Sustaining Rural Communities
America’s rural lands are abundant with natural beauty, critical wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. We engage communities in person—and in deep conversation—to find out what they most want and need from their outdoor spaces, whether that’s the ability to access a local river for tubing or a nearby woodland for foraging and hunting. By prioritizing conservation that delivers multiple benefits—ecological, economic, and cultural—we can help rural communities thrive while preserving their rich character. Support Our Work
Life in rural America is changing. As traditional land-based economies have evolved, jobs and people have moved to cities. Faced with aging populations, reduced tax bases, and declining public infrastructure, many communities with deep roots and long histories are at an inflection point. The good news is that these places remain rich in a natural and sustainable—if untapped—resource: the great outdoors. By working with these communities to implement a thoughtful shift toward a climate-resilient, job-generating working lands and recreation economy, we stand together with rural towns to retain longtime residents and attract potential newcomers.
The fruits of our community-centered work in rural areas are as eclectic as the regions themselves. We look for conservation—and recreational—opportunities as varied as wildlife management areas and rail trails, state parks, and working forests. Read stories about recent rural community efforts across the country.
We’re helping communities take ownership of their forested landscapes and manage the spaces to enhance quality of life, enrich cultural and spiritual heritage, and strengthen local economies. Learn More.
Through hands-on support and guidance, we’re helping underserved rural communities envision, plan, raise funds, and execute conservation and recreation projects that deliver health, economic, and climate benefits.
Get in touch with our land protection experts.
(206) 587-2447
