Conservation
The Park County Land Trust (PCLT) is honored to recognize and thank photographer and conservation advocate Peter Murray for his generous donation of photography to support the organization’s marketing, outreach, and educational efforts.
Murray’s striking images of Montana landscapes, wildlife, and natural ecosystems will help PCLT tell the story of conservation in Park County and inspire others to protect the lands and waters that define the region.
Peter and his wife, Mary, moved to Montana in 2009 after spending 34 years on Vashon Island, Washington. Drawn repeatedly to Yellowstone National Park by its geology and wolves, the couple ultimately chose Paradise Valley as their home, building on property in Old Chico with a deep commitment to preserving the native landscape. During construction, they carefully protected meadow grasses and wildflowers by limiting disturbance around the building site—an early reflection of their conservation ethic.
Before moving to Montana, Murray served on the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust board, where he became deeply engaged in land conservation and stewardship efforts. His experiences there shaped a lifelong passion for protecting critical habitats and restoring ecological balance.
“When I heard that you folks had started a land trust in Park County, I wanted to help your effort,” Murray shared.
Even after relocating to Bellingham, Washington in 2022, Peter and Mary have continued their conservation work. Their current property is protected by a conservation easement, and with support from the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, they have planted more than 2,000 native shrubs and trees along Deer Creek and a seasonal tributary. They have also transformed a former lawn into a thriving rewilding project featuring more than 100 native Northwest plant species, creating a habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
Murray is a strong advocate for “rewilding” private lands and encourages communities to rethink traditional landscaping practices in favor of restoring native ecosystems.
“Peter’s generosity goes far beyond his remarkable photography,” said PCLT Board member Ellen Smith. “His lifelong dedication to conservation, habitat restoration, and stewardship embodies the values that drive our mission. We are deeply grateful for his support and inspired by the example he and Mary continue to set.”
The Park County Land Trust works to preserve the natural beauty, historic heritage, working lands, and wildlife habitat of Park County through voluntary conservation efforts and community partnerships.
For more information about the Park County Land Trust, visit parkcountylandtrust.org.