The Spring exhibit at the Kelley House Museum opens today! “Conservation Forever: 50 Years of Mendocino Land Trust” runs from April 2nd to June 1st, 2026, and celebrates five decades of the organization’s remarkable conservation legacy. If you’ve walked on a trail in Mendocino County, it’s likely you’ve walked on a trail managed by Mendocino Land Trust.
Land Trust was founded around a kitchen table in March 1976 in response to the possible development of Heider Field. Founders James Coupe, Barry Cusick, and Ivan Welty rallied community members to raise money to purchase the field. Ultimately, the Heider family deeded the field the Presbyterian Church in 1980, requesting that the land not be used for five years. After that, MLT was successfully in organizing a land swap between California State Parks and the Presbyterian Church. In 1984, State Parks granted MLT stewardship of the field, and it has been maintained as an open space.
Since then, Mendocino Land Trust has protected more than 40,000 acres from development, opened eight public preserves, and built over 23 miles of trails. MLT manages more than coastal trails, however. The organization works across the county to preserve coast, forest, and working lands.
“Conservation Forever” reveals behind-the-scenery stories through archival photographs and documents that show how your favorite trails, wildlife habitats, and beaches were acquired and continue to be preserved. You will also learn more about Mendocino Land Trust’s current and upcoming projects, looking forward to the next 50 years of outstanding environmental work.
Join us at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at the Kelley House Museum for the opening reception of “Conservation Forever.” At 1:30pm on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, join Mendocino Land Trust Stewardship Project Coordinator Chase Aherns for a guided walk at Big River. A Kelley House Museum docent will share photos from the site’s history as a 19th-century lumber mill. Visit the Kelley House Museum event calendar to RSVP for both events.
The Kelley House Museum is now open for our summer hours! The museum is open Thursday-Monday from 11am to 3pm. Visit our event calendar for information on walking tours and other events.