Valleywide Big Wood River Cleanup ends with free community picnic in Bellevue at 3 p.m.
Twenty years ago this month, the city of Bellevue acquired from the Howard family about 12.5 acres of woods along the Big Wood River west of town. Thanks to support from the community and nonprofit organizations, the Howard Preserve has tripled in size over the years and has become a popular amenity for residents and visitors alike.
Bellevue now has direct public access from town to 36 acres of open space and 3 miles of river trails in the preserve, which supports habitat for bald eagles, elk, deer, fox and occasional mountain lions, along with sculpin, trout and many species of birds.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Wood River Land Trust and Friends of the Howard Preserve will celebrate the preserve’s 20th anniversary with a free community picnic at the home of Mary and Mike Howard at 811 Riverside Drive at the south end of the preserve. Speakers will include Mike Howard, Bellevue Mayor Chris Johnson, Friends of Howard Preserve Project Director Florence Blanchard and Wood River Land Trust Executive Director Amy Trujillo. The picnic will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 6 p.m.
Learn more about the Howard Preserve's 20th anniversary celebration and its history here.
