In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever’s mission work quickly garnered it a reputation as “The Habitat Organization,” a tagline the nonprofit conservation group uses proudly to this day. Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education, and land management policies and programs. Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over their locally-raised funds. This allows chapter volunteers to develop wildlife habitat projects and conduct youth conservation events in their communities, while belonging to a national organization with a voice regarding state and federal conservation policy.

Pitkin County is located in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Program was established by the voters of Pitkin County in 1990 by the passage of a ballot initiative creating a County Program for the purpose of acquiring open spaces and developing trails. The Program is funded by a property tax. In 2016, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees is to acquire, preserve, maintain and manage open space properties for multiple purposes including, but not limited to, recreational, wildlife, agricultural, scenic and access purposes; and to acquire, preserve, develop, maintain and manage trails for similar purposes.

Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to protect scarce, high value wildlife habitat in coastal Washington County — the heart of the Downeast Coast of Maine. Our highest priority is the protection of intertidal and freshwater wetlands and upland buffer that provide important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and woodcock.

The Portage Park District is an independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio formed in 1991 with its jurisdiction covering all of Portage County. Although it is independent of County government, the Park District utilizes the services of the Portage County Auditor, Treasurer and Prosecutor, and has received some financial support from the Portage County General Fund upon the discretion of the Portage County Commissioners. It is governed by an unpaid, three to five-member Board of Park Commissioners appointed by Portage County Probate Judge according to Ohio Revised Code Section 1545.

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) provides planning services, economic development services and multiple initiatives for six counties and 84 communities throughout central Alabama. Annual dues provided by the member governments of these counties and communities make it possible for the RPCGB to provide valuable resources. Funding for the Commission is obtained through federal matching grants, member government dues, annual appropriations from the state, and contract fees.

The Rhode Island Land Trust Council is a coalition of the state’s land trusts — community-based organizations formed to protect our special places: the scenic open spaces, natural areas, farms, forests, historic sites, watersheds, and drinking water supplies that define the character of our communities and our state. Land trusts are protecting our heritage so that it will be a legacy for future generations.

The Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District covers an area in the interior of Alaska of 3,762,900 acres. Within that boundary, the District provides conservation assistance and technical support relating to agriculture, soil erosion, forestry, hydrology, wildlife, and wetlands to private landowners and government agencies responsible for land management activities such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Alaska ADF&G, Alaska State Forestry, US Army Alaska, and Alaska DNR.

Salt Lake County Open Space preserves natural lands located in Salt Lake County for the enjoyment of county residents and the public at large.

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. The Authority envisions the Santa Clara Valley and its surrounding hillsides as a beautiful place where a vibrant network of interconnected open spaces, trails, wildlife habitats, and thriving agricultural lands enrich the region’s cities and make it an exceptional and healthy place to live, work, learn, and play.

Established in 1952, the mission of Save the Dunes is to preserve, protect and restore the Indiana dunes and all natural resources in Northwest Indiana’s Lake Michigan Watershed for an enhanced quality of life.

Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP is a law firm specializing in government, land use, renewable energy, and environmental law. Since 1980, the firm has provided public agencies, non-profits, tribes and community groups with the highest quality legal representation, offering an array of litigation, regulatory, counseling and planning services. Known for its commitment to promoting environmental and community values, SMW is at the forefront of the major land use, energy and development issues facing California today.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource, and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations.

The Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative was founded in 2012 as a service center to assist conservation organizations in southern Maine with hands on assistance specific to organizational needs. Because our theory of change is rooted in the idea that solutions forged together and in partnership are more lasting and effective, we also serve to build connections within the conservation sector, and between conservation and broader community issues.

The geology of Texas, with its far reaching ancient seabed sedimentation rock, provides Central Texas with a wealth of limestone cliff bands on both public and private land. Texas Climbers Coalition has continually sought to secure and maintain climbing access to these bouldering and sport climbing gems.

The Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds and supports a strong, active coalition of more than 30 organizations working to conserve the lands and waters of Texas. We serve as a powerful voice for conservation to protect drinking water, Texas' iconic wildlife, and our rich natural and cultural heritage. Together and in partnership with private landowners and citizens, we work to ensure that the Texas landscape — rich in history, natural resources, breathtaking views and recreational opportunities — can be left intact for all of us today and for the future.

The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc. (The Compact) was founded in 1986 as a nonprofit regional support organization for six local land trusts on Cape Cod. Today, The Compact provides 26 local and regional land trusts as well as watershed associations with technical expertise to preserve critical lands that protect the public water supply, protect scenic views, protect wildlife habitat, provide walking trails, and protect Cape Cod’s character, all of which draw countless visitors who drive our regional economy. There is no other nonprofit that offers similar services on Cape Cod. The national Land Trust Alliance has called The Compact a national model of a sustainable land trust coalition.

The Georgia Conservancy is a statewide, member-supported conservation organization. Our work for land conservation, environmental advocacy, coastal protection, sustainable growth and outdoor stewardship recognizes the connection between the environment, the economy and our quality of life.

Protecting lives, property and economic vitality within the Great Miami River Watershed through an integrated and balanced system that provides unfailing flood protection, preserves water resources, and promotes enjoyment of our waterways.

Tim Sweeney is a land conservation attorney advising land trusts in Colorado and New Mexico. Tim has more than 30 years of experience representing real estate developers, shopping center landlords and tenants, lenders and global media companies in complex real estate transactions and corporate matters. Tim is a second-generation Colorado native and a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law.

Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners facilitate the engagement of partners, funders, and stakeholders in multi-benefit projects to promote ecological and economic health, sustain our agricultural heritage, and enhance the quality of life in the Tulare Basin for current and future generations.

Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation touches all Virginians' lives. As the state's lead conservation agency, DCR protects what Virginians care about – open space, clean water, natural habitat, safe infrastructure and access to the outdoors.

The Virginia Department of Forestry: protects 15.8 million acres of forest land from fire, insects and disease; and manages 22 State Forest lands totaling 67,920 acres for timber, recreation, water, research, wildlife and biodiversity.

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is Virginia’s leader in land conservation, protecting more than 825,000 acres in 109 counties and independent cities. VOF is a public organization, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966 under Virginia Code § 10.1-1800. Today, we receive both public and private support for our work.

Virginia’s United Land Trusts was founded to promote conservation statewide and to coordinate conservation planning and green infrastructure. VaULT also offers training and educational programs, like our annual Virginia Land Conservation Conference.

Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) is leading the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin.

We act as the unified voice for land trusts across Washington state on behalf of private land conservation. We have three major program areas/services that we provide to help support the land trust community: advocacy and policy; networking and education; and partnerships and outreach.

Washington Water Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting stream flows and water quality throughout Washington state. We use voluntary, market-based transactions and cooperative partnerships to create balanced solutions benfitting fish, agriculture, business and wildlife.

Since 1973, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) has provided a broad range of programs and recreation opportunities to the residents of Washtenaw County. What started with five roadside parks, the Parks and Recreation Commission now boasts 13 parks and 33 nature preserves providing access to nearly 6,000 acres of land. In addition, WCPARC holds conservation easements on more than 1,600 acres of farmland. WCPARC also coordinates and manages Washtenaw County’s premier non-motorized trail system—the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B).