THE PLAN

A Conservation Vision for the Equinox Highlands

We are now moving into a more urgent and ambitious phase of conservation action in the Highlands. We have worked in the area for two decades, conserving and stewarding land, promoting sound forest management, and conducting research on forest ecology. But we need to do more.

Over the next five years, we hope to protect a total of 5,000 acres: 2,000 acres through the purchase of land we will own and manage as part of our natural area in the Equinox Highlands, and 3,000 acres through the creation of conservation and land management agreements with private landowners. Improving the area’s trail network and securing important trail links will be an important part of our work. We will also increase our efforts to slow the spread of invasive exotic species through education and invasive species control.

Our goal is to protect the plants and animals of the area's vibrant forests and save the natural beauty of a place we can all enjoy for many years to come.

The Campaign: How You Can Help

To achieve our ambitious conservation goals for the Highlands, we need your support. Land is expensive, and we need to raise $5 million over the next five years to finance the purchase of land and easements, and to fund stewardship endowments to ensure these lands are cared for long into the future.

As a part of protecting our investment in the Highlands, we will contribute to the Conservancy's global conservation initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the world's forests. Since many of the bird species we enjoy here in Vermont rely on winter habitat in Central America, we also hope to raise $500,000 for the Conservancy’s Forest Bridge of the Americas project so we can protect the habitat of our beloved birds at both ends of their migratory pathways.

With an anonymous gift of $1 million already promised, we are off to a good start, but we still have a ways to go to reach our goal. With your help, we can protect the Equinox Highlands for a sustainable Vermont and a sustainable planet.

Think of the difference we can make by working together! 

Campaign Statement:  The Overview / The Place / The Plan

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Oak Log Cover Design: The Laughing Bear Associates; Cover Photo © Bob Klein/The Nature Conservancy (Equinox Highlands).