The Wilburton property is approximately 17 acres strategically located immediately south of the Bellevue Botanical Garden; west of the Bellevue School District's International School; adjacent to the Wilburton Hill residential neighborhood; and the gateway to Kelsey Creek/Richards Valley Open Space & Greenway System.

The acquisition is a key component of the greenway system and the Bellevue Botanical Garden. The heavily wooded property offers benefits including: preserving a large tract of open space for current and future generations to enjoy; incorporating a portion of the property into the Bellevue Botanical Garden to preserve the integrity, tranquility, and character of the Garden while offering future garden expansion opportunities; creating trail connections from the Wilburton residential neighborhood to the greenway system; protecting critical habitat for songbirds and urban wildlife; and offering visual relief along the heavily traveled Lake Hills Connector.

Combined funds from our partners represent over 50% of the funds necessary for this purchase, including a $200,000 cash donation from the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society and a $1.885 Million King County Conservation Futures Grant. If the City does not acquire the Wilburton property, it is highly likely the property will be sold and developed in the near future, removing any possibility of expanding the Garden and preserving this key open space.