- Property Type: Trust-Assisted, Trust-Owned
- Date Added: 1999
- Concrete
- 212 acres
- Open to the Public, Featured Property
- Bird & Wildlife Watching
Hurn Field Conservation Area is a 135-acre protected landscape along Highway 20 near Concrete, preserved by Skagit Land Trust to safeguard vital wildlife habitat, including open pastures used by the Nooksack elk herd and ecologically rich wetlands along House Slough. With scenic viewing from a roadside pullout, this property celebrates local conservation efforts that support native species, agricultural land use, and public enjoyment of Skagit County’s natural heritage.
Conservation Story
Hurn Field Conservation Area is the result of several different parcels that were acquired by Skagit Land Trust. The first parcel purchased in March, 1999 was the result of a successful fundraising campaign. In 2002, Skagit Land Trust assisted the United States Forest Service in acquiring 77 acres that are adjacent to Hurn Field Conservation Area. In 2013 and 2014, additional acres within the Skagit River floodplain were acquired with funding from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board and match from Seattle City Light. Additional parcels were added in 2019 and 2024, bringing the total protected area to 135 acres.
Site History and Ecology
There are 2 open areas on the property. The main field, which is visible from the scenic pullout and is hayed by a local farmer. The main pasture and Southeast field are utilized by a portion of the Nooksack elk herd for winter forage. House Slough, which lies east of the main field, provides great aquatic habitat for species such as amphibians, beaver, and birds. It also provides rearing habitat for salmonids. The remainder of the Conservation Area is primarily wooded with a mix of hard wood and conifer trees.
One of the main goals for this property is to maintain the open pastures for elk grazing habitat. Additiionally, stewardship efforts at Hurn Field involve improving the forested areas of the property by removing invasive species and installing native plants. In 2020, 500 plants were installed in one of the newer parcels with the help of volunteers and the Washington Conservation Corps. Interpretive signs describing the importance of this property to fish, wildlife and people were installed in 2007 and can be seen from the wildlife viewing pullout off of Highway 20.
Access
Hurn Field Conservation Area is most easily accessed via a scenic pullout off of Highway 20. We ask visitors refrain from walking out into the field from the pullout to avoid disturbing wildlife.
How to Get There
Follow Hwy 20 east from Sedro-Woolley. This property is located just three miles before the town of Concrete on the right. There is a gravel parking lot and an interpretive sign at the base of the field.
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