Eastern Sierra Land Trust works with willing landowners to protect vital lands in the Eastern Sierra region for their scenic, agricultural, natural, recreational, historical, and watershed values.

Rich in natural beauty, home to abundant wildlife, and steeped with history, the Eastern Sierra is a magnificent and complex region.  Wildlife habitat is plentiful and diverse, supporting fisheries, migrating deer herds, and important bird flyways. Historic working farms and ranches are scenic, productive, and an integral part of our local economy.

Yet today the Eastern Sierra faces a threat. Pressures to subdivide and develop are on the rise. Productive working lands and wildlife habitat are at risk of disappearing forever.

By partnering with forward-thinking landowners, agencies, and conservation supporters like you, our team at Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) is working with our community to conserve the Eastern Sierra for the future.

Since ESLT was founded in 2001, we have built a reputation for collaboration, dedication, and perseverance. What’s more, as a nationally-accredited land trust, we hold ourselves to rigorous standards of excellence in order to uphold your trust and ensure that our conservation efforts are permanent.

Our Program Areas

Working Farms & Ranches

Helping local families protect their working lands against rising pressures to subdivide. More

Critical Habitats

Conserving and restoring safe homes for the iconic wildlife that call the Eastern Sierra home. More

Community Connections

Connecting people to nature by providing opportunities to get outside, learn, and explore. More

What does a land trust do?

Land trusts work with private landowners and the public to conserve working farms and ranches, natural areas, and cultural and biological resources for the benefit of their communities. They may acquire lands through donation or purchase; set up voluntary land protection agreements (conservation easements) with willing landowners; or mediate land trades between landowners and public agencies.

Land trusts have existed for over 100 years; today, more than 1,300 are operating in the United States. Funded primarily by charitable donations and private or government grants, land trusts across the nation have cumulatively conserved more than 56 million acres – including scenic areas, hiking trails, critical wildlife habitats, farms and ranches, and historic landmarks. Most land trusts operate locally, providing crucial land-use tools for property owners and citizens concerned with conservation on private lands.