Signature Science

Our Unique Approach to Protecting Nature

Leading the Way for Conservation

Nature Conservancy scientists are eager to make a difference in the real world. That’s why the Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation science organization: our scientists are thought-leaders who consistently strive to break new scientific ground.

Our signature scientific work embodies this leadership, going beyond the traditional scope of conservation—the protection of land, water and biodiversity—to tackle the planet's toughest environmental challenges. From coral reef resilience to fire ecology, from energy siting to how nature can improve livelihoods, our science work constantly pushes the practice of conservation forward.

Learn more about our science leadership through the features below.

Supporting Strong Adaptation Strategies (215x143)A Nature Conservancy scientist gives an overview of North Carolina's Albemarle Sound and the threats that sea level rise pose to the region. © Erika Nortemann, The Nature Conservancy
Adapting to Change

Applying proven conservation methods and testing new approaches to help people respond to the impacts of climate change. More

Climate Wizard map 215x143Predicted global average temperatures for June-August by 2080. © Climate Wizard
Climate Wizard

With this cool tool, you can access current data and visualize climate change impacts where you live. Explore it

Girl drying shrimp 215x143Young girl drying shrimp. © Courtesy Craig Leisher/TNC
The CPR Project

Can conservation improve people's lives? Conservancy scientists are finding out. Learn more

WOPA041007_D040 (215x143)A oil well pump in a active oil extraction field on BLM land north of Walden in Colorado's North Park region. View looking towards the southeast. © Mark Godfrey/The Nature Conservancy
Development by Design

We’ve developed a science-based approach for balancing the needs of people and nature. About it

Bee 215x143Native bee on ragwort at Griffith Prairie, north of Aurora, Nebraska. © Chris Helzer/TNC
Ecosystem Services: Valuing Nature

Can we quantify the benefits nature gives us—not just aesthetic, but tangible? Find out

Fire as a Conservation Method (215x143)Prescribed fire being conducted by a crew from The Nature Conservancy at Dahms Tract (Suck Pasture) in Nebraska. © Chriz Helzer/TNC
Fire for Conservation

Many habitats benefit from fire, but human intervention has altered these natural fire patterns. Learn more

Reef Resilience (215x143)Scientists check up on a staghorn coral that has been transplanted. © Tim Calver
Reef Resilience

We're tackling the problem of coral bleaching from a new angle. See how

Researching Research being conducted into the effects of cattle grazing on California's delicate vernal pool habitats by Jaymee Marty, The Nature Conservancy's lead scientist for the Central Valley and Mountains region with the Conservancy's Sacramento Office in California. Jaymee Marty (left) works with her team including Sara Sweet, TNC ecologist (right) and others near a vernal pool on the Howard Ranch near Sacramento. © Ian Shive
The ROI Project

Our conservation is smart—but how could it get even smarter? Find out

Shellfish Reefs at Risk (215x143)Restored oyster reefs at the Conservancy's Virginia Coast Reserve. © Daniel White/TNC
Shellfish Restoration

The world's most threatened marine habitat isn't coral reefs or mangroves. Learn more

Sustainability Science thumb 215x143The city of Quito, Ecuador. The Quito Water Fund, also known as FONAG, protects watersheds supplying the capital’s 2 million people with 80 percent of their freshwater. The project, which began in 2000, receives monthly contributions from Quito’s water and electric companies to produce nearly $1 million each year in disbursements for conservation projects in the surrounding watersheds. Erika Nortemann/© 2010 The Nature Conservancy
Sustainability Science

Identifying the conservation strategies that can make the most difference to people. Learn more

Read More

Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

Close Encounters with Nature

Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories

Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos