The Nature Conservancy

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The Nature Conservancy

• Visit nature.org/maryland

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Our mission
is to preserve plants, animals, and natural
communities that represent the diversity of life
on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they
need to survive.
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works in all 50 United States and 27
countries. has protected more than 117 million
acres of land around the world, including more
than 64,000 acres across Maryland. has about 1
million members and supporters, including more
than 22,000 in Maryland. has more than 1,500
dedicated volunteers, including 300 in
Maryland. has 3,200 employees, 720 of whom are
scientists. owns and manages the largest private
nature preserve in Maryland.

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Science guides our work by identifying Earths
most important natural places.
Using innovative tools, we protect and restore
these priority sites.
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Ecoregional Planning The scientific process that
guides our work
Conservation Targets Species Natural
Communities Matrix Forest Blocks/Occurrences Aquat
ic Ecosystems Estuarine/Coastal/Marine
Habitats Conservation Goals Viability
Assessment Portfolio of Sites
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Priorities in Maryland
The Nature Conservancys portfolio
Strategic Forest Lands Assessment
Shared Priorities
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Helping Sustain the Chesapeake Bay
Allegany Forests Potomac Gorge Nanjemoy
Creek Nanticoke River Nassawango Creek
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Working forest easements and forest
reserves Sustainable management of
Conservancy-owned forests Collaboration with
forestry industry, government and private
landowners Innovative transactions for
conserving large forested landscapes

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Common Ground

• Conversion of forest land to development is a
  major threat to the goal of maintaining healthy
  and sustainable forests in Maryland.
• Economic viability of forest lands and the
  associated resource-based economies are important
  in providing incentives to maintain the forest
  land base.
• Efforts from conservation groups to protect
  landscapes before they are developed are also
  necessary to keep forests available for
  conservation and management.

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A Powerful Combination

• Forest Legacy (federal funds)
• Rural Legacy (matching state funds)
• Promoting priority forested landscapes for these
  two programs could bring additional funding.

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We achieve lasting results Science guides our
work Shared priorities