FACILITIES:
170 acres of wetlands, tidal estuary and a forest.
2-mile level nature trail loop that begins and ends at the parking lot on Eckenstam-Johnson Road and includes two small bridges.
1 acre off-leash dog area ("Freddie's Off Leash Dog Park") off of Sandburg Road and hiking trails.
Connector trail connects the Wildlife Park loop to Andy's Marine Park to the west.
Picnic area with table on the bank of Schoolhouse Creek near the parking area and a sign acknowledging Pierce County's contribution to the salmon enhancement project through culvert replacement.
Portable toilet at the trailhead.
The portion of the park on the east side of Eckenstam-Johnson Road includes an important segment of
School House Creek where the Park District is attempting to restore the creek and re-establish a salmon run.
RULES:
This park is intended to be a wildlife habitat. In order for visitors and wildlife some rules must be observed. These rules are posted at the trailhead and include the following:
Dogs ARE allowed, ON leash only on Deweyert Trail and on Andy's Wildlife Trail.
Dogs ARE allowed, OFF leash at Freddie's Off-Leash Dog Area, a 1-acre fenced off-leash dog area located on Sandberg Road.
No horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles are allowed.
Trash must be removed and a "Pack-it-in / Pack it out" policy must be observed.
Consumption of alcohol and use of illegal drugs is prohibited.
Discharge of fire arms, bow and arrows and hunting is not permitted
CAUTIONS
The trails can be muddy during rainy weather.
LOCATION:
Nearly all of the park lies south of Sandberg Road and West of Eckenstam-Johnson Road.
The trailhead and picnic area is on Eckenstam-Johnson Rd. just north of Oro Bay Rd.
HISTORY:
The park was donated to the Anderson Island Parks district by Andrew Anderson.
A donation from Delbert and Janice Deweyert allowed us to construct a connection with Andrew Anderson Marine Park
SALMON
Enhancement of Schoolhouse Creek to restore and maintain salmon run is underway.
Restoring the creek to resemble its original course was completed along with Pierce County's replacement of
two culverts, one on Oro Bay Road and one on Eckenstam-Johnson Road that prevented salmon migration.
This work enabled construction of an incubation and release system within the creek for 20,000 chum Salmon eggs with
the intent of reestablishing the salmon run.
We hope to build our own system next year so that we can continue introducing Chum Salmon to School House Creek and improve the salmon population of Puget Sound. It may take as long as 4 years for the first release to return. Because of environmental and predatory factors please don't expect to see 20,000 salmon fighting their way "home". Pierce County has also erected an informational sign near the stream crossing on Eckenstam-Johnson Road.
HIKING, PICNICKING, OFF-LEASH DOG AREA
