Searching far and wide, you would have a hard time finding anyone more passionate about land trust conservation than Anne Kroeker and Richard Leeds.
Anne and Richard both hail originally from the east coast, and were drawn to Washington through careers in the tech industry. Once they were here, however, Richard says that they “fell in love with a place that had old growth trees, native fish, unique arts and culture, and untamed wilderness.”
Due to a love of being outdoors in their newly adopted state, they developed a passion for coastal habitat. Inspired, they started up a relationship with Grays Harbor Audubon Society in order to purchase land around Grays Harbor in partnership. As they got out on the ground, they started thinking differently – How much space does a bear need? How much for a heron roost?
Private land conservation is now a passion for them both, and they have become statewide and national leaders in the land trust movement, as key supporters of WALT and as members of the Land Trust Alliance’s National Council.
“Privately saving land for the public good is a profound thing” explains Anne. “Doing something for the greater good – not just your family, your friends, your neighbors – it feels great!”
Since their start in the land trust world in the late 90s, Anne and Richard have seen Washington’s land trust community evolve.
“Land trust accreditation has really floated all boats,” says Anne.
“The quality of land conservation has gone way up,” adds Richard in agreement. “The tools that are at land trusts’ disposal have really improved. And political support for land trusts – whether for Columbia Land Trust, Forterra, Chehalis River Basin Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited – has grown tremendously.”
Anne and Richard are big supporters of land trusts across the state. But they’re also staunch supporters of the Washington Association of Land Trusts.
“There are so many issues that all land trusts face,” Richard explains, “like invasives, floodplain protection, climate change. A group like WALT is an opportunity for consistency and to work together on initiatives.”
“When it comes to the legislature, WALT plays a key role,” adds Anne. “There can be a consistent message. Land trusts need to be building relationships with their legislators and building awareness, and WALT can help.”
For anyone considering joining them in supporting WALT, Anne and Richard have strong words of encouragement.
“If you like the work your local land trust is doing, you need to support WALT!” says Anne. “Creatures’ habitats don’t stop at borders. If you want to protect our wildlife, it’s not up to just one individual land trust – you need to protect the whole state. Through WALT, we’re supporting that statewide network of success.”
“It’s a cliché, but, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” says Richard.
Washington is lucky to call Anne Kroeker and Richard Leeds our own. From their pioneering work to encourage all Washington land trusts to become accredited, to their commitment to estuary preservation, blue carbon, and sustainable forest management, they’re truly leaders in the land trust movement.
We hope you’ll join them in supporting the Washington Association of Land Trusts. Become a member today!