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We would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors. Without their contributions and support, Ogden Valley Land Trust could not accomplish the important work of protecting and conserving open space. We look forward to working with them throughout 2024, and beyond.

LOOKING BACK ON
A YEAR OF GRATITUDE AND GROWTH

- Message from our Chair, Scott Murri

Dear friends and neighbors,

2023 was a remarkable year at Ogden Valley Land Trust, I am honored to share with you the incredible strides we've made, thanks to your unwavering support. As the Chair of this organization, I am proud to report that your generosity has fueled our mission to preserve the natural beauty of Ogden Valley for generations to come.

Preserving Our Treasures: Throughout the past year, we've been hard at work safeguarding the pristine landscapes that make Ogden Valley truly special. Thanks to your contributions, we have continued discussions with several landowners working to protect critical habitat, ensuring that the unique flora and fauna that call our valley home will thrive undisturbed. Two easements that have been completed since our last newsletter are:

• The Monastery Easement - Much of the land historically known as the Monastery, The Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity, has been preserved and protected.  Ogden Valley Land Trust participated with Summit Land Conservancy in securing a much anticipated and long worked-on easement covering 1,050 acres of the former Trappist Monastery.  This Monastery, and the surrounding land, has blessed this valley for decades and will now continue to bless this valley for decades to come.  A huge thank you goes out to the landowners, Bill and Alane White and Winston and Charlene Wangsgard, and to those financial donors that helped make this happen.

  
  

• Graham Farm Easement – Dan Harris, the landowner of the Graham Farm, graciously donated a conservation easement covering his 8.71-acre Graham Family Farm, on the shore of Pineview Reservoir, as a legacy gift from his family to this valley.  Dan’s forebearers have been in the valley for generations. Their love of the valley and commitment to a quiet, peaceful way of life was the basis for their gift for all to enjoy. Thank you, Dan.

Community Engagement and Education: Our commitment to fostering a deeper connection between the community and the environment remains steadfast. Ogden Valley Land Trust has hosted a series of engaging events, workshops, and educational programs. These initiatives not only empower residents and visitors with knowledge about the local ecosystem but also inspire a shared responsibility to protect and cherish our natural wonders.

Collaboration and Partnerships: We believe in the power of collaboration, and this year has seen fruitful partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and other conservation organizations. By working together, we amplify our impact, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient Ogden Valley for years to come.

Ogden Valley Land Trust is filled with optimism and determination. With your continued support, we aspire to accomplish even more in terms of land conservation, community engagement, and environmental education. The challenges we face are significant, but with your partnership, we are confident in our ability to overcome them.

Expressing Our Gratitude: In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued belief in our mission. Your donations, time, and advocacy are the lifeblood of the Ogden Valley Land Trust. Together, we are writing a legacy of conservation and stewardship that will be celebrated for generations.

Photos courtesy: Arthur Hitchcock for IN A LANDSCAPE

LAST YEAR’S EVENT WAS
OUR LARGEST FUNDRAISER EVER

On July 29, 2023, we held hosted our largest fundraiser ever at the beautiful

Huntsville Monastery. The Monastery represents 1,050 acres that we were able to protect in partnership with accredited land trust Summit Land Conservancy.

It was a beautiful and successful event, headlined by classical pianist Hunter Noack, IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild. While Hunter played, guests wearing wireless headphones and are able to explore the landscape, wander through the surrounding meadows and wooded areas on this stunning property.

The dollars donated to the land trust for our fundraising event helps the land trust work with owners to save land. The money raised at our fundraising events helps the land trust with expenses related to the pursuit and acquisition of new conservation easements and the significant challenges of stewardship for our existing easements.

We are most grateful to IN A LANDSCAPE, and our generous sponsors from last year: Snowbasin, America First Credit Union, Kühl, Monastery Landowner Bill White, Weber County Tourism Works, Cardon Farms, Compass Rose Lodge, Henderson Family Trust, Langford Farm, Kyrgies, Mountain Luxury Real Estate and Lodging, Coldwell Banker Realty, Ashlie Roe Team Crosscountry Mortgage, Bank of Utah, Roosters Brewing Co. Zions Bank, Two Rivers Ranch, Janet Wampler and Manuel Prieto.

We are proud to welcome new board members Chad Booth as our new Vice Chair, Angelika Spaey, as our new Secretary, Pam Kramer and Doug Childs. We’re excited for their new input and energy.

We would also like to extend our deep thanks to outgoing board members Johanna Droubay, Gary Jensen, John Loomis, and John Henderson for their dedication and support.

Each member of our all-volunteer board gives generously of their time and talents, which is so important to the success of our mission.

SUCCESS STORY

We are very proud to have been represented in a recent story published USDA.

An Agricultural Tradition Continues on Historic Site of Huntsville Monastery

Published by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
November 2, 2023

[ Below is an excerpt from the November 2023 story.
To read the full article, please visit the USDA Site. ]

One year after the 1,050-acre conservation easement was finalized, this agricultural land continues to produce a connection to its community.

Tucked away in the scenic Ogden Valley, rows of pumpkins dot the 30 acres of Saint Stephen’s Field, named by the Trappist monks who farmed the land for more than 75 years. It’s a history now preserved across 1,050 acres thanks to an $8.8 million conservation easement secured through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

“It is a true honor to have been a part of protecting this agricultural land,” shared Emily Fife, NRCS State Conservationist for Utah, “Together, we are protecting open space and land that provides agricultural production, historic preservation, and wildlife habitat.”

WE HAVE LAUNCHED ON INSTAGRAM

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HERE ARE SOME RECENT PHOTOS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL VALLEY

For your pleasure.

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THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS