Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust Executive Director Tom Dean said he had no idea islander Mike Kneeshaw willed his property near Judd Creek to the Land Trust until he was informed of it earlier this year.

“We are very pleased and honored by this gift,” Dean said. “It reminds me a lot of Bill Fisher’s gift of Fisher Pond. Mike knew he had something worth protecting, but also wanted people to be able to enjoy it.”

Kneeshaw died in December and left his 9 acres at the intersection of 111th Avenue and 204th Street, to the Land Trust. The donation, which includes a 1,000-square-foot house, brings the Judd Creek Preserve to a total of 135 acres.

The gift also reunites two parcels that were once known as Dorthea Park, a popular outdoor gathering space that was once the site of K2 annual picnics. Anybody with historical information about the park is encouraged to contact the Land Trust as it is making plans to restore the property and will use the house to further its mission.

The Vashon Nature Center’s Salmon Watchers will also be able to add this site to their list of salmon-watching stations. The fall migration of coho salmon is expected to start when the water in Judd Creek rises. The chum run will follow.