Partner Spotlight: Chelan Douglas Land Trust
Protecting the Lands That Help Us Thrive
The landscapes of North Central Washington are more than just a beautiful backdrop—they are a vital foundation for community and individual wellbeing. Having access to a thriving natural world shapes our daily lives, our sense of place, and the legacy we leave behind.
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) is a local non-profit membership organization that relies upon the community's support to preserve and care for the lands in Chelan and Douglas counties that help make North Central Washington a place of beauty, resilience, and connection. For 40 years, CDLT has been working to safeguard these cherished spaces so that our communities, wildlife, and ecosystems have the ability to thrive for generations to come. By working collaboratively with private landowners and local communities, CDLT ensures that conservation efforts are voluntary, incentive-based, and built on shared values. Their efforts span across land protection, education and outreach, stewardship, and trail development.
Community-Driven Conservation
What makes CDLT’s work truly remarkable is how it brings people together. Conservation isn’t just about land—it’s about community. Volunteers, donors, and local advocates help make this work possible, proving that when we come together with a shared vision, we can create lasting change.
By bringing community members, landowners, and partner organizations together, CDLT is also working to ensure that everyone—regardless of background—can enjoy the benefits of a thriving natural world. Recognizing that nature should be a place of belonging for all, they are committed offering events in both Spanish and English and creating programs that go beyond physical health to support mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. By providing diverse educational opportunities and ensuring that outdoor spaces reflect the needs of the whole community, they are fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world—one that is inclusive, meaningful, and ever-evolving.
Celebrating 40 Years of Conservation
This year, CDLT is celebrating 40 years of protecting the land and water that make North Central Washington special. To mark this milestone, they recently launched 40 for 40—an initiative that will feature 40 articles in The Wenatchee World, highlighting outings you can enjoy on the many properties it has helped protect as well as 40 free events.
One of the featured, recurring events is Hike for Health, a bilingual, 8-month series of Saturday morning outings that will take you to different areas in North Central Washington where you can connect to nature.
Thriving Together NCW is excited to support another series included in the 40 for 40 celebration, titled Mindful Mondays, that will utilize outdoor spaces to promote the psychological and physical benefits of nature. This holistic approach to wellbeing features beginner friendly mindfulness techniques with sessions being offered in both English and Spanish.
Get Involved!
We all have a role to play in protecting and nurturing our natural world. Whether it’s by supporting local conservation efforts, participating in restoration projects, or simply spending time in nature and sharing its value with others, each of us can help contribute to a more resilient and connected North Central Washington.
Learn about how you can participate in volunteer opportunities, donate to help protect the lands you love, or simply learn more about CDLT by visiting their website. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore upcoming events on their calendar!