The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Watch a NY1 segment about urban conservation!

Many people think of urban centers as the antithesis to conservation, but that couldn’t be more false.

Why does urban conservation matter?

• Cities and the people in them are important because cities have low carbon footprints and often some of the cleanest drinking water.
• Cities are filled with modernity and wildlife. New York City, in fact, is home to more plant and animal species than Yellowstone National Park, including the fastest animal on Earth, the Perigrine Falcon.
• By the year 2050, scientists project that the world’s population will reach 9 billion people; two-thirds of that population will be city dwellers.

What are some Conservancy projects that impact New York City?

• We protect watersheds in the Catskill Mountains, which provides drinking water to New York City.
• Coastal Resiience projects in Long Island give us important information about sea level rise.
• New York City is on the front lines of our work to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Where can I learn more about urban conservation?

• See Bill Ulfelder talk about the promise of cities on NY1.
• Read a Grist article about the future of the conservation movement.
• Comment on an article about urban conservation by Conservancy scientist Peter Kareiva.
• Watch a video about The Nature Conservancy in New York in the past, present and future.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on this ongoing conversation.