headlines
Cooley Easement habitat improvement project
If you’ve visited the Latah Trail through Bear Creek Canyon recently, you’ve probably noticed quite a disturbance at the end of the trail. Learn what it’s all about here.
Robertson CE protects Idaho’s first Stage 0 restoration project
What Brian and Pam Robertson lovingly call their “Senior Project,” is now permanently protected. Read more about this incredible restoration and 150-acre conservation easement.
Funding available for conservation easements in Whitman County
The Palouse River Watershed Partnership is pleased to announce $500,000 in conservation easement funding assistance for permanent land conservation in Whitman County through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP partnership is a locally led voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners to improve conservation outcomes.
ED Lovina Englund on the Idler’s Fire
The week of August 30th was one that will never be forgotten at the Land Trust. On that fateful Monday afternoon, we received word that a wildfire had broken out next to Idler’s Rest. Read Lovina’s words on the gripping crisis.
Fire preparedness pays off in spades at the Stage conservation easement
Responsible land ownership and stewardship covers much more than eradicating invasive species, supporting native plants and animals, and caring for the health of the land. Preparation for disasters like fire is also key.
Metcalf Conservation easement FULLY funded!
Thanks to the generous support of the Kendeda Fund through the Heart of the Rockies Keep It Connected Initiative, gap funding has been secured to make this project a reality.
Katrina Berman Easement now a reality
The creation of Berman Creekside Park was only the first in Katrina Berman’s conservation legacy. Read on to learn about her preservation of working ag land adjacent to Berman Park.
Learn about the Metcalf project protecting 80-acres of wildlife and native Palouse Prairie habitat.
Connected corridors and the power of conservation
Executive Director Lovina Englund reflects on how private landowners here on the Palouse are supporting wildlife, pollinators, and entire ecosystems on a larger scale through high quality, priority conservation.
Fireside Chat with Lovina Englund
Enjoy the replay of a casual, intimate chat about PLT and the challenges and successes of the year with Executive Director, Lovina Englund.
Take a peek at projects in the works, Idler’s Rest updates, and all the happenings at PLT this summer with the PDF version of our latest update mailer. Want to get the inside track on updates like this and get them delivered right to your mailbox? Become a member or renew your support of PLT by making a donation today.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Finding her way, helping hikers
Learn about our most recent (and first female!) Eagle Scout to serve her community at Idler’s Rest, Aila Carr-Chellman. Aila and her team recently created directional and trail signs for the trails at Idler’s Rest - check out the full article here.
UI CNR Magazine: PLT Intern Sierra Hamilton Feature
Not one, not two, but THREE CNR grads are featured in the latest edition of the CNR Magazine. PLT Intern Sierra Hamilton (‘20), ED Lovina Englund (05’, MS ‘07), and land manager at the Fosberg Farm, Andrew Saralecos (‘09) share their conservation and natural resource stories.
WSU Daily Evergreen: Co-op raises money for nonprofits
Palouse Land Trust was fortunate to be one of the Dime in Time recipients for the months of June, July and August. Read on to see the full article from Tuesday, September 10 and how your dimes really do make a difference!
WSU Daily Evergreen: An expert’s guide to life in Pullman
Thanks for the Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve shoutout, Sydney and WSU Evergreen! Click to see the article from the Monday, August 12 edition.
Annual conserved property monitoring updates
Annually, PLT stewardship staff head out to all conserved properties for annual monitoring. This piece of land trust work is critical to ensuring that the lands we love are protected in perpetuity. Click above to learn more!
Editorial: Credit due for preservation of Palouse and its landscapes
From the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Monday, July 15.
Welcome PLT interns, Jahna and Sierra!
This summer, PLT is honored to host two interns to help promote and advance conservation projects across our region. Click the link above to learn about the two newest members of the Land Trust family.
Idler's Rest begins month long literacy event
From the WSU Daily Evergreen, check out how you can connect with nature and celebrate Literacy Month at Idler's Rest.
Improvement recap at Idler's Rest and more to come
Get to Moscow Pullman Daily News scoop on improvements at Idler's Rest and a sneak peek at what's to come at the preserve.
We're hiring a new Conservation Projects Manager!
The Palouse Land Trust is seeking a passionate, dedicated person to join our conservation team. Check out the announcement and how to apply.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News Article: Maple K Meyers easement
Check out Daily News coverage of the Maple K Meyers conservation easement.
Whitman County Gazette: Maple K Meyers easement
Check out Whitman Gazette coverage of the Maple K Meyers conservation easement.
