Landowners Come Together to Shape Their Legacy at the 2026 Conservation-based Estate Planning Workshop

On March 28, 2026, landowners from across the St. Croix watershed and beyond gathered at Osprey Wilds in Sandstone, MN for an in-depth workshop focused on one of the most important—and often most delayed—parts of land stewardship: estate planning.

Alan Finifrock presenting to landowners about his personal experience with estate planning

Hosted jointly by Wild Rivers Conservancy and several local conservation organizations, the Conservation-based Estate Planning for Woodland Landowners Workshop gave participants the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to begin working on an estate plan that reflects both their values and the needs of their land.

A Day Focused on Legacy, Family, and the Future of the Land

For many landowners, estate planning is something they know they should do, but it’s easy to postpone. Land carries memories, family history, and years of work which often causes decision-making about its future to feel overwhelming.

This workshop helped landowners navigate the estate planning process and the complexities that come with it.

Participants learned how to:

• Identify the essential components of an estate plan

• Start productive conversations with family members and co‑owners

• Prevent tension between landowners and heirs

• Understand options for keeping land intact and protected

• Navigate wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal tools

• Think through real‑world scenarios that other landowners have faced

Allison Eklund of Eklund Law presenting about the legal aspects of estate planning

Guidance from Experts Who Understand Landowners

The workshop featured presenters who work directly with landowners, families, and private lands:

• Nick Bancks, The Trust for Public Land

• Lydia Fermanich, Minnesota Land Trust

• Allison Eklund, Eklund Law

• Mike Reichenbach, Retired UMN Extension Educator

• Alan Finifrock, a local landowner & Outstanding Conservationist

• Eddie Johnson, Pine Soil & Water Conservation District

• Barb Spears, Minnesota Women’s Woodland Network

Each brought a blend of technical expertise and deep respect for the emotional side of land transition. Their stories and examples helped participants see that estate planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s a way to ensure their land continues to be cared for in the way they intend.

Steps Toward a Clearer Future

By the end of the workshop, landowners had actionable steps to follow and a renewed sense of direction. Some felt ready to start tough conversations they had been avoiding. Others discovered new tools for protecting their property from development and fragmentation. Many simply felt relieved to know they weren’t alone in navigating these decisions.

“Priceless. This is what we needed to know” - landowner attendee

For anyone who wants guidance on how to make their land legacy goals a reality, this workshop offered a strong and supportive place to begin. If you are interested in attending a future workshop, please follow the Wild Rivers Conservancy event page and sign up for the My St. Croix Woods newsletter to be notified of upcoming events. All questions regarding this workshop can be directed to the workshop organizer, Alexis Monti, at amonti@wildriversconservancy.org.

Funding for this project was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as appropriated by the

Minnesota State Legislature and recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council

(LSOHC) to restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota's wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat

for fish, game, and wildlife.

Handouts available for participants to take home