Land trusts are local, regional, or statewide non-profit organizations directly involved in protecting important land resources for the public benefit.

 

America’s nearly 900 land trusts have protected over 2 million acres. These include farms, wetlands, wildlife habitat, urban gardens and parks, forests, ranches, watersheds, coastlines, river corridors, and trails.

 

Land trusts protect land permanently and directly. They accept donations of properties, buy land, or help six active land trust organizations in Idaho.

 

Mission Statement

The Southern Idaho Land Trust, Inc. is a private non-profit organization, managed by local residents, whose mission is to provide landowners with voluntary opportunities to preserve and protect lands for the future.

 

It is specifically designed to meet the needs of Idaho citizens who care about Idaho’s lands and are interested in good land stewardship, while preserving natural resources and maintaining quality of life.

 

Demographics

Year Founded 1996 Land Trust Alliance Member since 1996 Adopted Standards & Practices Number of full time staff 1/2 Number of supporters 45 Primary Land Types Historic or Cultural Resources Important natural area or wildlife habitat Open Space Unspecified

 

Thousand Springs Festival

 

The Thousand Springs Festival is the main fundraiser for the Southern Idaho Land Trust. It is always held on Ritter Island in western Magic Valley during the last weekend in September.

The festival began in 1992 with the caretakers of Ritter Island at the time, Chris and Mike O’Brien. They used it as a fundraiser to help maintain the facilities on the island, which includes the largest intact springs along the Middle Snake River. In 2006, the 300-acre Ritter Island became the latest addition to the Idaho State Parks and Recreations system.

Considered one of the most fun and prestigious events in southern Idaho, the Thousand Springs Festival includes a juried arts-and-crafts show of about 70 artisans, music of all kinds, and foods and drink that showcase the some of the best of southern Idaho cuisine. On average, some 3,000 people visit the show during the weekend, and there are about 150 people from around the Magic Valley who volunteer each year to make it a continuing success.