Natural Lands

Saving Open SpaceNatural Lands is unique among the region's conservation organizationsbecause of our large network of nature preserves. We know these lands will be protected and cared for forever. Our network currently includes 42 nature preserves and Stoneleigh, our public garden, across two states and 13 counties, totaling nearly 23,300 acres. And counting.Many times, the land we save remains in private ownership but we place(continued on Schedule O)it under a conservation easement, which permanently limits a property's use. We currently hold 400 easements on nearly 26,000 acres. Members of our staff monitor these properties regularly to ensure the terms of the easements are being upheld.Additionally, we add to protected lands cared for by others. We help other organizations and government entities acquire open space by buying it and then "flipping" the land to them. We do this most often for state parks and forests, and for local communities. In addition to helping these partners expand conserved areas, we also advise them on how to care for their land using smart, sustainable, tried and-true practices.In addition, we help municipalities raise money for open space, revise their zoning codes to help them retain open space during development, improve their parks, and build trail systems

Connecting People to the Outdoors...and to Each OtherWhen we spend time in nature, we're happier and healthier. Plus, the future of conservation requires that there be passionate nature-lovers to carry on our work. That's why we're committed to creating opportunities forjoy and discovery in the outdoorsfor everyone. Our nature preserves and public garden are open for everyone to visit, and are always free. In addition to places for exploration, our preserves allow us to host myriad events every year catering to different people with different interests. (continued on Schedule O)We also encourage people to develop a deeper connection to Natural Lands and, by extension, our preserves through our Force of Nature volunteer program. Force of Nature volunteers learn valuable land management and conservation strategies, hone outreach and leadership skills, and meet great people.In addition, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to the outdoors for residents of nature-deprived communities in our region.With partners in Philadelphia, Coatesville, Chester, and Pottstown, we are working to set aside open space, improve parks, bring outdoor education to schools, and encourage greening.

Caring for NatureYou know that old adage "let nature take its course"? That is not always best. Natural areas need help to become and remainplaces where native plants and wildlife can thrive. That's why nearly half our staff are committed to caring for our preserves and garden In fact, this commitment to caring for nature isone of the reasons why Natural Landscommits to stewarding so much land so we can actively enrich and restore our preserves, balancing the needs of nature and her visitors.(continued on Schedule O)Our land stewardship programs include: A - Returning former farm fields to forests by planting thousands of trees. As they grow, they sequester carbon; prevent erosion; and provide critical forest habitat for birds, bugs, and beyond.B - Exploring and employing an array of techniques to control the spread of invasive plants on our preserves.C - Improving water quality of the creeks that meander through our preserves by planting trees and shrubs along them.D - Re-establishing once plentiful habitats by transforming retired farm fields to grasslands, restoring man-made ponds to wetlands, and supporting growing woodlands by controlling invasive plants and deer.

Conservation Efforts