Russ has spent over 50 years — since 1970 — dedicated to conservation, completing at least one conservation project every year since, a commitment he still carries out today at 88. His goal is to conserve, protect, and preserve natural habitat and prairie for future generations while allowing native species to flourish. 

Russ has enrolled over 300 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, restored two marshes, and planted more than 12 miles of shelterbelts. He has set aside 30 acres of virgin prairie, planted over 25 acres of wildflowers, and permanently restored 80 acres of wildflowers and native grasses. He also maintains 4 winter food plots, has buffered the shoreline around Hjermstad Lake, and holds 600 acres of water-quality certified ground in Minnesota. 

Through decades of personal commitment, effort, and money, Russ has set aside, restored, and conserved land throughout the area — from virgin prairie to wetlands to shoreline — leaving a lasting legacy for both the land and the native species that depend on it.