The ‘90’s

A few years later (about 1991) a subdivision and property sale were proposed near 2 heron rookeries- one across from the spit, near the entrance to Miller Bay and another on a northern bay site that came to be known as “Heron Cove”. Miller Bay Citizen’s Action Group monitored these sites, photo-documenting  heron activity and writing letters to Kitsap County and WA Fish & Wildlife. They also accompanied officials of both organizations to visit these sites, requesting that the county take adequate steps to protect the rookeries. Eventually the subdivision and set-back requirements went before a hearing examiner. The decision made was not favorable to protecting the heron. Within a relatively short time, both heron rookeries were abandoned, and in the years since, they have not started new rookeries on Miller Bay.

 

In the early years (1994-1998) MBCAG met annually and worked on various projects including: organizing work parties to remove invasive species, addressing failing septic systems around the bay, and supporting the Indianola Land Trust efforts to buy 77 acres of upland forest in the Miller Bay watershed.

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Prior to that, in 1982, Virginia Cowling (one of our founding members) made an agreement with The Suquamish Tribe transferring her house and surrounding acres along with the spawning stream, which included the gravity-fed Chum Salmon hatchery, to the tribe (who operated it from 1977- 2002). The eggs of Chum salmon returning to Cowling Creek were used to restore salmon runs throughout Kitsap County.

Later, Virginia donated an additional 10 acres of land to Great Peninsula Conservancy as the nucleus for the growing Cowling Creek Forest Preserve. Then, in 1999, she challenged MBCAG to purchase 18 acres in the Miller Bay watershed, adjacent to the Suquamish tribal hatchery. This land was considered to be important for habitat, water quality and aquifer replenishment. The Board took on the challenge and fundraising began.

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Early 2000’s

Two years later, with fundraising in full swing, it was suggested we change our name to Friends of Miller Bay (FOMB), which sounded...friendlier. Fundraising events lasted 8 years including: numerous plant sales, bake sales, concerts, fun-runs, garage sales, and anything else we could think of to make money. Finally, in 2007, FOMB raised the $273,000.00 needed to purchase the 18 acres. Those acres plus various other parcels Virginia Cowling donated, or persuaded friends to donate, became the Cowling Creek Forest Preserve (CCFP)—named in honor of Virginia. The Suquamish Tribe honored Virginia Cowling with a traditional naming ceremony, promising to honor her wishes to keep the CCFP open to all and to protect the forest. The preserve, is comprised of several parcels totaling 42 acres of protected land. The Cowling Creek Center, Hatchery and surrounding 14 acres, was donated to the Suquamish Tribe. The remaining 28 acres is owned and managed by Great Peninsula Conservancy. Friends of Miller Bay are the stewards of the preserve and have been since its inception. We worked under Great Peninsula Conservancy’s Forest Management Plan (2013-2019) on major forest restoration: Thinning the maple and alder, clearing invasive species and planting over 500 conifer trees (native hemlock, cedar and grand fir). In addition, many understory native shrubs were planted, adding to the richness and health of the forest preserve. As stewards, we continue to make improvements to trails and maintain safe access for all to enjoy.

 

Virginia died in 2008 at the age of 92. Her commitment to the environment continues to inspire us. 

 

In 2010 we joined forces with neighbors in a legal challenge opposing a 150-foot dock in the upper, more narrow part of the bay. Our efforts helped retain the peaceful nature of the bay. 

 

Our long-time, ongoing efforts include over 25 years of FOMB volunteers collecting mussels for Paralytic Shellfish Poison testing performed by the county health department, and conducting many years of bird surveys. We have also coordinated many bird events for birders of all ages. (See our Bird count chart/ link). 

 

We have continued to work to improve the health of Miller Bay and its watershed. Paul Dorn, specifically, went to extraordinary lengths to continue the chum salmon run in Cowling Creek-- initially by keeping the hatchery going and eventually by building fish ladders in the culvert under Miller Bay road, allowing chum to spawn naturally in the creek. In 2016 it was exciting to see evidence of success. Large piles of salmon bones were up and down the creek. Bears were regularly feeding on the fish and then depositing the rich nutrients throughout the forest.

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2020’s 

In mid-2019, FOMB partnered with Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) to raise the final $150,000.00 to purchase 13 acres of undeveloped land in the tidewater area of Grover’s Creek, encompassing pristine shoreline and upland forest on north Miller Bay.  FOMB worked on forest restoration for this land, clearing invasive species and planting native hemlock and cedar trees. With its mature, native trees and lush overhanging plants, this property provides critical protection and habitat for juvenile salmon feeding on insects and plankton. A variety of NW Bird  species nest in the forest’s mossy undergrowth and forage along the water. It is a beautiful pocket of preserve land, we call Miller Bay Preserve.

 

Our most recent (Dec. 2023) achievement was the acquisition and preservation of a small but valuable 2-acre parcel, Forest Above the Bay. This preserve is home to a rare mature coniferous forest, (some estimated to be 150-200 years old). This little “gem” swath of forest  sits on the ridge high above Miller Bay and provides important Carbon capture and slide control. This property evaded development for more than 80 years and we wanted to save it forever! It was an ambitious fundraising campaign—It began in summer 2023 and was completed by the seller’s mandatory deadline of 11/30/23. In addition to expanding natural habitat above Miller Bay this land abuts the Indianola Woodland Preserve, adding to the existing 81-acre preserve.

 

In 2023, our FOMB Board of Directors were looking for ways to rejuvenate the organization. They recruited new Board member, Michael Flynn to manage a “Change Initiative”. Five FOMB members (Paul Dorn, Nancy D’Archangel, Carol Haskins, Becky Hall and Sheri Flynn) worked with Michael in an extensive process to analyze tasks/work assessments, workflows, processes, organization structure, goals, job descriptions and communication.  This led to an adoption of a new organization chart, and goals for the elected 2024 Board of Directors.

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Founding members Paul Dorn, Dick and Nancy D’Archangel were awarded the “Virginia Cowling Lifetime Achievement Award” for their decades of service to Friends of Miller Bay.  The award was presented to them at the Fall 2023 FOMB Annual Meeting. We simply would not be where we are today— with 3 Land Preserves and a cleaner Bay, as well as an increased awareness of the Miller Bay watershed and the importance of preserving natural habitats—without these 3 important founders and contributors!

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​2024 was a productive year for the Board of Directors. They ensured all policy & procedures supported our mission and goals, created a Preservation Policy, applied for and received Federal nonprofit tax exempt status. Friends of Miller Bay is now a Federal 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions to FOMB are now tax deductible!

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