In 2000, Dryden Wilson left his $1.8 million estate to Nevada and Placer Counties for the development of open space. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors gave its portion of the money to Nevada County Land Trust to develop the open space. Around the same time, developer Sandy Sanderson gave 14 acres of his North Star Mine property to the Land Trust for preservation. The site included a 10,000 square foot Julia Morgan-designed mansion that was about to succumb to the forces of age, neglect and nature. The North Star House, built in 1905 is an early example of California vernacular Arts and Crafts design.

Nevada County Land Trust created a separate non-profit entity, the North Star Historic Conservancy to manage the rehabilitation and ongoing operations of House and project. Though still affiliated with the Land Trust but with its own 501(c) (3) designation and Board of Directors, the Conservancy operates as an independent organization.

More Information is available at www.NorthStarConservancy.org