Don Nelson grew up in south
Minne
a
polis,
not very far from Minnehaha Creek. The city’s vast network of parkland, accessible lakes and its fabled creek nurtured in him a love of the outdoors. In the years that followed, Nelson purchased an old dairy farm, and started planting trees – about 25,000 by the time he was finished. Nelson promised himself he would preserve the land for wildlife and for the enjoyment of future generations. In December, Nelson made good on that promise – protecting over 200 acres near Silver Creek with a conservation easement held by the Minnesota Land Trust.
Nelson’s land includes important natural habitats that have been identified in the State’s Wildlife Action Plan. Lying close to two existing Wildlife Management Areas and to another site previously protected by the Land Trust, this land creates a larger complex of habitat. The conservation easement held by the Minnesota Land Trust ensures that it will continue to serve as wildlife habitat while enhancing the water quality of Silver Creek.
When asked what motivated his efforts Nelson responded “This has been a labor of love—love of the land and my desire to leave it in better shape than I found it.”
“Working with Mr. Nelson has been an honor
,
” said Kris William Larson, executive director of MLT. “This project demonstrates the important role that private landowners play in protecting our remaining natural areas. It’s a story that can be repeated throughout the State. Working on a voluntary basis with landowners and using conservation easements creates a win-win for the people of
Minnesota
and for nature.”
