The goal of the Pioneer Heritage Conservation Trust is to preserve the land. In 1985, the Evansville PHCT was created by a group of hunter/sportsmen from the Evansville area - Dean Elmer, Vernon Ostrom, George Larson, and Carl Madson - who gathered with the thought of preserving a large marsh near Evansville that belonged to one of the pioneer settlers of Evansville, Alf Thompson. With the help of Mr. Thompson, the men came up with the idea to protect the slough, but also to promote long-term stewardship of the land and its related resources.

The Pioneer Heritage Conservation trust was formed with contributions from the Thompson family and continues to serve the counties of Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, and Pope. PHCT funds conservation projects; grants for educational school programs; cooperative conservation programs; financial assistance for specific conservation projects; and educational scholarships to students and teachers for continuing education in environmental and conservation sciences. Visit their website to learn more.