Location:  Birch Point on the Straight of Georgia
Size:  17 Acres
Public Access:  No
Easement granted:  July, 1990
Easement type:  Conservation
Grantees:  Whatcom Land Trust

    The Zweegman property has been a strategic geographical site starting in 1858 when a large granite boulder left on the beach by the glaciers was inscribed by unknown persons with the date “1858”.  In the early and mid 1900’s the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey placed several brass benchmarks on the property.  Located on the west end of Birch Point the property marks the extreme northern extent of Birch Bay.  The earliest history of this strategic place would be an interesting study.

     In 1931 Margretha Zweegman purchased the property.  The descendants of Margretha Zweegman formed a Zweegman Family Social Club and gently developed the property for their use as a private family retreat.  The property remains so today.  The property includes both tidelands and uplands.  The beach of large cobbles is met by a high-bank bluff backed by native forest.  Sea birds and raptors frequent the property and the forest holds many large trees that have been tortured by uncounted storms.  All but 2 ½ acres are in their natural state.

     The property provides welcome green space for the increasing number of motorists on Semiahmoo Drive as well as offshore boaters.  It is to preserve this value that the Zweegman Family decided to provide a conservation easement to the Whatcom Land Trust.  Although no public access is permitted, the preservation of this natural area amidst the rapidly developing area around Birch Bay is of great value to everyone.