The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

2011 was a year riddled with troublesome economic times, but while there were a few rough patches along the way, it was also a year of successes for nature. Here's a look at what we’ve accomplished in 2011—both in New York and around the globe—and a few more wins to look out for in 2012.

Hear New York Director Bill Ulfelder talk about these successes on NY1!

Top Success Stories in New York...

Environmental Protection Fund
Governor Cuomo and the legislature maintained funding for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), even while working to eliminate a $10 billion deficit. The EPF pays for important programs that improve our quality of life, public health and environment.

Water Legislation
Key legislation was passed to help ensure the safety of our most precious resource, water.

PlaNYC
In New York City, Mayor Bloomberg updated PlanNYC so that New York City will continue to be a competitor for the greenest city in the United States.

Success to Celebrate Around the World...

Forever Costa Rica
With a coalition that included the U.S. and Costa Rican governments, funding that will forever protect Costa Rica’s natural systems was secured.

Gulf Restoration Work
Here in the United States, work continued in the Gulf of Mexico to clean-up and restore habitat after the Deep Water spill.

Stay tuned on...

Hydrofracking
Whether or not New York State decides to proceed with hydrofracking and how.

Heart of the Adirondacks
Thanks to a collaboration of New York State and the Conservancy, tens of thousands of acres will be added to the Adirondack Park and opened to the public. The Adirondack Park is the largest park in the lower 48 states.