Friends of the Hylebos staff became aware of this 33-acre parcel on the West Branch of Hylebos Creek in 2000 during a conversation with Federal Way Public Schools staff. We learned that the property couldn't be developed for a school because it was too small and much of it was restricted from development due to streams, wetlands and slopes. The property was to be surplused by the district in the future, however, the district was amenable to finding a way to sell it for conservation, thus preserving a key open space parcel right across the street from Illahee Middle School.

The Friends contacted King County and the city of Federal Way and a partnership to preserve the land was quickly forged. The Friends raised funding from King County, with help from King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, as well as from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant and the Natural Resources Damages Assessments Trustees.

With funds in hand, the property was purchased by King County in  2003 and later transferred to the city of Federal Way to be permanently preserved as open space.

As a side-benefit, this partnership has continued to forge ahead with other conservation projects in the Spring Valley area, preserving the 10-acre Kim Property, adjacent Spring Valley Ranch, and working on additional opportunities.