The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working in Minnesota, throughout the United States and around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Our Mission

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The Conservancy has been working to conserve Minnesota’s most significant prairies, forests, lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands since 1958.

The Conservancy’s Record in Minnesota

• In Minnesota, the Conservancy has helped conserve more than 650,000 acres.

• The Conservancy currently owns approximately 70,000 acres in Minnesota.

• Most of our more than 50 preserves are open to the public for compatible outdoor recreation including hiking, photography and birding.

• The Conservancy has 23,000 members in Minnesota.

• The Conservancy has offices in Minneapolis, Duluth, Glyndon, Karlstad, Preston, and St. Joseph.

Conservation Highlights

• Grasslands – The Conservancy’s Glacial Ridge Project in northwestern Minnesota is the nation’s largest prairie and wetland restoration effort.

• Forests – The Conservancy played a leading role in supporting the Upper Mississippi Forest project, which when completed, will conserve more than 187,000 acres.

• Freshwater – The Conservancy is working with landowners along the Root River, a Mississippi River tributary, to improve wildlife habitat and water quality. 

Governance

A volunteer  Board of Trustees advises and assists the Conservancy on strategic issues and goals in Minnesota.  

Join the Conservancy's online community and you can explore new places, receive email you want and build your own personalized nature page!

Nature Photos
Do you like beautiful nature photography?  Download one of our free desktop wallpapers!

Minnesota Heroes
Read profiles of a few of the visionary citizens and businesses without whom our work would be impossible.

Minnesota Milestones
Retrace highlights from the Minnesota chapter.