Natural Lands

Natural Lands is a nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to the management, protection, and conservation of natural areas in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The organization is headquartered in Media, Pennsylvania, and has been active since the early 1950s.

History

Founded in 1953 as the Philadelphia Conservationists, Inc., by a group of birdwatchers, Natural Lands initially aimed to protect the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania. The organization expanded its scope, adopting the name Natural Lands Trust, Inc., in 1961, allowing it to permanently own and preserve land. In 2017, the organization simplified its name to Natural Lands.

Mission

Natural Lands focuses on three core objectives:

• Saving Open Space: The organization works to permanently protect natural areas through land acquisition and the establishment of conservation easements, helping communities maintain more open spaces.
• Caring for Nature: Natural Lands stewards its preserves and shares expertise with other landowners to ensure effective natural resource management.
• Connecting People to the Outdoors: By creating opportunities for engagement with nature, the organization fosters a deeper connection between people and the environment.

Conservation Efforts

Natural Lands owns and manages over 23,000 acres across 43 nature preserves and one public garden, spanning 13 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Of these preserves, 19 are open to the public for recreational purposes, while the rest have limited access due to sensitive ecosystems or limited facilities. Additionally, the organization holds conservation easements on more than 22,000 acres, ensuring those lands remain protected from development.

Impact and Accreditation

Natural Lands has protected over 135,000 acres since its inception, contributing significantly to preserving open spaces in the region. The organization is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, recognizing its adherence to ethical, legal, and technically sound practices in land conservation. Nearly five million people live within five miles of lands under Natural Lands' permanent protection, underscoring its role in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.