Rivers and Lands

Our planet’s freshwater and terrestrial systems play a crucial role in supporting plants, animals and people. They provide essential habitat and serve as a vital source of drinking water. However, concerning trends are driving the urgency of our mission.

Globally, 40% of watersheds are degraded and 84% of freshwater species are in decline. In these landscapes, where water flows through lakes, ponds and rivers all the way to the ocean, competing priorities can arise between resource needs and environmental protection. And in response to climate impacts like rising temperatures, animals and even plants are shifting their ranges, and the available connected landscapes with the right criteria for them to roam, mate and eat are dwindling as a result of development and degradation.

In Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy collaborates with communities and partners to demonstrate that people and nature can support one another. Our focus lies in the interconnected mosaic of freshwater systems and connecting lands for climate resilience, especially those connected to the Appalachian Mountains. As we protect and conserve landscapes for biodiversity, we consider enhancements to local economies, Indigenous livelihoods, cultural preservation, climate mitigation, and community health and resilience. By bolstering the functionality of natural ecosystems, we can address challenges, reduce risks and protect health and well-being for all.