Preservation often begins with appreciation. By helping people experience the land in meaningful ways, the Ogden Valley Land Trust encourages a deeper understanding of what makes our valley special and why protecting its future matters. Established in 1998, OVLT is a local nonprofit that works to protect the natural diversity and beauty of the valley for present and future generations.
More than 9,000 acres across Ogden Valley have been placed in conservation easements, helping protect the open spaces, agricultural lands, and natural landscapes that give the valley its unique character.
Through voluntary conservation easements, the organization helps landowners preserve significant open spaces while retaining ownership of their property. These agreements can protect land with agricultural, scenic, wildlife, recreational, and watershed importance.
At the historic Huntsville Monastery, OVLT held an unforgettable experience called In a Landscape. As pianist Hunter Noack performed on the monastery grounds, guests were invited to experience music and nature as one. The evening inspired appreciation for the land and the importance of protecting it.
The Huntsville Monastery is a meaningful example of what conservation can accomplish. The iconic 1,050-acre property carries a history of farming, ranching, and community life. In 2022, a permanent conservation easement was completed, protecting the property from future development.
The land’s value extends far beyond its history. Its agricultural fields and surrounding habitat contribute to wildlife corridors, watershed health, and the rural landscape that gives the area its character.
Events such as In a Landscape invite people into these spaces and encourage a deeper understanding of why preservation matters. Through music, education, and shared experiences, conservation becomes something people can physically take part in.
The monastery is just one example of the landscapes protected through the hard work and dedication of volunteers at OVLT.
The Jensen-Fowers Farm, with its iconic white barn and scenic setting, is one of the organization’s earliest conservation easements and remains a beloved seasonal destination for picking flowers and pumpkins in the fall.
Another recent addition is the approximately 100-acre Rounkles property, located just behind The Oaks restaurant in Ogden Canyon. With its recognizable location and expansive wilderness, the property has drawn renewed attention to the importance of preserving our remaining open spaces.
These places represent more than individual parcels of land. Together, they form a larger landscape that connects the valley’s agricultural heritage, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty—qualities that could be lost to future development.
Preservation is not accomplished by one person or organization alone. It requires collaboration, informed decisions, and a shared commitment to considering what Ogden Valley can offer future generations. Protecting the land begins with recognizing its value and choosing to carry that responsibility forward.
Through its ongoing work, the Ogden Valley Land Trust invites the community to look beyond the scenery, understand its value, and take part in protecting it.
OGDEN VALLEY LAND TRUST
Preservation. Protection. Stewardship.
Established in 1998, Ogden Valley Land Trust is a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting the natural diversity and beauty of Ogden Valley for present and future generations.
Through voluntary conservation easements, OVLT works to protect open spaces while allowing landowners to retain ownership of their property. These agreements help preserve agricultural land, wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes, watersheds, and other natural areas.
To date, more than 9,000 acres throughout the valley have been placed in conservation easements through the organization’s efforts. From the iconic Huntsville Monastery to Jensen-Fowers Farm off Highway 39 and the newest addition, Rounkles Ogden Canyon Conservancy, these protected lands represent pieces of the valley’s agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and open space.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Preservation is a community effort. Residents can support Ogden Valley Land Trust by attending events, making donations, and sharing the news on social media. Know someone who may be interested? Help connect the organization with landowners who may be curious about conservation.
Learn more:
Ogden Valley Land Trust
ogdenvalleylandtrust.org
(801) 971-1852
ogdenvalleylandtrust@gmail.com
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"What makes Ogden Valley special is its open space—the very reason so many people choose to live, work, and build a life here.” -Lisa Karam