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Find Your Connection in Nature

Discover the best of nature at a TNC preserve near you.

A woman sits on a wooden dock extending into a body of water surrounded by fall trees.
Nags Head Hike Bekah Herndon sits on a fishing pier at a freshwater pond along the Discovery Trail in the Nags Head Woods Preserve, North Carolina. © Ben Herndon for The Nature Conservancy

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the woods, a place to spot rare birds or a way to give back through volunteer opportunities in nature, our preserves are here for you.

A man and two children explore under rocks at a shore's edge.
Exploring Port Susan Bay: A father and his two sons turn over a rock on the beach of Barnum point to discover what wonders might be hidden beneath. © Benj Drummond

Explore ways to connect with nature near you.

Explore The Nature Conservancy's Network of Preserves

Across all 50 states, The Nature Conservancy welcomes visitors to a network of ~750 nature preserves. Together, these nature preserves collectively help TNC advance its mission to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.

see the interactive map

Why These Places Matter

Our preserves are part of a strategic conservation system that protects some of the most climate-resilient landscapes in the U.S. Our preserves are privately protected, permanently safeguarded from development and managed with long-term conservation in mind, ensuring they remain ecologically vibrant for generations to come. This work is made possible thanks to the generosity of our members, donors and partners. Every visit, every story and every act of support helps protect these places—and the future they represent.

Under Three-Minute Virtual Preserve Tours

Come Tour Bear Island Preserve With Us (2:10) Step into the heart of the Potomac Gorge in Maryland as we explore Bear Island, a breathtaking preserve protected through a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. Just minutes from Washington, DC, this landscape offers a peaceful retreat from city life.
Come Tour Nachusa Grasslands Preserve With Us (2:13) Explore Nachusa Grasslands Preserve, one of the largest and most successful prairie restoration projects in Illinois, located just west of Chicago. We'll take you inside this 4,000‑acre grassland ecosystem, home to American bison, rare plants and diverse bird species.
Come Tour Mashomack Preserve With Us (2:52) Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island offers a peaceful escape just a short ferry ride from Long Island, inviting you into a landscape of salt marshes, oak woodlands, tidal creeks and meadows protected by The Nature Conservancy and local residents since the 1980s.
Come Tour Ramsey Canyon With Us (2:40) Discover the quiet beauty of Ramsey Canyon Preserve in southeastern Arizona. Join us for a peaceful walk through towering trees, cool mountain air and a thriving wildlife haven protected by The Nature Conservancy.

What will you find at a TNC preserve?

Find Your Sanctuary

Looking for a quiet escape? Our preserves offer outdoor activities for families, solo explorers and anyone seeking peace and rejuvenation.

Explore Preserve Map

Find Your Wonder

Curious about the natural world? Our preserves are ideal birdwatching locations and community science hubs, offering hands-on learning and discovery.

Learn about migratory species

Find Your Adventure

Ready to explore? From hiking trails in your state to kayaking routes and scenic overlooks, our preserves offer outdoor adventures for every skill level.

Discover Some of TNC’s Best Trails

Find Your Purpose

Want to make a difference? Join a volunteer conservation project, help restore native habitats or become a preserve docent.

How to Volunteer

Woodpecker on tree.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker A red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) visits the restored longleaf pine forest in The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve in Florida. © Carlton Ward Jr.

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Trees and a lake at City Park in Denver, Colorado, frame the foreground behind which the skyline of Denver and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains rise up dramatically under cloudy skies.

From Concrete to Canopy: Find Your Nature Fix

Beat the crowds at these Nature Conservancy preserves near big cities and popular vacation hotspots.

White trillium blooms blanket a lush forest floor.

Where Wildflowers Bloom

From trillium to trout lily, explore the blooms that signal the start of spring and learn how The Nature Conservancy protect the landscapes on which these ephemeral wildflowers depend.

A furry brown animal stands on its hind legs to observe a snowy landscape.

Winter Wildlife Watching

From Owls to Otters: Bare trees and quiet landscapes make winter the perfect season to visit The Nature Conservancy’s preserves.

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