This project expands the Beaver Lake Natural Area Preserve by 40.91 acres to a total of 98.51 acres.  This acquisition includes 10.67 acres of the 13.4 acre King County East Lake Sammamish Wetland 21, a bog wetland, which is sufficient in size and has enough buffer to retain bog characteristics over time.  This wetland has plant communities and plant species unique to very specialized habitats, rare in King County, and very sensitive to development activities.  Placing this bog in public care would ensure protection and availability for education and other public benefits.

Vegetation on this site is unique and varied.  In addition to the bog, the upland forests have been undisturbed since last logged in the 1930's.  Western hemlock, Douglas fir and western redcedar are approaching old growth size.  Special status species, such as the Bald Eagle, Willow Flycatcher and Pileated Woodpecker, as well as Douglas squirrels and several other species use the site because of the size of surrounding protected areas.    

This acquisition completes the connection between Hazel Wolf Wetland Preserve (116 acres), Beaver Lake Preserve, and King County's Section 36/Soaring Eagle Park (628 acres).  In so doing, it takes a significant step in actualizing an East Sammamish Greenway that could connect the Issaquah Alps to the Patterson Creek Natural Area.  Such a corridor would provide invaluable habitat for many plant and animal species and, in addition, educational and passive recreation opportunities for the entire region.