Located on the western edge Minnesota, the Minnesota Land Trust moraine region stretches from Willmar nearly up to Bemidji.
Formed by the debris left behind by retreating glaciers, the moraines within this area take the form of rolling hills interspersed with lakes. One of the most famous examples of these beautiful hills is Inspiration Peak, which is located just northwest of Alexandria. Inspiration Peak rises to 1,750 feet (400 feet above the surrounding landscape), making it one of the highest points in Otter Tail County. Sinclair Lewis once wrote of Inspiration Peak “…there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
The area is also an important migratory flyway, with a diversity of native prairie, pothole lakes, and woodlands. Trumpeter swans, red-shouldered hawks, and cerulean warblers rely on this habitat. Sections of the moraine region have been classified as Important Bird Areas by Audubon, and the Land Trust works closely with them to protect and restore important areas for migratory birds.
As Central Minnesota has grown, and cities like Alexandria have expanded outward, natural lands that so many have used for recreation and hunting have begun to feel the pressures of development. Fortunately, a partnership of local residents and organizations has come together to protect the last remaining open areas. Recently Don Eggers and his family [...]
Kenny Klehr has been hunting on the same piece of land his family owns on the Sauk River in Central Minnesota ever since he was boy. His grandson, now 15, started going along to the deer stands when “he was just a tyke,” said Kenny Klehr’s wife, Judy Klehr. “He’s grown up with it.” Now, [...]
Otter Tail County is thriving, and with that increased population has come expanded development — some of which has begun to affect previously natural lands and waters. Fortunately, conservation-minded individuals in the area have stepped up to protect the resources we all rely on. Recently Theresa and Bob Harris worked with the Minnesota Land Trust [...]
As Otter Tail County grows, development has begun to encroach on formerly natural areas, impacting wildlife habitat and water quality. Fortunately, conservation-minded individuals have stepped up around the region to protect the lands and waters we all rely on. Recently Jeffrey and Heidi Samuelson worked with the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve in perpetuity their [...]
As the city of Cold Spring has grown, development has come with it, chipping away at the natural lands surrounding the city that so many have used for recreation and hunting. In spite of this changing landscape, local residents Elaine and Frank Lindell are determined to preserve the way of life they have enjoyed on [...]
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