Bayshore Preserve Fully Reopens with Improved Trails and Access – Just in Time for November’s Salmon Experience

Capitol Land Trust (CLT) is pleased to announce that the Bayshore Preserve in Shelton is once again fully open to the public.

This milestone marks the completion of major improvements that make Bayshore Preserve more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable. The parking lot has been resurfaced and redesigned with space for school buses and van accessibility; a new welcoming plaza now serves as a gathering point before hitting the trails; several trails have been enhanced to improve accessibility for visitors using strollers and mobility aids; and a purpose-built outdoor classroom has been installed near the Johns Creek bridge.

These improvements are part of CLT’s long-term vision to connect more people to the lands and waters that sustain our region while protecting vital habitats for wildlife.

“At Bayshore Preserve people can experience firsthand how healthy lands and waters support life in South Puget Sound,” said Dave Winter, Executive Director of Capitol Land Trust. “These improvements make it easier for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty here while observing and learning about what makes the preserve so special.”

Conserved by CLT in 2014, Bayshore Preserve is a former golf course turned nature preserve that provides thriving habitat for animals like salmon, shellfish, seals, and many bird species. Today, it protects 78 acres of estuary, a stand of Garry oak trees, thriving forest along Johns Creek, and shoreline along Oakland Bay. Each fall, visitors can witness the return of chum salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn, a vivid reminder of why this landscape matters for both the wild and human populations that live there.

Though fully open, some finishing touches, such as new benches and a large entry sign, will be added in the coming months to make visits to the preserve even more satisfying. In the future, CLT is considering additional improvements such as interpretive signs, viewing platforms, further trail enhancements, benches, and education stations.

Celebrate the Return of Salmon at Bayshore Preserve
To mark the reopening and the annual return of salmon, Capitol Land Trust invites the public to join the Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve on Saturday, November 8, Sunday, November 9, and Sunday, November 11 from 10:00a–2:00p. Participants can enjoy talking to docents about salmon behavior and a chance to explore Bayshore’s new trails and gathering spaces.
Event details: CapitolLandTrust.org/salmon

The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the project on Thursday, November 13 at 12:00p. Community members are invited to attend, learn more about the project, and enjoy a walk along the trails.

Bayshore Preserve is located at 3800 WA-3, Shelton, WA 98584. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. No pass required.

About Capitol Land Trust
Capitol Land Trust conserves and cares for the lands and waters within the South Puget Sound and Chehalis Basin watershed. The organization prioritizes properties with estuaries, marine shorelines, wetlands, rivers, riparian areas, and associated forests because of the crucial role they play in supporting the health and vitality of local communities. The high standard of its work has earned national accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Natural open spaces and properly functioning ecosystems remain essential to the exceptional quality of life enjoyed throughout the region, and Capitol Land Trust is committed to keeping it that way for generations to come.

For more information, contact Mary Kniestedt, Community Engagement Manager.