Each year an astounding 2,200,000 acres of land ( USDA Resource Conservation Service data during 1997 – 2001) are lost to development. People are tremendously concerned about the unprecedented loss of open space in their communities. They see subdivisions supplanting the open spaces that were once their views and where they once walked and hiked. They want to know how they can help to save the green spaces and views that make their communities unique. Land conservancies help to mitigate this loss by keeping valuable open space for the future.

Natural communities provide the wellspring of biotic diversity that has sustained us thus far. It is through conservation of natural communities that we help ensure our future. Aldo Leopold said “ To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” Since all species, including humans, are linked in the web of life one never knows which links will be the critical ones.

Discoveries of wild plant species have been responsible for many significant medical remedies and other important factors in human history. Wetlands provide ground water recharge, rare plant and animal habitat, pollution filtering, flood control, and other amenities. Trees provide oxygen, shade, scenic beauty, soil-building materials, and necessary wildlife food and habitat. Undisturbed green space provides the scenic views so important to people. They enhance the quality of our lives, add economic value to our communities, and are the mainstay of the tourism industries.