LaSalle Family Natural Area

“I never really thought of this place as my land,” said Amanda LaSalle as she sat next to her husband, Bill, in the kitchen of the home they have shared for more than 30 years.

The log cabin-style house stands in the woods on a bluff overlooking Cedar Creek in northern Allen County. Outside the LaSalle kitchen window, a half dozen goldfinches cling to a bird feeder, enjoying the warmth of a sunny September afternoon. Amanda explained that the land has never felt like a possession to be sold or developed: “I always felt it should be exactly the way it is.”

In planning their estate, the couple wanted to ensure the land would keep its natural integrity, so they reached out to ACRES to donate their property for permanent protection. The newly-protected LaSalle Family Natural Area preserves 75 acres of woodland along Cedar Creek. Funding to cover closing costs and administrative expenses associated with this project was provided by the Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation.

This land is part of the Cedar Creek Corridor, the largest forested corridor remaining in the county. Carved by glaciers, the area’s topography defies what is typical in this region known for its flat farmland. Steep ravines cut through the forest, and much of Cedar Creek flows through a canyon that averages 82 feet in depth.

As one of ACRES 10 priority areas*, the Corridor encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of permanently protected land, with ACRES alone protecting nearly 1,240 acres. Stewardship Director Evan Hill explained that protecting contiguous high-quality natural areas is extremely important in maintaining a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

“These larger areas offer a mosaic of plant communities, and as such, the Cedar Creek Corridor boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity within all of Allen County,” Hill said.

Hill looks forward to sending a botanist to the property to survey the present plant species.

“Given its proximity to a few known populations of state rare, threatened and endangered species, we suspect our planned botanical inventories will turn up a few of these species as well,” he said.

A CONNECTION TO THE LAND

The LaSalles’ connection to the land goes back to the 1950s when Amanda’s aunt and uncle, Connie and Howard Weikart first moved to the area. Amanda and her brothers had enjoyed
visiting as children.

In the late 1970s, Amanda and Bill started buying property from the Weikarts and later built their home on the land. For the last three decades, Bill, an orthopedic surgeon, and Amanda, a ballet teacher, have enjoyed being surrounded by nature.

The couple enjoys hiking and identifying woodland wildflowers, like the yellow lady’s slipper Amanda found growing on a steep hillside.

“I love the woods. It’s nice and quiet, and you see a lot of wildlife,” said Bill, an avid bowhunter. Besides deer, they’ve spotted families of turkeys, plenty of groundhogs and sometimes, a fox.

A variety of birds visit their feeders, including the pileated woodpecker. Migrating birds also stop by, including the rose-breasted grosbeak and scarlet tanager.

The landscape inspired Amanda’s maternal grandfather, artist Ole Sundsmo. Several of his watercolors of Cedar Creek hang in their home. One special piece depicting a rocky bluff above the creek was painted long before Amanda and Bill built their home on that exact spot.

PROTECTING LAND WITH ACRES

Preserving natural areas and farmland is important to the LaSalles, especially amid the rapid development that continues to transform the surrounding area.

“We saw the development going on out here,” Amanda said. “This would be prime development land. We didn’t want to see that happen.”

They learned about ACRES conservation work from a neighbor who also intends to protect their land with the nonprofit. Knowing the natural area won’t be sold or developed gives them peace of mind. Their children and extended family members share their enthusiasm about the donation.

As part of their donation agreement, the LaSalles will continue to live on the property and retain land use rights. (The LaSalle Family Natural Area is closed to the public.)

Hill said working with land donors like the LaSalles is one of the best parts of his job.

“Getting to experience the property with the donors and seeing how much it means to them is special. Being entrusted with the property is an honor, and we all look forward to stewarding the property for years to come,” he said.

The LaSalles hope their story will inspire others to consider protecting their land with ACRES.

“If you live or own property within an ACRES priority area, there is a chance you might have something pretty special,” Hill said. “Donating a property anywhere within the ACRES service area is extremely generous, and we understand this may not be an option for everyone. If you are interested in hearing options on how you can protect your property and how ACRES may be able to help accomplish that goal, we encourage you to reach out.”

*Check out this article to see all ten of ACRES priority areas.