Protecting the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life in North Carolina. To achieve its mission, the Conservancy must address a host of conservation challenges and work with a variety of partners.

Six initiatives that help us advance conservation science, develop multi-site strategies, catalyze partnerships, and improve policies across North Carolina and around the world.

Sustainable Waters Program

Helps advance policies and actions so that human needs can be met while sustaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. The Roanoke River Project in North Carolina is a model for this approach and lessons learned from the Conservancy's work here have been used around the world.

Global Climate Change Initiative

Creates achievable solutions to slow the rate of global warming and finds viable options for the Earth’s natural diversity, human communities, and economic investments to survive its inevitable impacts. North Carolina's coast and Outer Banks are highly threatened by rising sea levels and other impacts of climate change. The Conservancy has begun efforts in the Albemarle Peninsula to test tools and long-term strategies for helping this ecosystem adapt to inevitable changes in the climate.

Global Forest Partnership

Advances responsible forest management practices, high-impact conservation transactions, and public policies that protect and restore the world's forests. The forests of North Carolina provide ecological and economic benefits and the Conservancy is committed to preserving those benefits. One recent success is the protection of 76,500 acres in Eastern North Carolina. Much of the land will be transferred to the state's Wildlife Resources Commission for the public to hunt, hike and paddle.

Global Fire Initiative

Develops solutions that allow fire to play a role in places where it benefits nature, and keep fire out of places where it is destructive. In North Carolina, fire plays a critical role in many landscapes and is important in maintaining ecological health. The Conservancy is a partner in the NC Prescribed Fire Council, which brings together land managers, natural resource professionals and others to promote the best practices and benefits of fire.

Global Invasive Species Initiative

Aims to abate the threats posed by invasive non-native plants, animals, and diseases through prevention, early detection, eradication, restoration, research, and outreach. Ecosystems across North Carolina are threatened by a variety of invasive species. The Conservancy has identified which species pose the biggests threats to our forests and waters and what can be done to help prevent their spreading.

Global Marine Initiative

Links innovative land and sea conservation strategies to improve survival of our coasts and oceans. In North Carolina, planning has begun for an innovative Banks and Sounds Conservation Action Plan; more information available soon.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Azaleas blooming in a longleaf pine forest © Hope Sutton/TNC; Barbara's button © TNC.