Welcome to Jefferson Land Trust

Jefferson Land Trust is a private, non-profit, grass-roots organization. Our mission is to help the community preserve open space, working lands and habitat in Jefferson County on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

Learn more about us and the properties we are protecting now and forever, and take a look at our conservation videos.

Land Trust Protecting Important Salmon Habitat on Chimacum Creek Over 1,600 feet of stream channel in the lower reaches of Chimacum Creek, and nearly nine acres of mature surrounding forests are now permanently protected for future generations by Jefferson Land Trust. The stream channel provides important habitat for adult and juvenile salmon, and the surrounding native forest helps keep the stream clear and cool. Chimacum Creek is home to coho salmon, which spawn in the upper reaches of the watershed and spend a year as juveniles before going out to sea, and is home to the endangered summer chum salmon, which spawn in the lower sections. This acquisition was made possible by the vision of the previous landowners, and a competitive grant through the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Most of the newly protected area was owned by ... more »

Farmland Preservation Grant Awarded for FinnRiver Farm Jefferson Land Trust has spearheaded a successful effort to apply for a $203,500 Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Preservation grant awarded to project lead Jefferson County. This grant will help buy a conservation easement on FinnRiver Farm in Chimacum. FinnRiver, a 33-acre organic farm, is regionally known for its berries and vegetables. Farm owners have planted more than 900 apple and pear trees and are in the process of establishing an artisan-scale winery and cider production facility. The farm’s conservation values include prime agricultural soils, about one-quarter mile of Chimacum Creek, scenic vistas, and habitat for salmon, beaver, trumpeter swans, bear, eagles, hawks, and many other animals. The conservation easement to be purchased with gra ... more »

We're Accredited! Jefferson Land Trust Earns National Recognition The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced on Aug. 5, 2009, that Jefferson Land Trust has been awarded accredited status. "Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever," said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. "The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land." Jefferson Land Trust joins the 6% of all land trusts that are accredited. Accredited land trusts are able to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence ... more »