Mud Creek- 238 acres
Local landowners Don & Anne Marie Schwerin have donated a conservation easement on their 238-acre farm near Walla Walla to Blue Mountain Land Trust to ensure the permanent protection and stewardship of their agricultural land and wildlife habitat.
The Schwerin’s farm, which has belonged to the family for more than 80 years, is in an area of highly productive soils and currently produces wheat. In the past peas, garbanzos, canola, alfalfa and grass seed have also been grown on the land. Two forks of Mud Creek on the property provide valuable wildlife habitat with nearly a half mile of stream and approximately 80 acres of associated wildlife habitat.
Because the farm is on the outskirts of Walla Walla, it was a candidate for possible subdivision and development in the future. The conservation easement permanently protects these productive agricultural lands and wildlife habitat.
“Voluntary efforts to protect the rich resources of our area by private individuals like the Schwerins benefits the entire community and preserves the quality of life we all enjoy and value,” said Tom Dwonch, BMLT executive director. “The conservation easement tool is wonderful because it provides the protection the landowners desire while keeping the land in private ownership. The rich agricultural soils continue to grow crops and important wildlife habitat remains intact. Blue Mountain Land Trust is proud to partner with the Schwerins to protect their beautiful farm.”