How land trusts are like the Avengers

The newest comic book movie isn't just a cinematic milestone. It's also an opportunity to consider how we — as champions of land conservation — are like the Avengers.

Collectively branded as Earth's mightiest heroes, the Avengers are about more than a billionaire's obsession with iron suits or a skilled archer's ability to hit any target. They're about uniting to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. And while land trusts don't battle intergalactic invaders, they do exhibit many of the same traits we see from Captain America, Thor, Iron Man and the other heroes featured in "Avengers: Endgame."

1) Collaboration

When you bring together heroes as diverse as the Avengers, you're likely to get a lot of different perspectives and personalities. But one thing the Avengers agree on is collaboration. Each member uses his or her unique talents to benefit the group — and save the world in the process.

Land conservationists also use varied skills drawn from diverse supporters to benefit the larger community. And saving the land is pretty much saving the world for future generations!

2) Team building

Each Avenger has his or her own superpower, but one superhero alone can't win the battle. The Avengers rely on teamwork and team building to overcome their greatest challenges.

Similarly, when it comes to land conservation, a growing community is a stronger community. The more people who support the work of land trusts, the more work that land trusts can do. By joining forces, we form a stronger, more capable front.

3) Faith in a better tomorrow

The Avengers are strongest when they're fighting a common enemy — watch out, Thanos — but they're at their very best when they're fighting for a better tomorrow.

We have this in common with our superhero counterparts: our shared belief as land conservationists in our ability to inspire and bring about change. We all have faith that tomorrow can be better than today and we work every day to realize that future.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. In comic book movies, we've seen a walking tree, a talking raccoon and a green behemoth. And just like our member land trusts, they're all heroic in their own way.

Caity Pinkard is marketing and communications coordinator for the Land Trust Alliance.