Since 1985, the program has protected, preserved and restored 5,500 acres of natural space

VANCOUVER – In 2025, Clark County’s Legacy Lands program celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since 1985, the program has protected, preserved and restored 5,500 acres of natural space. Protecting these valuable natural resources protects air, water and wildlife habitat, and provides recreational opportunities at some of the area’s most scenic locations. 

Popular sites that are part of the Legacy Lands portfolio include Fallen Leaf Lake, Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park and trail, Green Mountain, La Center Bottoms Wetlands, the Lacamas Heritage Trail, Lucia Falls, Mable Kerr Park, Moulton Falls, Salmon Creek Greenway, Schmid Family Park, areas on the shores of Vancouver Lake, and portions of Whipple Creek Regional Park.

Clark County Council has proclaimed October to be “Legacy Lands Month”. To celebrate the occasion, Clark County Public Works is hosting three community events.

• Oct. 22: Salmon Creek Greenway Trail guided walk. Participants will embark on a one-hour guided walk at one of the most beloved Legacy Lands locations, learning about the greenway’s history and efforts to restore water quality in Salmon Creek. Participants should meet at the west entrance to Salmon Creek Regional Park, located at 800 NE 117th St., at 5 p.m.
• Oct. 29: Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area Project Open House. Clark County and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe are partnering on a project to restore habitat along Salmon Creek and provide nature-based recreational opportunities at this former golf course, acquired through the Legacy Lands program. At the open house, project staff will share the final draft project plans and solicit feedback. Doors open at 6 p.m. Learn more about the open house on the project webpage.
• Nov. 8: Bird walk with Vancouver Audubon. Participants will join the Vancouver Audubon to view and learn about migrating birds, including sandhill cranes. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Additional details can be found on the Legacy Lands webpage.

More information about these events and the Legacy Lands program can be found on the Legacy Lands webpage.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.