Forests & Wildlife

Viewed from above Vashon-Maury Islands are a green gem in the heart of the rapidly urbanizing Seattle-Tacoma-Kitsap metropolitan area. Through wildlife camera studies, DNA testing and other projects we seek to understand the importance of island forest habitat for both resident and migratory species.

WildCam Network

Our trained volunteers operate a wide network of wildlife cameras. Cameras at 26 + stations snap wildlife in a 2 km distanced grid over nine geographic sectors covering the entire 37 square miles of Vashon-Maury Islands. Our WildCam Network has captured sightings of many island species including: black-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, coyote, river otter, great blue heron, salmon, black bear, and cougar. Camera data inspires wonder, acts as a first-detection system for animals that migrate to the island, helps us learn about animal behavior, and improves our understanding of wildlife/human coexistence in our shared community.

In 2022, we are excited to work with Olympic Cougar project and Snapshot USA to create the first wildlife population estimates for the islands for black-tailed deer, coyote, cougar, black bear, raccoon and more using our camera network!

This work is primarily funded by a Community Conservation Education Grant from the Keta Legacy Foundation as well as by generous individual contributions.

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View our new Owlcam 2022! Follow wild barn owls who have chosen a nest box on Vashon Island. The 24-hour livestream is now available.

Also, enjoy our 2020 nesting season highlight reel. Follow a wild Barn Owl pair as they raise their young each year between March and August. These owls have no contact with humans. They are free to come and go at will.

We appreciate any donations to help us keep the livestream running. Thank you!