The Otto Preserve
History of the Otto Land
Carl and Ilse Otto lived on this land in the 1950s. Carl was an inventor with diverse interests including animal husbandry. He raised German shepherd dogs and Scottish Highlander cattle. Carl worked the land and milled the timber to build the historic barns on the property, as well as the building that is now the Heritage Trust office. Ilse was a talented artist and a gold and silversmith.
Sometime after Ilse died, Carl contracted Lou Gehrig's disease and was cared for by islander Phyllis Lockwood. When Carl passed away, Phyllis inherited the Otto farm. The Lockwood family were stewards of the land until the Heritage Trust purchased the land.
Carl and Ilse Otto lived on this land in the 1950s. Carl was an inventor with diverse interests including animal husbandry. He raised German shepherd dogs and Scottish Highlander cattle. Carl worked the land and milled the timber to build the historic barns on the property, as well as the building that is now the Heritage Trust office. Ilse was a talented artist and a gold and silversmith.
Sometime after Ilse died, Carl contracted Lou Gehrig's disease and was cared for by islander Phyllis Lockwood. When Carl passed away, Phyllis inherited the Otto farm. The Lockwood family were stewards of the land until the Heritage Trust purchased the land.
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Creating the Otto Preserve The Otto Preserve was Lummi Island Heritage Trust’s first land protection project. The 70 acre property was slated to be sold and could have been developed for 23 home sites. In the year 2000, hundreds of individuals, families, organizations and businesses helped the Heritage Trust purchase the Otto farm and create the Otto Preserve. Additionally, as part of the Otto campaign, five neighboring landowners placed conservation easements on their private properties to protect another 105 acres of the surrounding landscape. In August 2005, the Heritage Trust secured an option to purchase the 17 acre Baumgart property that bordered the Otto Preserve to the north. If the Trust could raise the funds to purchase the Baumgart Woods, a generous landowner would |
donate an additional seven acres of heavily forested land along the southeastern boundary of the Preserve. The Heritage Trust successfully raised the funds and the Otto Preserve was expanded to 94 acres.
In May 2012, the Heritage Trust's Campaign to Protect the Otto Preserve Wetland, was successful in purchasing and protecting an additional 10 acres of prime wetland and forest habitat adjacent to the Otto Preserve. This acquisition protected the entire northern edge of one of the largest wetland complexes on Lummi Island, expanded the Otto Preserve to 104 acres and extended the walking trails.
Today, the Otto Preserve conserves open space, native forest, rich wetlands, and groundwater resources, and is a wildlife refuge and a place for people to experience nature. An old farm building has been renovated to house the Heritage Trust Resource Center and office. The Otto Preserve Management Plan guides our stewardship of the Preserve and ensures protection of its native habitats and natural resources, while providing low impact public access.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the Otto Preserve possible and to all who help sustain and steward the Preserve today and for future generations. Thank you!
In May 2012, the Heritage Trust's Campaign to Protect the Otto Preserve Wetland, was successful in purchasing and protecting an additional 10 acres of prime wetland and forest habitat adjacent to the Otto Preserve. This acquisition protected the entire northern edge of one of the largest wetland complexes on Lummi Island, expanded the Otto Preserve to 104 acres and extended the walking trails.
Today, the Otto Preserve conserves open space, native forest, rich wetlands, and groundwater resources, and is a wildlife refuge and a place for people to experience nature. An old farm building has been renovated to house the Heritage Trust Resource Center and office. The Otto Preserve Management Plan guides our stewardship of the Preserve and ensures protection of its native habitats and natural resources, while providing low impact public access.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the Otto Preserve possible and to all who help sustain and steward the Preserve today and for future generations. Thank you!
Otto Preserve and Heritage Trust Resource Center – 3560 Sunrise Road. The trailhead is beyond the parking lot. A trail map is posted in the kiosk. The main Loop Trail is a lovely walk through mature forest and is well protected in light rains due to many sheltering trees. The Loop Trail, together with the Baumgart Woods and Walden Walk side trails, are an easy 1.4 mile walk. |