Over 500 acres of habitat and agricultural land preserved in Whitman County
With excitement, PLT is happy to announce the completion of our 24th conservation project, the Maple K Meyers conservation easement in Whitman County. Learn more about this amazing property and conservation legacy here»
Englund takes reins at Palouse Land Trust
Read the Moscow-Pullman Daily News article here»
Palouse Land Trust hires new Executive Director
PLT is thrilled to announce that we have hired our next Executive Director, Lovina Englund! Read the official announcement and get to know a little more about Lovina here»
From the Editor: a special editorial from Nick Sanyal
PLT board member Nick Sanyal has served as editor of the Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship for many years and we are proud to share a very special final editorial piece penned by Nick, appearing in this month's edition. Reproduced with permission from the Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship. Read More »
New feature: Grounded, a land trust blog
April showers bring May flowers - and a new blog to the Palouse Land Trust! Check out our first post to get an insider's look at what this whole Land Trust thing is all about. More »
Take a Bow: Archie George
Founding board member, and longtime active board participant Archie George is finally taking a little respite from full board duty, but continues to be an advocate for and champion of the Land Trust. More »
PLT seeks new Executive Director
We’re looking for an exceptional Executive Director to step into a leadership role at a rapidly growing land trust! Read the job announcement and full job description here »
Saying goodbye
The end of 2017 was not simply the end of the calendar year, but the end of an era. The Land Trust and community bid a fond farewell to Executive Director, Amy Trujillo. Read the Moscow-Pullman Daily News article here »
We've moved!
The Land Trust offices have a new home in downtown Moscow. We are now located at 121 S Jackson in the former TerraGraphics building. Swing in to say hello if you're in the area. More »
Summer solstice at Idler's Rest
Dozens of community members welcomed the celestial start of summer with a fun guided hike at Idler's. Check out the Moscow-Pullman Daily News article here »
The future of Steptoe Butte
You can help shape the future of one of the most iconic landmarks of the Palouse region. Read on to find out how you can make a difference. More »
Ideas on Idler's Recap
Recently, community members, neighbors, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered to share ideas, goals, and some tasty pizza to help shape the future of Idler's Rest Nature Preserve. More »
An Urban Oasis
2.17 acres of natural wetland and wildlife habitat are now permanently protected, nestled in the north end of Moscow. More »
Dave Skinner Ecological Preserve Established
Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we recently bought 62 acres of rare Palouse Prairie habitat, protecting some of the best prairie habitat left in Latah County. More »
Endangered Palouse Prairie Preserved
Your support has helped the French family of Moscow, permanently protect 21 acres of wildlife habitat and native Palouse Prairie in Latah County. Please read on to learn about the newest completed conservation project here on the Palouse. More »
Conservation in Bear Creek Canyon
Jim and Zoe Cooley are celebrating the establishment of a conservation easement to protect 99 acres of land surrounding the West Fork of Little Bear Creek outside of Troy. The property includes 4/5 of a mile of stream corridor identified as some of the most critical wild steelhead habitat in the Potlatch River system. More »
Gifts of Stock: a simple way to make a difference
Gifts of appreciated stock are an easy way to make a meaningful contribution to local land conservation while also potentially saving on capital gains taxes. More »
IRA Charitable Rollovers are Back
Make the gift of a lifetime! On December 18th, Congress renewed the Charitable IRA Rollover, allowing eligible individuals to make significant gifts to their favorite charities from their IRAs, tax-free. More »
2015 Year In Review
Take a moment to learn more about the great things you have made possible this year at the Land Trust. More »
The McCloskey Easement
A little open space to play in Elinor McCloskey donates a conservation easement adjacent to Pullman's Sunnyside Park, ensuring a place to play for future generations. More »
PLT at the Alternative Giving Market
The Palouse Land Trust is proud to be one of 32 participating charities in the 7th Annual Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse. Shop Local. Buy Local. Give Local. More »
Land Trust Achieves National Recognition
The Palouse Land Trust has achieved national recognition by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission as one of the nation’s 317 Accredited Land Trusts. More »
1.8 miles of the South Fork of the Palouse River permanently protected
What started off as one couple’s dream — to protect an incredible wildlife corridor for future generations — has now become a reality. Nearly 2 miles of the South Fork of the Palouse River has now been permanently protected by a conservation easement, forever protecting what wildlife agencies have called "some of the best remaining wildlife habitat in Whitman County.” More »
Conservation Project Profile: Idler's Rest
My first visit to Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve was on there commendation of friends who had been living in Moscow for a few years. They said it was a unique place very close to town, the perfect spot for a quick hike without driving too far, and a beautiful patch of protected old-growth cedar forest. I couldn’t pass up a recommendation like that and so I drove northeast of town on Mountainview Road until there was a fork in the road; veered right; left the farm fields behind and entered the forest at the base of Moscow Mountain. My friends were right, Idler’s Rest is a very special place. More »
The Big Year
"It all started at dinner,” Gerry Wright says with a laugh. "They were going on and on about how many bird species were native to Idaho and I was getting bored of the whole thing,so I said - I bet you can’t see all of them in a year.’” Not one to turn down a challenge, Mike Scott accepted the bet, and thus began, "The Big Year" for Mike and Sharon Scott.
