"Conservation can accomplish its objectives only when it springs from an impelling conviction on the part of private land owners."
Aldo Leopold, conservationist, landowner and author of
"A Sand County Almanac"
Did you know that more than three quarters of the land in the continental U.S. is privately owned?
The farmers, ranchers and foresters who own and manage the vast majority of private land in this nation hold the key to environmental improvement. Without their voluntary stewardship, our biggest conservation challenges cannot be met.
Sand County Foundation inspires and enables private landowners to ethically manage the natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support the world's growing food demands, suitable habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
of the land in the continental U.S. is privately owned
of private land in the continental U.S. is productive, working land like farms, ranches and forests
of American citizens and businesses manage that land
As the population increases, and pressure on our natural resources intensifies, we are faced with critical environmental challenges related to soil health, water quality and quantity, and fisheries and wildlife habitat. New approaches are needed to inspire and enable private landowners to address these issues while operating their businesses in an era of unprecedented change. Sand County Foundation is leading the way.
Our network of leading private land stewards has grown out of our Leopold Conservation Award® Program. This prestigious honor is given to outstanding farmers, ranchers and foresters for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.
Read More »More than 90% of threatened or endangered species have some part of their habitat on private land. Sand County Foundation is working in partnership with landowners to enhance habitat for rare species through voluntary efforts.
Read More »Sand County Foundation works with landowners to solve critical soil and water issues. We are testing and modeling practices that can improve soil health and reduce surface water pollution.
Read More »Your gift makes an impact on the quality and resilience of our nation's natural resources. Join us in our effort to address unmet conservation challenges. Support Sand County Foundation's work to advance voluntary conservation on private, working land.
In early 2019 we will release an exciting report on agricultural conservation. The National Agricultural Water Quality Practice Assessment seeks to better understand how effective specific agricultural management practices are at improving water quality.
Read MoreLearn about why we believe private landowners are critical to helping solve our nation's most pressing environmental challenges.
Watch VideoWisconsin populations of the Karner blue butterfly have rebounded and spread out thanks to efforts that Sand County Foundation undertook with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We showed what can be achieved when landowners enhance, restore and rehabilitate their landscapes with conservation approaches that can be financially beneficial.
Read More“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise."
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