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As the world leader in essential oils, Young Living has a longstanding tradition of promoting health and wellness in natural, sustainable ways.
Recently, Young Living partnered with the Nature Conservancy to make moves toward a healthier and better world in the form of an 11,597-acre land easement — the largest conservation easement in Utah history.
Not only will the easement serve to benefit Utahns and protect endangered animals, but it will also stand as a tribute to founder Gary Young’s legacy of sustainability and the preservation of nature.
Protecting and preserving a vital habitat for generations to come
Located in the Uinta Mountain foothills near Tabiona in Duchesne County, the donated land plays a pivotal ecological role to native wildlife. The land is nicknamed the “Utah Serengeti” because it serves as a migratory corridor for large herds of elk and deer between their summer and winter ranges.
The easement includes seven miles of the Duchesne River, two mountain ranges, and sagebrush habitat that provides a haven for endangered greater sage-grouse. The easement will also ensure the preservation of ancient Native American petroglyphs carved by the ancestors of the Ute tribes.
Deven Patten, director of sustainability at Young Living Essential Oils, shared that the land held special significance to Young Living founder D. Gary Young, who named it the River Ranch.
“Gary grew up in the mountainous wilderness of Idaho,” Patten said. “He always loved spending time with family and friends on mountain adventures. Preserving this beautiful part of Utah is a legacy grounded in that passion. The Young family has a deep love of nature and wild places, which is why Young Living is committed to preserving and protecting vital habitat for wildlife, as well as for current and future generations to enjoy. We are grateful to The Nature Conservancy for working with us to protect this special place. We also appreciate the support we received from the citizens of Tabiona, Hanna, and other surrounding communities.”
David Livermore, The Nature Conservancy’s Utah state director, recognized Young Living’s role in the historic partnership.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and conservation vision inspired by D. Gary Young and made possible by Young Living Essential Oils,” Livermore said. “This large easement will preserve key lands and contribute to the overall health and function of the watershed. We are thrilled to partner with Young Living Essential Oils to ensure that this land remains viable for wildlife and future generations.”
Utah Sen. Mike Lee also commended Young Living’s involvement, saying, “I appreciate the conservation of this land by a private company that cares about the preservation of wildlife for the people of Utah.”
Honoring founder Gary Young’s legacy
In Gary Young’s honor, Young Living has dedicated the property as the D. Gary Young Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of several commitments Young Living has made to honor its founder’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Last year, Young Living unveiled its new global headquarters, which was uniquely designed to qualify for both LEED and Green Globe certifications. In addition, profit percentages from certain Young Living products are donated to further the conservation efforts of the Tracy Aviary in Utah and Vital Ground in Montana.
Young Living’s commitment to sustainability
As a global leader in essential oils, Young Living prides itself on its history of farming. With 21 corporate and partner farms throughout the world, all bound by their proprietary Seed to Seal® commitment, global sustainable farming practices play a major part in Young Living’s ability to provide the purest and unadulterated essential oils and essential oil-infused products to its 6 million members worldwide.
This commitment to quality and stewardship, coupled with the passion of founder D. Gary Young for connecting with mother earth are the ideals that fueled this community and state land easement.
Since its foundation in 1993, Young Living has been committed to inspiring wellness, purpose, and abundance by distilling nature’s greatest gifts into pure essential oils. Furthermore, the company remains committed to honoring the legacy of its founder Gary Young by leading in the protection and preservation of nature by reducing global operations to zero-waste status within five years.
To learn more about Young Living’s sustainability initiatives and other goals, please visit the company’s 5x5 Pledge goals page.
