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TAKE A CULTURAL ECO TOUR
Preserving the Future since 1990
GILES | LUNDIN | CHRISTIAN MICHEL | PEAR TREE LLAMAS | HEART OF MIDWAY | GERTSCH | Past Projects
GILES
The Giles family has been raising cattle in the North Fields for nearly 90 years, building a deep bond with their herd, their community, and the land. Chad, the next generation, is eager to carry this legacy forward. Yet growing development pressures threaten to displace the Giles family from their cherished ranch. This project is fully funded and moving through the federal process, with the goal of closing later this year, helping ensure this family’s heritage and the North Fields’ working landscape endure for generations to come.
LUNDIN
The Lundin family has farmed in Midway since immigrating from Sweden in the 1800's. Their 119-acre property, located next to Wasatch Mountain State Park, supports cattle ranching and provides housing for hardworking families in a seven-acre trailer park. Development would displace both the families and the Lundin legacy. Securing funding for a conservation easement for this land was a hard-won achievement, demonstrating Midway's dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage and the community that depends on it. This project continues to progress, with the family and community partners steadfast in their commitment to conservation.
Christian MICHEL
Preserving the Christian Michel Property safeguards land along River Road, one Midway City's main entry corridors. Adjacent to the Albert Kohler Legacy Preserve, this 37-acre property enhances the scenic viewshed at a key gateway into town. It features alfalfa fields, pastures, and Black Angus cattle, contributing to the area's agricultural character. In addition to its agricultural value, the property provides important wildlife habitat and expands existing open space reserves. Once protected, it will remain working land, preserving Midway's agricultural heritage.
PEAR TREE LLAMAS
Pear Tree Llamas is a cherished part of the valley’s scenic beauty and agricultural heritage. For nearly 30 years, the White family has raised llamas while also leasing pasture to the Kohler family, continuing a proud tradition of working lands and shared stewardship.
Thanks to the unanimous support of Midway City and Wasatch County, $1.5 million in open space funds are dedicated to protecting this special property. Utah Open Lands is honored to uphold the White family’s legacy while safeguarding the future of community agriculture in the Heber Valley.
You can help ensure this land remains open for farming, wildlife, and generations to come. Our goal is $200,000 in community support, join us in making a lasting difference. Donate here. (link to general fund)
HEART OF THE MIDWAY
The Heart of Midway is a group of landowners with small parcels, collectively totaling over 20 acres, who have joined forces with UOL to ensure the iconic red barn view is preserved. Teaming up at this year's Volksmarch, UOL & Preserve Midway raised a total of $83k towards the protection of these properties!
GERTSCH
Laren Gertsch inherited his first 5 acres of property in the Heber Valley during the 1980s after his parents passed away. Over the years, he has slowly acquired more land and through a partnership with UOL, has committed roughly 200 acres of his land in the North Fields to be protected. Preserving his property has been a decades-long goal for Laren, and he remains committed to that vision as the community awaits UDOT’s announcement of a preferred bypass route.
HEART OF THE MIDWAY
The Albert Kohler Legacy Farm stands as a beacon of both tradition and progress in Midway, blending a cherished dairy operation with the growing agricultural tourism of Heber Valley. Situated at the entrance to Wasatch Mountain State Park, this 102-acre property is a local treasure, showcasing the area's natural beauty. Now in its fourth generation under the stewardship of the Kohler family, the farm has become a lasting emblem of Heber Valley's identity. With attractions like the Heber Valley Artisan Cheese Shop, and educational programs for school children, the farm fosters a strong bond between the community and the land. By choosing to prioritize open space over development, the Kohler family has preserved Heber Valley's rural character while ensuring their family's legacy will endure for generations.