Buffalo Trace Land Trust logo: stylized green buffalo with a blue head/ trough and gray outline above the words BUFFALO TRACE LAND TRUST.

Buffalo Trace Land Trust

Protecting land today strengthens the land we all depend on tomorrow.

Who is

Buffalo Trace Land Trust

Buffalo Trace Land Trust conserves high-quality natural areas across the Blue River region of Southern Indiana. Through strategic partnerships, land protection, and community engagement, we work to preserve the forests, waterways, grasslands, and wildlife corridors that define this landscape.

Our vision is a thriving, connected network of conserved lands - where natural systems remain healthy, working lands remain productive, and Southern Indiana’s ecological heritage is protected for generations to come.

Buffalo Trace Land Trust protects and stewards land that supports wildlife, water quality, and long-term ecological resilience. Our work focuses on restoring native forests and grasslands, managing invasive species, supporting research, and ensuring conserved lands continue to thrive.

The Places We Protect

Explore the special places Buffalo Trace Land Trust protects. From lush woodlands to working landscapes and vital wildlife corridors, each property reflects our commitment to long-term conservation and responsible stewardship.

buckcreek

Buck Creek Forest

Elizabeth, Indiana –Buck Creek ForestRestoring Prairie & Supporting Natural Woodland Growth This 230-acre conser ...

Stewardship &
Conservation Easements

Keep your land in private ownership while protecting its natural value. Conservation easements provide permanent protection with flexible options tailored to your goals and the unique features of your property.

For landowners interested in sustainable management, Buffalo Trace Land Trust also offers guidance on habitat restoration, adaptive land management, and stewardship strategies that support healthy forests, productive farmland, and clean waterways.

Our approach is collaborative and practical. Whether you’re exploring long-term land protection or seeking science-backed stewardship advice, Buffalo Trace Land Trust is here to help preserve the qualities that make your land special—today and for generations to come.

Grazing

Historically, fire and large grazers shaped southern Indiana’s landscapes, maintaining a healthy balance of grasses, wildflowers, and open woodlands. At Buffalo Trace Land Trust, we use goats to manage overgrown and invasive woody vegetation in areas where equipment struggles. Their browsing helps restore native plant communities and mimics the natural disturbances these ecosystems evolved with.

Bison once shaped Indiana’s landscapes, grazing in herds and helping create vibrant habitats. Today, we’re taking a creative approach to echo that impact - with sheep!
Sheep naturally manage grasses and help maintain open prairie and savanna habitat, supporting biodiversity while freeing up staff for other restoration work. By combining grazing with prescribed fire and science-based land management, we continue restoring balance across the landscapes entrusted to our care.

The PeopleBehind the Mission

Buffalo Trace Land Trust is guided by conservation professionals, land stewards, partners, and volunteers dedicated to protecting Southern Indiana’s landscapes. Together, we bring expertise in ecology, forestry, land management, and community collaboration to every project.

Executive Director

Liz Mortenson Winlock

Learn More About Liz!

Liz is a dedicated environmental professional with experience in natural areas management, conservation, and environmental education in the Louisville and southern Indiana region. As the Executive Director of the Buffalo Trace Land Trust, Liz leads efforts to conserve critical habitats and enhance ecosystem connectivity across the region. Her work focuses on building sustainable landscapes, restoring vital ecosystems, and fostering collaborative solutions with local communities, stakeholders, and conservation partners.

She has successfully led urban park conservation programs, collaborated with research institutions, and overseen substantial grants to support conservation efforts. Her approach is data-driven, ensuring that conservation strategies are grounded in science and effectively address the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Through the Buffalo Trace Land Trust, Liz is passionate about leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and strengthening ecosystem connectivity to ensure a more sustainable future.

Land Steward

Hunter Conrad

Learn More About Hunter!

I’m Hunter from Marengo, Indiana. I work as a land steward for the Buffalo Trace Land Trust. I’m all about the outdoors—whether it’s hunting, fishing, or just spending time in nature, that’s where you’ll usually find me.

Operations Manager

ClayJackson

Learn More About Clay!

Clay serves as the Operations Manager for the land trust, combining a background in Environmental Science with a strong focus on organizational systems and efficiency. He is currently completing his MBA, and is passionate about strengthening operational capacity to better support conservation, stewardship, and community impact.  

Land Steward

CadeJackson

Learn More About Cade!

Cade recently graduated from Floyd Central with a growing passion for prescribed fire and environmental education. I’m excited by the challenge of working with land, fire, and people to support healthy ecosystems.  I’m passionate about learning hands-on land management skills and sharing knowledge that supports healthy, resilient ecosystems.

Take Action

Whether you’re interested in protecting your land, learning about our conservation work, or supporting stewardship across Southern Indiana, we’d love to connect.

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