Summer is filled with landowner visits and conserved property monitoring. We monitor each conserved property on an annual basis to ensure that the terms of the conservation easement are being upheld, and that no inappropriate development or other changes have occurred. It is through this process that land trusts can ensure perpetual protection of special lands that mean so much to us all.

Thanks to the careful creation of the Baseline Documentation Report and the Conservation Easement itself, staff have a '“snapshot in time” of the original state of the property and conservation values at the time the land was permanently protected, even if it was decades ago. Each year, we refer to these documents when we head out to tour the property to assess changes, if any, and document the progress of restoration projects, allowed timber or agricultural activities, and the health of the land in general.

While it may sound like it’s a bit of a dry activity, full of rules and procedures, it’s actually some of the best field work we get to do! It’s a pure joy to visit conserved properties and see the majesty of our landscape, and connecting with the visionary and community-minded landowners who have created their conservation legacies is the icing on the cake. Thank you for making this good work possible, and protecting the best of the Palouse and north-central Idaho for today, tomorrow, and forever.

When we meet with landowners and managers, they aren’t necessarily all of the human variety.

Gormsen Butte, protected by the Hill I conservation easement

The pond at the Hill I easement, a mecca for swallows gobbling up insects, as well as all other manner of wildlife, amphibians and insects.

Elkhorn clarkia (Clarkia pulchella) in full bloom in one of several Native Palouse Prairie remnants.

Nice view from the office today!

A mature Spalding’s catchfly (Silene spaldingii) atop the butte in one of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District’s restoration plantings.

Jessica’s aster (Symphyotrichum jessicae)

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Hill I conservation easement, protecting 42 acres of high quality Native Palouse Prairie.

The view from atop Hill I easement, looking over at the far edge of the Dave Skinner Ecological Preserve.

Just another day at the office…

Entering the prairie remnant, as seen from above.

Mima mounds, an indicative feature of many Native Palouse Prairie remnants.

Aerial shot.

Another rough day at the office.

Staff and board taking a tour of the Stage Easement.

An amazing view from the Stage easement, which protects 81 acres of forest and farmland on Moscow Mountain, and permanently preserving the undeveloped view that we all enjoy from town.