Family ranch in Paradise Valley’s Mill Creek drainage conserved

Warfield Ranch creates a conservation easement in partnership with Northern Yellowstone Open Lands, a regional initiative of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

By Katie Sproles

Over 1,500 acres of highly scenic agricultural land in Paradise Valley’s stunning Mill Creek drainage will remain intact and undeveloped through a conservation easement established by Alan and Laurie Redfield and Sarah Nollemeyer, in partnership with Northern Yellowstone Open Lands, a regional initiative of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT).

The Warfield Ranch, purchased in 1947 by Laurie and Sarah’s parents, James and Margery Warfield, supports a cow-calf operation, productive hay ground, and timberland that is “Certified Family Forest” by the American Tree Farm System. Bounded by Mill Creek to the northeast and the National Forest to the south, the property provides critical wildlife habitat for a variety of species iconic in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Laurie and her sister, Sarah, were raised on the ranch. Deeply connected to the land, community, and rural lifestyle, Laurie and her husband, Alan Redfield, a fourth-generation Montanan, raised their twin daughters, Katie and Jodi, there, as well. The family continues to manage the ranch, along with Sarah. Now grown, Katie and Jodi frequently visit the ranch to help their parents, becoming the third generation to steward the land.