what is a land trust?

A land trust is a private non-profit organization whose purpose is to conserve land in perpetuity for the multiple benefits of open space, including enhancement of the aesthetic character of the community, recreation and enjoyment of nature, education, protection of historic and cultural sites or features, protection of water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and agriculture.  Land trusts accomplish this conservation by:

·       Acquiring land or rights in land, either to hold or to convey to others with restrictions on use and development

·       Stewardship of conserved lands and waters

·       Undertaking and promoting planning of conserved public lands

·       Educating and engaging the public  

There are more than 1200 land trusts across the U.S. ranging from all volunteer community-based organizations to large staffed land conservation non-profits with statewide or national territories.