The Conservation Fund

Did you know that one in eight U.S. residents will experience food insecurity this year? The Conservation Fund's Working Farms Initiative collaborates directly with local farmers to build a healthy and resilient food system by ensuring sustainable food production now and in the future for local communities. So, how do we do this? It's simple. We secure farmland on the edge of major metro areas and match that farmland to the ideal farmer who then leases and stewards the land until The Conservation Fund protects it forever with an agricultural conservation easement. Permanently protecting the farm means the land is more affordable for new and growing farm businesses, while keeping it a farm forever. Learn more about this work: bit.ly/402pClE. Happy National Farmers Day! #NationalFarmersDay #LandSustainsUs

Congratulations to The Town of Castle Rock, who was recently awarded a Blue Grama Award by the Colorado Open Space Alliance. The recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Community Partnership and Collaboration celebrates the partnerships that made the acquisition and preservation of Lost Canyon Ranch possible. The acquisition of the 681-acre Lost Canyon Ranch, finalized in May 2024, was realized through partnerships between the Town, The Conservation Fund, Castle Rock Water, Douglas County, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and Douglas Land Conservancy. Learn more about this conservation success: bit.ly/4eA4zuY.

The Conservation Fund is looking for our next Strategic Communications Director to lead our communications efforts. If you have a high level of media relations expertise, with a proven track record of pitching stories, securing speaking engagements, and driving strategic messaging, this role is for you. Learn more and share with your network: bit.ly/4eW1LIB.

After acquiring the land for preservation in 2022, The Conservation Fund successfully transferred Pennsylvania's historic Mifflin House to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, paving the way for its future transformation into a museum. The historic Mifflin House in southeast Pennsylvania was a stop along the Underground Railroad's secret network of routes and safe houses that aided people escaping slavery in the 1800s. Despite its importance, the land was at risk of being converted into warehouse units – landing it as one of the state’s most at-risk historic sites in 2017. On September 27th, supporters joined for a preservation event that honored the beginnings of a bright new future for the house and land of deep historical significance.

Our Chicago #FarmsFund program is highlighted in a 3-part series in the Chicago Tribune about its work to bring access to healthy, locally grown produce, meats and more to residents while also giving farmers a chance at farm ownership and entrepreneurship. The program is committed to supporting BIPOC farmers, who make up only 1.4% of the country’s 3.4 million farmers. Read the first piece in the series on 20-acre Urban Farms Solutions and owner Deshawn Willingham who grows organic vegetables and uses sustainable farming practices — and see where some of their produce goes. Hint: They’re honored to give back to their community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/enaweJfe.

VICTORY! This week we celebrated the gate opening of Sheep Ranch, a new addition to Paul Bunyan State Forest, with support from Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund, and our partners Trust for Public Land, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sheep Ranch encompasses over 2,500 acres of forestland, pristine ponds and streams, and precious habitat for native plants and wildlife, and is one of the largest contiguous land donations to our recreation system, including Karmal, Steamboat Pass, and watercraft access to Layden Lake. Now preserved forever, the public can use this space for hiking, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the beauty of Minnesota. Its protection also helps safeguard the water quality of nearby lakes and streams, including the Mississippi Headwaters watershed, which 18 million people depend on for their water supply.

The Conservation Fund had an outstanding year, continuing to advance our vision of conservation and economic development working hand in hand. We protected land across the United States, from urban parks to vast forests to mountaintops. Our working lands initiatives — Working Forests and Working Farms — reached important milestones. We escalated our work to preserve America’s endangered historic and cultural treasures. We kept our focus on promoting economic opportunity and vibrant communities in everything we do. And so much more. Browse our Annual Report to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e7d9TvJH.

VICTORY! The Conservation Fund partnered with The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee and TennGreen Land Conservancy to protect 709 acres to expand Tennessee's North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, expanding the largest wildlife management area in the state. The property is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk populations East of the Mississippi River. Protection of this property not only provides habitat for at-risk wildlife, but it helps to safeguard water quality along the New River and increase access to backcountry camping and hunting opportunities. “Protecting this high conservation-value land brings with it the dual benefit of protecting the environment while creating increased potential for the local recreation economy,” says Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee state director at The Conservation Fund. https://lnkd.in/ghm7Fmfr. 📷 Chuck Sutherland

Did you know that more than 26 million people work at an organization that will match their personal donations to various nonprofits? If you’re looking to double your gift to these lucky nonprofits, take a second to see if your workplace will match what you give and consider donating to The Conservation Fund to double your gift for nature! Check out our free match search: https://lnkd.in/d2X6Ee2Y. 📷 Ivan LaBianca

Today, our Director of Forest Investments, Matt Purdy, spoke as part of the opening keynote at The World Forestry Center's annual CANOPY event. He emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable forestry and highlighted how The Conservation Fund’s Working Forests model effectively conserves forests while balancing environmental and economic benefits. "Our impact is amplified when we collaborate across sectors and create new solutions that boost economies, protect biodiversity, and harness the full potential of working forests," says Matt. The Conservation Fund's Working Forests initiative has proven this success. In June, we announced an achievement of 1 million acres of forest land protected as part of our goal to conserve 5 million acres of America’s working forests by 2035. The result has generated over $860 million in annual economic benefits and protected nearly 2,500 miles of rivers and streams.