Chelan-Douglas Land Trust celebrates 40 years of conservation

WENATCHEE – Since 1985, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has been working to preserve the region’s natural areas – securing clean air and water, supporting wildlife, and ensuring the outdoor spaces can be enjoyed by generations to come. 

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty, peace, and connection that nature provides, and we warmly invite all individuals and families to enjoy our lands,” said Associate Director Angela Morris.

Over the last 40 years, the community-based organization has permanently protected over 27,000 acres of land. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has secured trail systems, such as 11 miles of trail in Cashmere’s Nahahum Canyon, and 33 miles of trail at Castle Rock, Sage Hills Gateway and North Foothills. 

It has also preserved areas for environmental purposes, such as improving wildlife habitat and climate resiliency on over 2,100 acres of Chelan Coulees Reserve, restoring sections of the White and Entiat rivers, and saving the Nason Ridge Community Forest from timber harvest. 

When considering land for conservation purposes, the organization not only takes the environmental and community impact into account, but it also considers its location.

“This concept of looking for properties that are connected to other public lands or other areas–it's really important,” said Morris. “One, it provides a continuous corridor for whatever habitat we're attempting to help protect…There's continuous public access too, so it just enriches the public's experience if they're able to move from our properties to the next property.”

The process of land conservation is a marathon, not a sprint. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust often works with local organizations, businesses, and individuals over the course of many years to secure funding and preserve properties.

“There's just many, many details in the process, and it can take a long time, so you have to be willing for, you know the term, “delayed gratification?” We get to celebrate when it's done, but there's always peaks and valleys during the process,” said Conservation Director Mickey Fleming.

Yet, the work doesn’t end there. With nearly 7,000 acres in the region owned and managed by Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, as well as conservation easements on an additional 15,000 acres, the organization relies on a network of members, community volunteers, partner organizations, and conservation landowners to maintain healthy land and water. This support is often tasked with monitoring habitat, removing invasive species and planting natives, and restoring riparian areas.

“I think people don't realize that, you know, once you have a piece of property, that there needs to be ongoing maintenance of it forever…So, there's a lot of work that is done,” said Morris.

Through its work, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has recognized education as an equally vital component of land conservation and stewardship. In addition to providing unique field guides, weed control information, and resources for parents and teachers, the organization leads kids’ educational programs and group hikes and outings. It also sponsors an annual environmental film series at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, as well as a Wenatchee Naturalist Course through Wenatchee Valley College.

As it looks toward the future, the organization plans to continue its dedicated outreach and engagement efforts, which have resulted in recent membership growth and increased community participation. It also plans to welcome a new executive director in June.

“We’re committed to building on this momentum by expanding opportunities for people to connect with the land—whether through volunteering, attending events, or joining guided hikes along our extensive trail system,” said Morris.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media