The Olson Family of Deary, donated their 530-acre property to the Palouse Land Trust (PLT), a property that has been cared for for the last three generations dating back 125 years. The Olson Family, wanting to protect the property from development pressure, partnered with PLT to ensure that the property will be stewarded for the benefit of wildlife and landscape conservation in perpetuity. There are many species that thrive on the property including bears, cougars, elk, moose, mule deer, native fish, and a diversity of birds and insects.
Palouse Land Trust is committed to a long-term management plan of the property that honors the wishes of the Olson Family - to protect wildlife habitat, clean waters, open space, and working forest while creating opportunities to share the space with the community as a whole. The Olson Family Conservation Preserve will be managed primarily for wildlife habitat and conservation, however PLT is excited to fulfill the Olson Family’s vision of sharing the space in a “light on the land” manner. Palouse Land Trust is exploring opportunities for non-motorized public-access trails and amenities that will allow the Deary community and other visitors to enjoy the property in gentle, quiet ways that will not adversely affect wildlife.
Please take the following survey to help PLT take the next step at visioning the Olson Family Conservation Preserve with the community in mind! The survey is short, and should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until March 31, 2026. Palouse Land Trust will host a Community Meet and Greet on April 8, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Deary Community Center.
If you have any questions or would like to reach out about the Olson Family Conservation Preserve, please contact Craig Malone, Community Lands Steward (craig@palouselandtrust.org; 208-596-4496). Thank you for your time and insights!