U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, who represents the state’s Second Congressional District, visited South Whidbey last week.

As part of the visit, Larsen toured the beginnings of a new nature preserve still in development near Clinton.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust partnered with Island County to secure the formerly private 54 acres using $2.1 million from four funding grants.

The property includes a beach that will soon be publicly accessible. A half-mile trail will lead to the water.

Larsen commented on the different views of Glacier Peak seen from the beach during the tour and showed appreciation for the state and federal grant funds used to purchase the property.

“There’s not a lot of beach access on the south end of Whidbey Island,” he said.

Jessica Larson, stewardship director for the Land Trust, said the next steps for the preserve will be adding a gravel parking lot.

“I look forward to coming back when there’s a parking lot and using it,” Larsen told her.

The Possession Sound Preserve is slated to open to the public in early 2021.

According to a press release, Larsen is working to make the Land and Water Conservation Fund permanent and improve funding for National Coastal Wetlands grants which help local organizations acquire, preserve and increase access to vital public lands for future generations.

Larsen also made appearances that afternoon at Good Cheer Two Thrift Store at Ken’s Korner and the new WhidbeyHealth walk-in clinic that opened last month in Clinton.

Photo by Kira Erickson/Whidbey News Group Representative Rick Larsen toured the Possession Sound Preserve, a new nature preserve in development near Clinton, on Tuesday.