Wallowa Land Trust expands capacity to protect “rural nature” of Northeast Oregon
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ENTERPRISE – (Release from Wallowa Land Trust) Wallowa Land Trust (WLT) is entering a bold new chapter of growth, announcing a significant expansion of its internal team thanks to a series of major grants. The funding allows the Enterprise-based nonprofit to hire two key staff members, a move designed to fulfill its mission of protecting the rural nature of Wallowa County through cooperative partnerships.
Strengthening the Team
The organization recently welcomed Susan Christensen as Development Director and Althea Walker as Indigenous Community Liaison.
- Susan Christensen brings over 30 years of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership. In her new role, she will focus on the “Sustain” pillar of the Trust’s strategic plan—securing the diversified funding and organizational health necessary to protect the region’s working landscapes for generations to come.
- Althea Walker (Nez Perce, Hopi, and Gila River) serves as the Indigenous Community Liaison. With a Master of Science in Environmental Technology Management and a deep personal connection to the Wallowa Valley, Althea is tasked with building respectful, reciprocal relationships. Her work centers on weaving together traditional ecological knowledge and conservation science to ensure land stewardship is culturally grounded and community-led.
Fueling a Shared Vision
This surge in capacity was made possible by several high-profile grants, including critical support from the Land Trust Alliance for the Liaison position and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which awarded $204,000 to support development staff.
These investments directly support WLT’s vision of a future where natural ecosystems flourish alongside farms, ranches, and working forests. By increasing staff, the Trust is better equipped to meet its goal of creating a “mosaic of connected habitats” across the county.
A Legacy of Conservation
Since its founding in 2004, Wallowa Land Trust has been a steady guardian of a landscape. To date, the Trust has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 3,254 Acres permanently protected through thirteen conservation projects.
- 2,607 Acres of the iconic East Moraine of Wallowa Lake secured (over 80% of the moraine).
Looking Ahead: “Keep It Rural!”
As the Trust grapples with complex questions of equity and adaptation to change, this new staff capacity ensures they can move faster on time-sensitive land deals and provide robust support for private landowners. From the peaks of the Wallowas to the depths of Hells Canyon, Wallowa Land Trust remains dedicated to one central message: Keep It Rural!
