Listening to the Land: Management Decision-Making with Consideration to People, Plants and Animals

Have you ever wondered how we decide what to do with a property once we’ve protected it?

From the moment a property is protected, there are important decisions to make: Which habitats and species need special consideration? Where should a trail guide people through the scenic landscape, and where should we limit access? And how do we respond when conditions at a preserve change?

Watch this video for a behind-the-scenes discussion with GTRLC’s land stewardship team—Chris Garrock, Angie Bouma and Steve Lagerquist—moderated by Vivian La, IPR’s climate solutions reporter. The conversation explores how we balance recreational access with wildlife protection, restore ecosystems and adapt to challenges along the way.

Using examples from the Ridge and beyond, GTRLC land stewards illustrate how thoughtful, flexible management can help people, plants and animals in our region thrive together.