The Minnesota Land Trust is rooted in a strong tradition of the land trust movement that began in Massachusetts in 1891 and now stretches across the country.

In 1991, a group of Minnesota citizens committed to maintaining the rural character of their community formed the Washington County Land Trust, Minnesota's first land trust.

By 1993, responding to the interest from citizens throughout the state, the Washington County Land Trust expanded its vision and mission, becoming the Minnesota Land Trust and offering its services to the entire state.

Since its earliest days, the organization has remained true to its mission, working diligently throughout the state for permanent land protection.

Minnesota Land Trust's Founding Board: Standing left to right: Jane Harper, John Baird, Steve DeLapp, Jean Hamm, Dennis Atchison, Jim Erkel. Seated left to right: Sam Morgan and Bob Binger. Not pictured: David Hartwell and Lee Ronning.