WyoView: Ole Wiley Conservation Easement

WyoView, a program of the Jackson Hole Land Trust, has expanded to Park County. This inspiring program blends art and conservation to deepen connection to place, highlighting the vital role open spaces play in supporting agriculture, wildlife, and the people who call Northwest Wyoming home.

This spring, WyoView welcomed artist Darby Hertel to capture the beauty and character of the Ole Wiley Conservation Easement, an expanse of farmland recently protected through Park County Open Lands’ fourth conservation easement since its launch in 2023.

Set against a backdrop of rolling hayfields, barley crops, and lush river bottoms, the ranch offers a diverse and thriving habitat. Mule deer and elk rely on the fields for crucial winter range, while the spring season brings nesting songbirds and waterfowl. The riparian corridor also acts as a natural pathway for grizzly bears on the move.

Darby shares, “Having grown up on the South Fork of the Shoshone, I fell in love with the landscape from an early age. Ishawooa Mesa Ranch, where I grew up, is 36 miles from Cody so I got to take in this beautiful scenery driving to school and back every day.”

A longtime local, artist, and rancher who deeply understands the value of agriculture and open land, she expresses, “This area has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my art career. What a treat to be invited to the ranch and hear Mark’s stories of time spent in this beautiful valley.”

As a new creative partner of Park County Open Lands, Darby brings a fresh perspective to visual storytelling, guided by inspiration from natural beauty and a strong sense of place. Explore more of Darby’s extensive portfolio of work on her website: Darby Hertel.

This project is made possible in part by an Arts For All grant from Teton County and the Town of Jackson.