Polar Explorer Ann Bancroft Protects Her Washington County Property Forever

The thing about explorers is they always come home... Legendary polar explorer Ann Bancroft partnered with the Minnesota Land Trust and Washington County to permanently protect over 100 acres, including her home near the St. Croix River, to ensure the land would always remain intact for wildlife, water, and future generations. According to Ann, "When I think about having achieved preserving this property forever it makes me immensely happy that it's always going to be here, doing it's thing... There's no downside to protecting your land. Call them up and start the talk." People protect their land for all kinds of reasons: To protect wildlife, water, and natural habitat To ensure a place they love doesn't become divided and developed To help with succession planning For financial benefits To leave a positive legacy on the land Want to start the talk today about protecting your property? The Minnesota Land Trust is seeking qualifying properties of 30 acres or more in Washington County and the broader Twin Cities metro region, and 40 acres or more throughout greater Minnesota. Find out more about our grant-funded land protection programs that help you legally protect your land while you maintain ownership of your property. Visit https://mnland.org/wash or https://mnland.org/metro to learn more about these protection programs, find out if your property could qualify, and start the conversation. This protection project was made possible with funding from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature and recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources and facilitated by the DNR Scenic and Natural Areas grant program. Funding was also provided by the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program, a voter-approved bond referendum for the preservation of water quality, woodlands, and other natural areas.