Camp Kilworth Update – Federal Way’s First Historic Landmark August, 2022
For over 80 years, Camp Kilworth stood atop a picturesque bluff, overlooking the Puget Sound and serving as a hub of Boy Scout activity in the region. Generations of youth from Federal Way, Tacoma, and beyond, learned outdoor and nature skills in the camp’s forest. As such, this 30-acre space found its hemlock forest, rich feeder bluffs, and tidal sand flats protected from the many decades of development surrounding it. For years, this natural space gave life skills, memories, and sanctuary to so many. In 2016, The Boy Scouts of America relinquished their rights from the camp, leaving its future in question. Since that time, community members, non-profits (including Rainier Audubon), the Puyallup Nation, and government agencies have all joined together, advocating for the preservation of the space. One such group emerged as a catalyst to bring all these voices together. The Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) 501c3 was created as a collaboration of the local community and built from shared concerns about the future of the space. After years of dedicated support, everyone’s efforts have proved successful. Camp Kilworth has been saved!
Following the influx of advocacy and visibility, including being designated the “Most Endangered Place” by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, the camp was brought to the attention of Forterra, one of Washington’s largest land conservation organizations. Soon after, Kilworth was recognized for its vital ecosystem and recreational value by King County Conservation Futures and Water Resource Inventory Area #9, both of whom awarded funds to Forterra to aid in the purchase of the property. This funding was given conditionally alongside restrictions that will protect the camp’s habitat and shoreline by restricting any future development. YMCA of Greater Seattle was then brought in to restore and manage the space with the help of funding from the Washington State Legislature. All parties collectively understood that the camp is a viable remedy to the declining measure of functional habitat and wildlife corridors in Federal Way and its surrounding cities. It was also recognized that this green space can offer an opportunity to provide immersive outdoor experiences and education for South King County’s youth, families, and underserved communities.
Through grants received by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and 4Culture, KEEP was able to retain the help of Northwest Vernacular, who has worked diligently with the new owners Forterra, YMCA, and the King County Landmark staff. These cumulative efforts were recognized with a King County Historic Landmark designation on August 26, 2022, helping us to achieve the goal of preservation for key structures, while allowing for the stewardship and restored use of the property.
Throughout all of this, Rainier Audubon has continually contributed to advocacy for the Camp Kilworth green space. Countless bird surveys, bird walks to increase visibility of the camp’s vulnerable habitat, and on many occasions, Rainier Audubon members speaking out in support of Camp Kilworth’s preservation, have all contributed to the success of this effort. In fact, the inspirational voice of Hazel Dickinson in the first attempt to save the property still rings true today. We are thankful for the generous donation in honor of Thais Bock, which helped support landmarking efforts, these kind acts and many others will be honored in the history of Camp Kilworth. Audubon’s strong interest in the protection of Kilworth has been clear and consistent.
For years to come, we hope that the towering canopy of fir, hemlock, and big-leaf maple trees, the gentle crash of nearby waves, and the flute-like call of the Swainson’s Thrush will offer an opportunity of reflection and connection to the many people lucky enough to discover Camp Kilworth. KEEP thanks Rainier Audubon, and so many others, who helped make this dream a reality.
Interested in learning more about KEEP? Looking for volunteer opportunities? Willing to donate toward our continued efforts? Check out our website!
KEEP | Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (kilworthpreserve.org)
Camp Kilworth Acquisition – March 2022
After 3 years of planning, negotiation, and fundraising, Forterra NW closed on the acquisition of Camp Kilworth in Federal Way.
The Camp Kilworth property is a critical high bank forested feeder bluff with historic and cultural importance to the local community and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. In addition to the critical nearshore habitat value for salmon and forage fish, the site also offers the opportunity for the local community and underserved South King County populations to access, recreate, and learn on a site that holds immense environmental, cultural, and aesthetic values. The tentative plan for this property is to begin geotechnical work and bluff restoration, formulate an invasive species removal plan, and partner with the Greater Seattle YMCA to run a youth camp focused on environmental education.
Camp Kilworth is a rare, 25-acre high-bank forest on Puget Sound. For the past 80 years, the camp has been home for many youth to experience outdoor education. Nonprofit Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) is working with Forterra, a Seattle land conservation non-profit, and Seattle YMCA to preserve this one-of-a-kind open space. The Rainier Audubon Society (RAS) supports KEEP’s vision to preserve Camp Kilworth for public use and make the camp a historical site and a nature preserve.
The Threat
The Kilworth family deeded the 25-acre Camp Kilworth to a Tacoma Boy Scouts of America troop in 1934. In 2015, the Scout’s Pacific Harbors Council closed Camp Kilworth. Since 2015, the camp has been under the threat of logging and development. In light of this, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation listed Camp Kilworth as one of Washington’s most endangered places in 2018.
Action
The RAS has supported KEEP through bird surveys and letters of support. If KEEP is successful in the property acquisition, the RAS welcomes the opportunity to offer nature explorations for youth and adults to investigate the world of birds and other wildlife, and the stewardship of habitat. To learn more, visit KEEP’s website.
