Ellis Ranch Conservation Easement

Lopez Island

Year Protected: 1985, 1996

Land Protected: 329.5 acres

Public Benefits: Agricultural lands, scenic views

In 1985, Fred and Marilyn Ellis placed a conservation easement on a 313-acre working ranch in Lopez Island’s Port Stanley area to protect the active, productive wetlands and to ensure that its open fields remain undeveloped and available for agricultural purposes in perpetuity.

Today there are several commercial family farmers stewarding the property: the “Ellis Ranch” is now home to Sweetgrass Farm, Horse Drawn Farms, and T&D Farms.

All of these family farmers are caring for the land in keeping with the Ellis’ original vision, and are some of the most productive and successful farms in San Juan County.