As our nation heads into another hurricane season and the threat of wildfire in drought-impacted parts of our country grows, disaster preparedness is front of mind for many.

Amid calls to protect 30% of U.S. lands and water by 2030, the question is being asked how the 30x30 strategy can work given the growth of renewable energy operations. After all, both plans require vast swaths of land to achieve their goals.

In 2017, Colorado Open Lands took attendees of Land Trust Alliance's Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference on a field trip north of Denver to tour a local foods co-operative. Four years later, we've finalized our first conservation easement with Poudre Valley Community Farms.

It's been mentioned before, but it still rings true: Land trusts are well positioned to lead in mitigating the impacts of climate change and helping their communities adapt.

Saving the places people need and love requires more than hard work. It also requires funding. Just as it took the Chicago Bulls the winning combination of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to bring home six NBA championships, land trusts need both funding and hard work to get conservation done. And you can play a helpful role.

Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to meet new people, visit beautiful places and give back to your community.

Whether you're new to the world of voluntary private land conservation or looking for a refresh, read on for answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about land trusts.

How is government funding like a used couch? Knowing where your funding has been before it arrives at your land trust is key to avoiding unpleasant problems.

In the buildup to Earth Day on April 22, people around the country will contemplate their role in fighting seemingly daunting environmental challenges, including climate change, the extinction crisis, habitat fragmentation and environmental injustice.