Forested wetlands at Carlson Preserve.Capitol Land Trust (CLT) is an organization powered by the good will and generosity of others. Over the years, we have received incredible support from people in the communities where we operate. A recent land donation from Tim and Judy Carlson is another instance of generosity and support that validates an important truth: people value conserving land.
“We were aware of CLT’s work because of Darlin Creek Preserve and the Edwards Conservation Easement, both of which are right next to our place,” says Tim Carlson. “We were talking with a friend one day about what to do with our property. We appreciate open spaces and the idea of donating it for conservation just seemed like the right idea.”
- Aerial view of Carlson Preserve.
“I’m always humbled and grateful for people like Tim and Judy,” says CLT Conservation Director Laurence Reeves. “They reached out to us with this gift because conservation is a priority for them and they trust that we will conserve and steward their property in perpetuity. It’s nice to know that our success inspires others.”
The property, now called Carlson Preserve, is five acres of forested freshwater wetland. Though comparatively small, it has important features that make it ideal for conservation. The parcel is heavily forested with redcedar, black cottonwood, Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees and the 500 feet of Dempsey Creek that flows through it is known to be a spawning site for coho salmon.
“We’ve owned this property since 1975,” says Tim. “It will be nice to know that it will look the same as it has well into the future.”
Carlson Preserve is an exciting addition to our portfolio of conserved properties because it aligns with a crucial element of our strategy: to “create larger, contiguous blocks of land for habitat conservation and climate change resilience.” Carlson Preserve directly abuts Darlin Creek Preserve and the Edwards Conservation Easement. The three properties combined now make an uninterrupted conservation area totaling 367 acres.
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- Carlson Preserve and nearby Edwards easement and Darlin Creek Preserve.
Reeves says, “When people donate their land for conservation, they make a significant and permanent difference to the health of our lands, waters and biodiversity.”