This island may not be a national park. But it is a national treasure.

Bainbridge Island feels like one gigantic park. That’s because just about every place you go, you see trees, plants, flowers and grass. The island actually has more than 1,400 acres in 27 parks, including two waterfront state parks and many forested parks. In addition, thousands of islanders live in park-like settings.

BAINBRIDGE PARKS MAP

Here are a few other attractions that add to Bainbridge greenery:

Bloedel Reserve is 150 acres of perfect.

Located near the northernmost part of the island, this private park welcomes visitors from all over the globe. Bloedel is famous for its unique combination of natural forest and beautifully designed manmade gardens. The primary purpose of the Reserve is to give people an opportunity to be at one with nature through quiet walks in the gardens and woodlands. About 84 acres are dedicated to the indigenous trees of Western Washington, including Douglas-fir, hemlock and western red cedar. On the other 66 acres, you’ll find an internationally known Japanese garden, reflecting pool, moss garden, meadowland, bird marsh, and a French-inspired, classically designed country house. There is a fee, and reservations are recommended. But Bloedel Reserve is not to be missed.

IslandWood. The school in the woods.

Every year, 4,000 students get to go back to nature. These fourth, fifth and sixth grade students come from more than 70 schools in King and Kitsap counties. The idea is to let kids learn how to live with nature by spending extended time in nature. They listen to owls at night, peek under rocks in tidal pools, and see stars without the glare of city lights. Taught by graduate students from around the world, the kids learn important lessons about themselves and the environment. At various times of the year, programs are also designed for teachers, adults, families and business teams, and the campus is available to host conferences and special events. IslandWood is located on 255 acres in the south end of the island. If you're interested in visiting, go to the IslandWood Web site and sign up for a tour.

Bainbridge Gardens can trace its roots back to 1908. Literally.

That’s when Zenhichi Harui came to Bainbridge from Japan. He soon began growing flowers, plants and sculptured trees in his small garden. Eventually, the grounds attracted garden lovers from throughout the island. But during World War II, 227 residents of Bainbridge—including Mr. Harui and his family—were the first Japanese-Americans to be sent to internment camps in California and Idaho. So in the early 1940s, the gardens fell into disrepair. In 1989, Junkoh Harui, one of Zenhichi’s sons, decided to redevelop Bainbridge Gardens. Today, the thriving gardens feature many of the original plants and trees started by the elder Mr. Harui a century ago. And Bainbridge Gardens is now at the forefront of using and teaching natural and organic methods of gardening.

Bay Hay & Feed is something of an institution.

It’s almost impossible to define. That’s because it’s an old-fashioned garden store, nursery, country store and farm supply and feed store. All in one place. Located above Rolling Bay in the northeast part of Bainbridge, Bay Hay & Feed has something for everyone, including gorgeous plants and trees, cups of espresso, books and gift items. Be sure to check out Bay Hay & Feed’s famous T-shirts and sweatshirts. You can find them being worn by people all over the country. Maybe even the world.

Mesogeo Garden is unique.

Located on a seven-acre 135-year-old farm, Mesogeo Garden is dedicated to hardy tropical and Mediterranean plants that are suited to the many variations of soil and climate in the Pacific Northwest. The owners have searched all around the world for the best and hardiest seeds, and they currently grow more than 300 plant varieties. You can see them firsthand in the display gardens. Plants are for sale at Mesogeo and online.