Protecting Nature, One Preserve at a Time

What Are Nature Preserves?

Nature preserves are protected areas established to conserve wildlife, plant species, and natural resources. These sanctuaries allow ecosystems to function with minimal human interference, enabling native flora and fauna to thrive as they naturally would. Maintaining these protected spaces safeguards biodiversity, supports endangered species, and creates living laboratories for scientific research and environmental education.

But how do these vital natural areas come to be protected in the first place? While government agencies manage many preserves, an increasing number are being established through a different path—one that begins with individual landowners and a unique type of conservation organization.

Land Trusts: The People-Powered Conservation Solution

Land trusts offer a unique conservation approach that empowers individual landowners to make a lasting difference. These nonprofit organizations don’t rely on government action—instead, they create partnerships with private citizens who share a passion for preserving natural spaces.

How does this partnership work?

Land Trusts:

• Accept land donations from conservation-minded individuals who want their property preserved for generations.
• Purchase ecologically valuable properties when they become available, often funded through member donations.
• Work with regular citizens who might not consider themselves environmentalists but care deeply about preserving local natural heritage.

ACRES Land Trust: Neighbors Preserving Local Treasures Together

At ACRES Land Trust, our mission centers on owning and protecting natural and working lands, inspiring people to value, appreciate and support these places for the benefit of all — today and forever.

Over these past 65 years, we’ve grown into a community of ordinary individuals doing extraordinary conservation work. From local landowners who transform their family properties into protected nature preserves to our volunteers who help manage and restore preserved lands to community members who visit and develop appreciation for these protected spaces. Every ACRES preserve has a story of partnership behind it—often beginning with a single person or family who chose to ensure their land would remain natural forever.

Why This Partnership Model Matters for the Future

As development pressures increase, the collaboration between land trusts and individual conservationists becomes increasingly vital:

• Permanent Protection: Through legal agreements with landowners, ACRES name is put on the deed, ensuring that conserved lands remain protected indefinitely, surviving ownership changes and development pressures.
• Local Knowledge: By partnering with those who know the land best—the people who’ve lived on or near it—we preserve ecology and cultural and historical connections.
• Community Investment: When folks donate land or funds to protect local natural areas, they create a shared legacy and strengthen community bonds.

How You Can Join A Proven Conservation Movement

The ACRES model demonstrates that conservation isn’t just for large organizations or wealthy philanthropists—it’s for anyone who values the natural world and wants to take concrete action. Whether you own land with conservation potential, can contribute financially, or wish to volunteer your time, you have a meaningful role in this critical work.

By supporting ACRES Land Trust, you join a community of everyday conservationists, ensuring that everyone benefits from the irreplaceable natural heritage of our region. Together, we’re proving that when regular people partner with dedicated conservation organizations, remarkable preservation becomes possible.