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Land Conservation

Permanent Protection

Conservation that fits the land — and the landowner.

Most of the land we protect stays in private hands. Through a conservation easement, a landowner voluntarily limits future development on their property while retaining ownership, and often continues to live on, ranch, or farm the land exactly as before.

In some cases — often when a property is critical habitat or connects existing preserves — we acquire land outright to hold and steward as a public natural area.

How It Works

From first conversation to permanent protection

01
Conversation

A landowner reaches out, or we do — no pressure, no obligation, just a conversation about your goals for the land.

02
Site Assessment

Our conservation staff walk the property to document habitat, water, and conservation values.

03
Drafting the Agreement

Together, we shape an easement or agreement that reflects what matters most to you and the land.

04
Ongoing Stewardship

We monitor the property annually, for as long as the easement exists — which is to say, forever.

More in What We Do
Stewardship & Trails
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Education & Landowner Services
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Considering Conservation?

Curious whether your land qualifies?

Reach out to our conservation team for a no-obligation conversation about your options.

Contact Our Team