"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
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.
Don't miss this Science Magazine article about an unusual conservation practice. Sand County Foundation is testing whether gypsum, a waste product from coal-fired power plants, can help reduce nutrient runoff from farms.
Read MoreLearn about why we believe private landowners are critical to helping solve our nation's most pressing environmental challenges.
Watch VideoKurt and Wayne Kaup own and manage K & W Farms in Stuart, Neb., where they raise hogs and crops on the eastern edge of the Sandhills.
Read More“A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke [of the axe] he is writing his signature on the face of the land."
Let's stay in touch! Subscribe to our seasonal Sand County Foundation Almanac newsletter to learn about successful new approaches to private land conservation. Enter your email address here.