The goal: see 250 species in 365 days... More »
Conservation Project Profile: Lewis Easement
Just a few miles north of Moscow, off Lewis Road lies a farm at the base of Moscow Mountain. After the owner of the farm, Joe Lewis, passed away, the land was sold to a developer who planned to rezone the land for a housing subdivision. Twice the rezoning request was denied but the new landowner kept trying. A group of concerned neighbors came together with the hopes of making sure that didn’t happen. More »
Remembering Terri Grzebielski
We were all heartbroken to hear of Terri's passing on January 10th. She was a friend of the Palouse Land Trust as well as a friend of many of our members. Her enthusiasm and strong energy drew us in and her smile was infectious. There are many stories about her deep impact on our community and we have enjoyed hearing them from all of you. Below, Charles Burke, a board member, shares one particular story about Terri that demonstrated her love of music, her commitment to this community, and her support for our work in particular. More »
Palouse Partners in Olympia
We were in Olympia last week with our partners in the Palouse River watershed for an exciting announcement. Read on to learn how we can accomplish so much more for our region when we work together. More »
Conservation Project Profile: Berman Creekside Park
In 1997 the Land Trust finished its first conservation easement on the Berman property that has now become the Berman Creekside Park as part of Moscow's Parks Department. Read about the history of this gem along Paradise Creek. More »
Thank you!
There is a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. Click here for a glimpse of what we're thankful for all year long.
A Family Shares their Stories of the Land
Recently about two dozen folks had the pleasure of hearing stories and getting a personal tour of the Stage property — land on Moscow Mountain that has been forever conserved as a working forest and wildlife habitat. Marjory Stage and her daughter, Helen Stroebel, were excited to share their stories and show us what they have been doing to ensure the property is forever kept healthy and beautiful. More »
New Land Trust office
We've moved! The Land Trust can now be found in our new office space at 312 S. Washington Street in downtown Moscow. More »
Neuman Easement in Troy
(July 23, 2013) Judy LaLonde, owner of Big Meadow Creek Alpacas in Troy, donated a conservation easement over 49 acres of her farm - permanently protecting the forest and wildlife habitat along Big Meadow Creek. Read the article from the Moscow-Pullman Daily News here. More »
Students Map Idler's Rest
Nov. 9, 2012 - We were thrilled to have students from Palouse Prairie School for Expeditionary Learning come to Idler's Rest for their expedition on Lewis and Clark. The sixth graders from Greg Miller-Pierce's class came out and mapped the trails at Idler's Rest. Check out the article in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News here.
Montgomery Farm Protected
Kay Montgomery established a conservation easement on 40 acres of farmland in Moscow. Her easement protects the farm where she and her husband raised their four daughters. More »
Section of Palouse prairie preserved under easement
Land will remain a permanent research opportunity on the diverse ecosystem
By Christina Lords, Daily News staff writer
A 160-acre parcel of property on Gormsen Butte in southwestern Latah County recently has been set aside as a part of a conservation easement to protect a local native and endangered ecosystem - a remnant of the Palouse prairie. The easement is the culmination of several years of work and is a collaborative effort between the property owners, Frank and Rebecca Hill of Moscow, the Palouse Land Trust, the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. More »
St. Maries River Easement
The Palouse Land Trust was approached in 2006 by the Emerald Creek Garnet Company and the Army Corp of Engineers. They proposed that the Palouse Land Trust accept a conservation easement on 80 acres of St. Maries river corridor after Emerald Creek had mined the stream side for garnets. The company would be required to completely restore the stream bed and banks, and would be required to permanently restrict any future development of the 80 acre property. More »
Protecting the Water Howellia
Howellia aquatilis (Water Howellia) has to be one of the strangest plants in North Idaho. This inconspicuous annual grows in vernal pools and sprouts in the fall when the pools fill up. It flowers first in the spring, underwater, and then again later in the summer in the open air after the pools have dried out. Water Howellia is a very rare plant and has a range that defies logic. It is known only from a handful of locations: Flathead Lake, Ft. Lewis, Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, and in our own back yard along the Palouse River near Harvard. The only species in its genus, taxonomists aren’t even sure it really belongs in the Campanulaceae (Bellflower) family. More »
Through the Secret Passageway to Rabbit Hills Preserve
It was only a humble hayfield, five acres of grassland bordered by windrows of interwoven trees and bushes. Yet when the DeSantis family moved next door, that field blossomed in their lives and hearts. Now, more than 3 decades later, the land has become their legacy. In an inspiring example of selflessness, they bought the land to save it. They preserved that hayfield as a green space for the community to enjoy. More »
From the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Wednesday July 10.