In the 1980s, the night skies over Teton Valley were still vast and dark, with only faint glimmers of light from the small towns of Tetonia, Driggs, and Victor. But even then, local farmers, ranchers, and residents could see the changes coming. With more people moving to the area and development on the horizon, these visionaries knew the valley’s open spaces, rich habitats, and agricultural lands needed protection. In 1990, they came together to form the Teton Valley Land Trust, which later became Teton Regional Land Trust in 1997, expanding its reach and mission to safeguard this remarkable region. What started as a local effort has grown into a regional mission, now serving six counties across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to protect critical landscapes, wildlife corridors, and working lands.
35 years later, this same commitment to conservation drives our work. Thanks to our partnerships and local landowners, over 42,000 acres will remain undeveloped, protecting wetlands, wildlife habitat, and the natural beauty of rivers for generations to come. This year, continuing in the spirit of conservation, we are excited to announce that Teton Regional Land Trust is working on protecting thousands of additional acres.