Having survived the drought and Depression of Boone County, the Olsons developed a successful cattle business with over 1,200 acres (490 ha) of pasture and farm ground.

The Olsons had no children, so when they died, they left their land to the Girl and Boy Scout regional councils, to the nearby town of Albion's public school system, and to a local health care organization.

A feasibility study of the development potential of a natural resources laboratory on this land was directed by Albion citizen Norm Smith and Boy Scouts Scoutmaster Quentin Mortensen, suggesting the need for an outdoor classroom.

Due to drought in 1855, as well as promises of a year's worth of food supply not met or kept by the United States government, summer buffalo hunts were often planned.

In August 1855, an Omaha hunting party, including Chief Logan Fontenelle, made their way to the Boone County area in Nebraska in search of game.

[9] Educators at Boone Central High School, located in Albion, developed an annual summer enrichment program at the Olson Nature Preserve that is now offered every May.