Where the Elkhorn Creek and Sulphur Lick meet in the Peaks Mill area of Franklin County, Lee and Betty Troutwine have stewarded 100 acres—including nearly a mile of Elkhorn Creek frontage—for about 40 years. Through two public fishing access points, they’ve shared this space with thousands of visitors over the years. In late 2024, as they prepared to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, they also celebrated the peace of mind that comes with knowing this special place will remain undeveloped into the future.
The Troutwines entered their land into a voluntary conservation easement with Woods and Waters Land Trust. In addition to generous community support, Woods and Waters Land Trust received funding for the due diligence work on this easement from Atira Conservation.
As the Troutwine family has cared for this special property since the 1980s, they’ve had cattle and pigs, tended gardens, raised crops, and weathered significant floods and ice storms. With a voluntary conservation easement, they’ve chosen to protect the resources and characteristics they value most by donating development rights to Woods and Waters Land Trust. This agreement is legally binding, allowing this open space to remain open for perpetuity.
This easement is particularly important to the surrounding ecosystem. In addition to the long stretch of the Elkhorn Creek running along the property, it also features forested hillside, a large meadow, and even the rare and endangered Braun’s rockcress plant. Because of the ecological value and natural beauty of this area’s large forests, the Sulphur Lick Creek corridor is a conservation priority area for Woods and Waters Land Trust.
“This stretch of Elkhorn Creek and the Sulphur Lick corridor holds some of the most ecologically valuable lands in our region,” said Heather Housman, executive director of Woods and Waters Land Trust. “By protecting this land in perpetuity, the Troutwines are preserving not just a beautiful piece of Kentucky, but a critical habitat for wildlife and rare plants like Braun’s rockcress.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Woods and Waters Land Trust to conserve Sulphur Lick at Elkhorn Creek. This conservation easement will permanently protect the surrounding ecosystem. Together, we’re ensuring that this unique landscape remains protected for generations to come,” said Nicole M. Adimey, executive director of Atira Conservation.
