Jerry on his Clay County farm. Photo by Norma Wilson.

Historic Farm & Prairie Protected

Apr 25, 2011

Former South Dakota Magazine editor Jerry Wilson made news recently when he and his wife, Norma, donated a perpetual conservation easement on their 143 acre farm to the Northern Prairies Land Trust.

The Wilson farm is located above the Missouri River valley in Clay County. A historic cabin is a part of the property. In fact, a few years ago Jerry recruited famed Arlington "barn straightener" Ray Christensen to help him fix the structure. Named the Severson Cabin, it is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest existing house in Clay County. The Wilsons have also worked hard to restore native grasses, protect natural water sources and preserve wildlife habitat on the land.

Jerry — who continues to contribute articles for the magazine, thankfully — writes about the farm in his book Waiting for the Coyote's Call.