Nisqually Watershed Map

“The Land Trust is pleased to announce the purchase of the landmark Elledge Ranch, also known as Trestle Farm, from Dr. William and Cathleen Elledge. Located along the Nisqually River where it meets
Highway 507 in Yelm, the Ranch is an important acquisition for several reasons.

For one, the 29-acre Ranch adjoins 95 acres already under Land Trust ownership, thus creating a continuous two-mile stretch of Nisqually River shoreline that is now permanently protected. This reach of the Nisqually provides spawning grounds for coho and threatened Chinook and steelhead salmon, and it is excellent rearing habitat for all five Nisqually salmon species.

As well, the Elledge acquisition assures a lasting connection between the Elledges and the Yelm community,
where they are long-time fixtures. In 1979, Dr. Elledge opened what would become Yelm Family Medicine and practiced there until his retirement in May. Cathy Elledge is a renowned equestrian who taught hundreds of local children and adults at the Ranch.

The Elledges believe that a healthy land ethic is essential to a healthy community, and maintaining the
Ranchs high conservation values was a priority in its sale. ‘There is so much going on around these daysso much growth and noise,’ said Dr. Elledge. ‘This is a way to preserve a retreat from all that chaos,'” quoting the Nisqually Land Trust site.