Where We Work The Adirondack Nature Conservancy has protected over 385,000 acres since 1971. Click on the red dots to learn more about our preserves. Places We Protect Adirondack Park Champlain Valley       Coon Mountain Preserve   Gadway Sandstone Pavement Barrens   Southern Lake Champlain Valley Silver Lake Bog Preserve Spring Pond Bog Preserve Everton Falls PreserveClintonville Pine Barrens

Guided by conservation science, The Adirondack Nature Conservancy works with the Adirondack Land Trust and a variety of partners, including New York State and private landowners, to protect large forests, lakes, wetlands, and unique habitats. Below are some of the ways we work:

• Land acquisition: We purchase land or interests in land from willing sellers. For example, we recently purchased 26,500 acres from International Paper to protect 16 lakes and ponds, 85 miles of rivers, and streams, and more than 4,000 acres of wetlands.

• Land management: An example of how effective land management helps us accomplish our goals is found in our invasive species program. Considered the second greatest threat to biodiversity, non-native, invasive plants spread quickly, disrupt natural cycles, and crowd out native species. We work in partnership with the New York Departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations to minimize the impacts of this threat.

• Education and outreach: We foster a conservation ethic and appreciation for nature through education and outreach. For example, with the Adirondack Mountain Club, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and support from the 46R Conservation Trust, we protect rare and fragile alpine habitat in the High Peaks by stationing trained educators on the busiest summits to teach the hiking public about the plants there.

• Help to shape public policies: In the Adirondacks, approximately 2.5 million acres are part of the "forever wild" Forest Preserve. We are making available scientific data to New York State to help its planners create management plans that incorporate natural resources protection measures.

• Community-based conservation: Our efforts in the Champlain Valley include working with Essex County, New York State, and private landowners to protect productive farmland.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Carl Heilman II (Adirondack stream); Photo © Carl Heilman II (leaves).