The Legacy of Inspiration Ridge Preserve

Kachemak Heritage Land Trust (KHLT) is honored to share a guest article with Ridgeline readers celebrating the remarkable collaboration shaping the Inspiration Ridge Preserve (IRP). This expansive mosaic of ecosystems near the east end of Skyline Drive in Homer, Alaska, spans 693 acres and is renowned for its summer population of Sandhill Cranes. Serving as a critical wildlife habitat for various species, the Preserve is a testament to the shared vision and dedication of Edgar Bailey, Nina Faust, KHLT, and the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS).
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A Journey of Preservation
The creation of Inspiration Ridge Preserve began in the 1990s when Edgar Bailey and Nina Faust–driven by their deep commitment to wildlife and land conservation–began acquiring land to establish a sanctuary. Their vision was to protect essential wildlife, provide nesting habitats for Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl, and create pre-migration staging areas for these majestic birds. Today the Preserve encompasses 19 ecologically connected properties, featuring diverse habitats such as Lutz spruce forests, meadowlands, bogs, fens, cottonwood forests, and significant riparian zones that form the headwaters of Fritz Creek.

Ed Bailey and Nina Faust. Photo by Wild North Photography.

​A Path to Conservation
Ed and Nina chose a land protection tool called a conservation easement, where a landowner willingly places permanent conservation restrictions on the deed to their land that stays with the property with every subsequent change in ownership. With a conservation easement, an organization such as KHLT agrees to monitor the property and to enforce the deed restrictions forever. 

Ed and Nina donated their first conservation easement to KHLT in 1997 on a 32.5-acre privately-owned property. Their second conservation easement was donated in 1999 on the 102.6-acre property now known as Bailey 103. The total acreage permanently protected by Ed and Nina with KHLT through conservation easements is 502.38 acres. In 2016, Nina and CACS began working together for Nina to donate 452.6 acres of land protected by conservation easement to CACS. (Side note: Nina also donated 240.4 acres that, while not under conservation easement, are required to be managed under the IRP Management Plan the same as the properties under easement and when combined with the donated easement properties, make up the total 693-acre IRP.) This created a partnership between CACS and KHLT, wherein CACS owns the land and KHLT is responsible for the permanent protection of 469.88 acres of Inspiration Ridge. This project has brought an amazing opportunity for CACS to engage in community education and outreach, while allowing KHLT to continue to focus on the protection of the property. This ensures that both conservation and educational goals are met effectively through the terms of the original conservation easement language. Additionally, Edgar Bailey and Nina Faust established an endowment with the Alaska Conservation Foundation to support the ongoing operational costs of the Preserve.
 
Honoring Ed Bailey
In July 2018, the Edgar P. Bailey Estate added 17.28 acres to an existing conservation easement held by KHLT. Nina Faust, as Trustee of the Edgar Bailey Estate, facilitated this expansion to honor her partner of 45 years. 

The legacy of Ed Bailey, who passed away on January 14, 2018, is a powerful testament to his lifelong dedication to conservation. He played a crucial role in the planning team for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and was its first biologist. His efforts included advocating for Homer to be the headquarters for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, removing invasive foxes from seabird islands and protecting local habitats in Kachemak Bay. Ed’s achievements were recognized through various honors, including the Celia Hunter Award from the Alaska Conservation Foundation in 2004 and the Land at Heart Award from KHLT in 2014.

Stewardship and Education
One of the many core goals shared by CACS, KHLT, and Nina Faust/The Edgar P. Bailey Estate is to balance human use with the protection of coastal environments. Through shared passion and collaboration, this goal was made possible by creating a master plan that ensures that the Preserve remains predominantly in its natural, scenic, and open condition while promoting public education about Sandhill Cranes, habitat protection, and wildlife corridor values through low-impact, quiet, small-group uses.
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The Preserve features seven waterfowl ponds, over 50 swallow, owl, and Barrow's Goldeneye nest boxes, and an extensive private trail network often used by wildlife. Usage of the trails is limited to educational purposes with a cap on daily human visitors to minimize impact. This habitat stewardship guides the careful implementation of all educational, research, and management practices, enhancing local land ethics and community involvement.

A significant component of the Preserve’s educational efforts is the Kachemak Crane Watch program managed by CACS. This program is dedicated to the protection of Sandhill Cranes and their habitat in the Homer and Kachemak Bay area. It involves data collection on crane distribution, nesting, population numbers, and mortality causes, with official count days providing valuable insights into crane migration patterns.

A Model of Conservation
Inspiration Ridge Preserve exemplifies the extraordinary results that can be achieved through dedicated conservation efforts and collaborative partnerships. The legacy of Edgar Bailey and the dedication of Nina Faust, supported by KHLT and CACS, serve as a model of effective land management and environmental education. By preserving these lands in perpetuity, they have created a sanctuary that protects wildlife and Homer’s watershed while fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between human activity and nature.
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As we celebrate the history and accomplishments of Inspiration Ridge Preserve, we are reminded of the profound impact that collective action and shared commitment can have on preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
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How You Can Get Involved
Anyone can leave a lasting impact, protecting open space here on the Kenai Peninsula, by making a contribution to Kachemak Heritage Land Trust. You can also join KHLT's Legacy Giving Circle by letting KHLT know you've included them in your estate plans. You can learn more about contributing to KHLT here and more about the Legacy Giving Circle here. And, you can donate to Inspiration Ridge Preserve directly here to help support the conservation of these critical landscapes.