPA permit. This is a five-year interim plan until a resolution is reached.

Parcel 3 - Watershed Park & Interpretive Center

Ecological & Landscape Features

Parcel 3, totaling 3.7 acres, is envisioned as the future home of a community-focused Watershed Park's Interpretive Center. The parcel is located along the western boundary of the property, with direct road access from Perry Avenue. The land includes a homesite, barn, open pasture, mature trees and overview setting of the park.

Funding Status & Acquisition Timeline

To secure Parcel 3, we must raise roughly $500,000 by August 31, 2025—or risk losing the land forever.

  • Appraised at $730,000 (seller's appraisal)

  • $20,000 earnest money paid; $200,000+ raised so far

  • Funding via donations and nonprofit support

Remaining Actions & Future Use

While stormwater parks are gaining popularity across the country for their environmental and educational benefits, the Rainwood site offers a rare opportunity to go further—an all-encompassing water/watershed park. This vision integrates not only stormwater management, but also long-term ecosystem protection, public access, and outdoor educational opportunities.

The park would serve as a living classroom, offering visual and hands-on learning about:

  • Aquifers, wetlands, and stream health

  • Stormwater and erosion control

  • Habitat restoration and native species

  • Watershed systems and the Puget Sound ecosystem

  • Dams, earthen and beaver

In addition to its ecological value, the Rainwood site helps address a pressing local need for accessible green space. Demographic studies show that nearby neighborhoods— especially in and around Bremerton—lack adequate access to parks and nature. Establishing an Interpretive Center on Parcel 3 dedicated to the Watershed Park would help close this gap by providing:

  • High-quality public space for underserved communities

  • Opportunities for environmental education along with active passive recreation

Help Us Protect This Land Forever

This is a defining moment for the Illahee Forest Preserve. With your help, this key component of the Rainwood acquisition to permanently protect irreplaceable wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat, expand environmental learning opportunities, will save the Interpretive Center parcel and complete a key connection in one of Kitsap County’s largest natural parks.

We invite you to be part of something lasting.

This land will not wait. If we do not raise $500,000 by August 31, 2025, we risk losing this opportunity forever.We ask you—our neighbors, local businesses, and community stewards—to join us in preserving this place of beauty, healing, and learning. Imagine future generations exploring the forest trails, attending outdoor classes at the Interpretive Center, or volunteering to restore wildlife habitat—all made possible by the action we take today.

This is more than a park. It’s a legacy. And you can help protect it.

Donations of $2,000 or more (individuals) and $5,000 or more (businesses) will be recognized with plaque placement at the Almira entrance of the Preserve or at the Interpretive  Center—a  permanent  tribute  to  your  commitment  to  conservation  and community.

Gifts can be made through the Illahee Forest Preserve’s Lost Continent account at the

Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) or call (360) 649-1049 for additional options.

Please consider making your tax-deductible donation today.

Together, we can protect this remarkable landscape—the Crown Jewel of the Illahee Preserve—and ensure it remains wild, welcoming, and alive for generations to come.