The Conservation Fund

Get to know our style of conservation. It's about more than protecting special places — it’s also about ensuring that those places will always be healthy, vibrant, and productive contributors to a large and resilient society. #LandSustainsUs #ConservationAdvancesUs

??BIG NEWS: Your voice made a difference and Oak Hill has another chance to become a state park — but our work isn’t over yet. The General Assembly still needs to approve. ?? If you haven’t already signed the petition, please do so today and share with your followers: bit.ly/3QiSGzg.

?? The Urgent Need for Wildlife Corridors to Protect California’s Mountain Lions ?? Over 100 years of urbanization in central California has taken its toll on mountain lions. Roads and rural development have broken up the large, connected territories they need to hunt, breed and survive. This disruption puts both mountain lions and the entire ecosystem at risk. Without these majestic creatures, the balance between predator and prey will collapse, leading to overgrazing, erosion and a harmful loss of biodiversity. ???? The Conservation Fund is dedicated to solving this crisis — see how: bit.ly/4iCQmQ2.

??Time is running out to protect Virginia’s Oak Hill as a state park?? The 1,200-acre estate is a vital piece of American history, and it’s at risk. This week, Virginia’s Governor Youngkin is expected to decide whether the historic estate — which is home to President James Monroe’s mansion where he shaped U.S. foreign policy with his Monroe Doctrine in 1823 — will become a protected state park, preserving its stories and legacy for generations to come. ??The governor needs to hear from you today! Sign our letter in support before it’s too late: bit.ly/3QiSGzg.

Did you know that grasslands store up to 30% of the world's soil-based carbon and provide habitat for over 400 bird species? Despite their importance, an estimated 70% of America's grasslands have been lost. See why, and learn more about our commitment to saving them — and how you can help: bit.ly/4iHGlko. ?? Katy Garton, Sprout Films

Majestic national parks, vibrant urban greenspaces, and vast wildlife refuges shape the grandeur and expanse of our nation’s natural heritage. But what happens when irreplaceable landscapes go up for sale? That’s where The Conservation Fund makes a difference. With the ability to move quickly, we secure at-risk lands before they are lost to development, creating time to establish lasting conservation solutions that benefit both people and nature. Discover the incredible places we’ve helped protect and the impact we’re making: bit.ly/4hvdDlt. ?? Steve Orr

?? Last call! Our application for three Urban Conservation and Community fellows closes Friday! Applications are open in Saginaw, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; and Durham, North Carolina. If you're interested in supporting community-based nonprofits with initiatives like grant proposals, strengthening community engagement, creating equitable greenspaces, and more, this fellowship is for you. Take a look and share with your network: bit.ly/430ZUzo. ?? J.C. Photos

Atlanta has historically had one of the nation’s lowest percentages of park space per capita. Aside from the health and wellness benefits of spending time in nature, access to greenspace is also a critical infrastructure issue. Many of the city’s poorest neighborhoods are surrounded by urban development and lack adequate greenspace, leading to problems like flooding and sewage backup. The Conservation Fund has been working with the City of Atlanta for two decades to create and expand greenspaces in the city, and we're proud to celebrate 100 land acquisitions that have created or expanded 58 greenspaces and protected nearly 900 acres. Learn more about our work in Atlanta: bit.ly/4ilddz1. ?? Stacy Funderburke

Every hour, 40 acres of farmland are lost to development. These losses are especially serious near cities. The Conservation Fund is working to protect farmland on the outskirts of big cities — advancing a new generation of farmers who are growing fresh, nutritious food for their communities. See the progress we've made to date: bit.ly/402pClE.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Southern Forest Community Champion Awards! These awards honor outstanding leaders making a real difference in advancing forestland ownership and sustainability in underserved communities across the Southeast. Who are these incredible champions? One leader is protecting Indigenous rights in Virginia, one is introducing landowners to sustainable forestry practices in Alabama, and all are helping minority landowners through land stewardship — plus so much more! Learn more about these difference-makers and their groundbreaking work: bit.ly/4h2hsyp.