Acquiring property is just the first phase of the Conservancy’s work. Because we conserve land in perpetuity, we have the responsibility to make sure each property’s special natural features remain intact. The Conservancy has a Stewardship Director and a team of dedicated volunteers who visit each property at least annually to monitor and document the conditions of each property’s conservation values. Staff and volunteers monitor more than 10,000 acres annually.

The Conservancy’s Stewardship and Legal Defense Fund is integral in our ability to permanently steward these lands. Money in this fund is used to care for protected properties and to defend conservation easements legally if need be. We thank all the landowners and other donors who have contributed to this essential fund.