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Honoring 20 years of prairie conservation and partnership

Colvin Ranch Day took place this past Sunday, bringing together community members, conservation partners, and local leaders for a celebration of working lands and 20 years of prairie protection. The event featured ranch tours, wildflower walks, food, and live music—offering a full day of appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of the South Sound.

The day began with remarks from Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier, who acknowledged the ancestral lands of the Coastal Salish people and emphasized the ecological importance of native prairie ecosystems. He noted that less than 3% of South Sound prairies remain and recognized the continued commitment of landowners, tribal communities, and conservation organizations. The Thurston County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed May as Prairie Appreciation Month in honor of these irreplaceable landscapes.

A conservation presentation and award ceremony took place at 11:30 a.m., led by David Rose, Acting State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Rose spoke about NRCS’s ongoing work to support private landowners through voluntary conservation programs. Fred Colvin reflected on his family’s decision to place a conservation easement on the ranch 20 years ago, sharing memories of his father’s vision and the critical role of partners like Jeff Sotek in making it a reality.

Jennifer and Eric Colvin, who now lead the ranch’s stewardship efforts, shared their approach to land management, including a grazing plan that benefits both cattle and native species. Jennifer expressed gratitude to the many nonprofit, county, state, and federal partners who support their work and presented the first-ever Colvin Ranch Partner Conservation Award to Marty Chaney, honoring her two decades of collaboration.

The day concluded with time to enjoy the landscape through guided wildflower walks and ranch tours, alongside local food and live music. The event served as a celebration of community-led conservation and the long-standing partnerships that make it possible to protect South Sound’s prairie legacy.

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