Misery Point Preserve is Officially Open! – Great Peninsula Conservancy

GPC Executive Director Nate Daniel and member and community advocate Marilyn Cunningham cut the "ribbon", a native Madrona branch.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Leadership Kitsap, GPC, and the community, Misery Point Preserve is officially open to the public! Despite the threat of rain, more than 80 attendees gathered to celebrate the opening and learn more about the unique and beautiful site.

Violinists Cedar Wolf and Livvy Rowley serenade guests as they enter the event.

They were greeted to the soothing sounds of violin duo Cedar Wolf and Livvy Rowley as they walked down the trail to the new kiosk erected by Leadership Kitsap. The informative kiosk is made even more colorful by portraits of native birds, created by artist Joanne Tejeda and students of Fairview Middle School.

The Leadership Kitsap team, GPC staff member Hannah McDonough, and artist Joanne Tejeda pose with the new kiosk and avian art.

With welcoming and inspirational words from community members like Tom Strong, CEO of the Skokomish tribe, and a reading of a poem inspired by the preserve by poet Ching-In Chen, the preserve was introduced by GPC Executive Director Nate Daniel, and the “ribbon” was cut just as the sun arrived!

Marilyn Cunningham cuts the ribbon as a tribute to her husband Gary Cunningham, whose commemorative bench was also unveiled that day.

Attendees were then free to explore the beach, and learn from GPC staff about the geology and ecology unique to Misery Point.

GPC Stewardship Manager Adrian Wolf enlightens attendees on the native birds of Misery Point.

GPC staff member Hannah McDonough explains the geological process of the feeder bluff. Photo by Richard Velazquez

Preserving land like Misery Point would not be possible without the support of GPC members, thank you!