The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The good life we enjoy here in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota is possible because those who came before us had the foresight and generosity to conserve the lands and waters on which our health and economic prosperity depend. But over the past few decades we have been losing ground. Now it is our time to act. 

In 2008, we launched Nature Now, a $30-million campaign to protect forests, rivers, lakes, prairies and other special natural places in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. We’ll also make a difference for rainforests, savannas and coral reefs around the world. 

Nature Now Campaign Goals and Priorities 

Protect Grassland, Forest and Fresh Water Habitats
goal: $15.8 million to buy land and secure easements in high-priority forest, grassland and fresh water conservation areas and ensure the long-term stability of land stewardship programs by building our endowment. 

Put Conservation into Action
goal: $2.4 million to sustain the science, research and land management work that protects and restores healthy, thriving natural systems for humans and all life.

Take a Global Reach
goal: $3.9 million to support priority conservation projects around the world that protect Earth’s imperiled habitats and address the current and potential impacts of climatic changes on our natural resources.

Look to the Future
goal: $7.9 million to secure a world rich with nature long into the future through estate gifts from committed individuals and to provide resources to conduct the Nature Now campaign. 

A Sample of What Nature Now Has Accomplished 

We are happy to report significant progress toward meeting our $30-million goal. This outpouring of support has led to some remarkable conservation achievements in all three states including these: 

• The protection of more than 330,000 acres of industrial forestland in northern Minnesota by the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership, led by the Conservancy and Blandin Foundation, which ensures these forests will be harvested sustainably and remain open to the public for recreation.
• We brought partners from Minnesota and South Dakota together to form the Prairies Without Borders project to protect grasslands in the Prairie Coteau. The area is home to the largest remaining expanse of native tallgrass prairie in the lower 48 states. To date, the partnership has protected more than 7,800 acres using conservation easements that permanently protect prairies on private lands.

How You Can Help 

Join The Nature Conservancy in protecting land, water and the good life in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota by making your gift to the Nature Now campaign today.