The Nature Conservancy: Protecting Global Biodiversity Through Conservation by Design

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has evolved into one of the world's most influential environmental non-profit organizations. Operating as a 501(c)(3) entity headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the organization employs a strategy known as conservation by design to protect critical ecosystems. With a global reach and a membership exceeding one million people as of 2021, TNC has successfully protected more than 119 million acres (48 million ha) of land throughout its history.

Key Facts

Founded: 1951
Global Impact: Over 119 million acres of land protected.
Scale: Largest environmental non-profit by assets and revenue in the Americas (as of 2014).
Financials: Reported revenue of US$ 1.29 billion in 2018.
Accountability: 4-star rating (96% score) from Charity Navigator for the 2022 fiscal year.
Leadership: Led by CEO Jennifer Morris and Global Board Chair Bill Frist.

The Evolution of a Conservation Giant

The roots of The Nature Conservancy trace back to the Ecological Society of America (ESA), founded in 1915. Within the ESA, Victor Shelford led a committee dedicated to preserving natural areas for long-term research. By the 1930s, Shelford and colleagues like Aldo Leopold shifted their focus toward active conservation advocacy. This ideological shift led to the formation of the Ecologists' Union in 1946, which eventually became The Nature Conservancy, mirroring a similarly named British agency.

In its early years, the organization focused heavily on the rapid acquisition of land. However, the 1970s marked a pivotal shift toward a more scientific approach. The hiring of Robert E. Jenkins Jr., the first staff scientist, helped refocus the mission on natural diversity. Under the presidency of Patrick Noonan (1973–1980), TNC partnered with state governments to create inventories of rare species and natural communities, a precursor to the Natural Heritage Network.

A meeting at the Alabama Nature Conservancy to organize a glass recycling effort in Birmingham, 1972

Major Conservation Projects and Initiatives

The Nature Conservancy operates on a global scale, managing diverse projects that range from tropical rainforests to temperate mountains.

North American Land Protection

In North America, TNC has brokered significant deals to prevent deforestation and protect wildlife. In the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve along the Guatemala–Mexico border, TNC and Pronatura Peninsula Yucatán protected 370,000 acres of tropical forest. The organization also focuses on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and has made massive forest acquisitions in the United States.

Notable transactions include a $110 million purchase of 161,000 acres of New York forestland in 2007 and the 2008 Montana Legacy Project, a $510 million agreement for 320,000 acres of forestland. In 2015, TNC spent $134 million to secure over 165,000 acres across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington and the Blackfoot River Valley in Montana.

Nature Conservancy of Tennessee's William B. Clark Sr. Nature Preserve on the Wolf River at Rossville, Tennessee

Clymer Meadow Preserve managed by the conservancy is considered to be one of the few and best preserved examples of Texas Blackland Prairie (eco-region) remaining.

In 2012, former president Brian McPeek in his then role as chief operating officer, signed over the deed to 10 acres (4 ha) of land for the initial donation to establish the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida.

Global Reforestation: Plant a Billion Trees

Since 2008, the "Plant a Billion Trees" campaign has worked to restore forests in high-need areas across Brazil, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, Tanzania, Mexico, and the United States. This initiative includes a pledge to plant 25 million trees as part of the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) Billion Tree Campaign. In Brazil specifically, the effort targets the restoration of 2.5 million acres of the Atlantic Forest using native species.

Christie Boser in the field — Christie Boser from the Nature Conservancy with a specimen of Urocyon littoralis, a small fox endemic to California's Channel Islands

Organizational Overview

Category	Details
Headquarters	Arlington, Virginia
Legal Status	501(c)(3) Non-profit
Membership	1+ Million (as of 2021)
Primary Method	Conservation by Design
Key Publication	The Nature Conservancy magazine

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its success, the organization has faced scrutiny. In the early 2000s, the Conservancy dealt with controversies regarding its land deals. More recently, the organization underwent a leadership crisis in 2019. Following an internal investigation into sexual harassment, President Brian McPeek resigned, followed by CEO Mark Tercek and other senior officials. Former US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell served as interim CEO starting in September 2019 to stabilize the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "conservation by design"?

Conservation by design is the strategic method used by The Nature Conservancy to protect biodiversity by identifying and prioritizing the most critical ecological areas for preservation based on scientific data.

How many acres has The Nature Conservancy protected?

Throughout its history, the organization has protected more than 119 million acres (48 million ha) of land globally.

What is the Plant a Billion Trees campaign?

Launched in 2008, it is a global effort to plant one billion trees in forests with the greatest need, including significant restoration work in Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

Is The Nature Conservancy a registered charity?

Yes, it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has received high ratings for efficiency and accountability from Charity Navigator.

Who currently leads The Nature Conservancy?

As of the latest records, the organization is led by CEO Jennifer Morris and Global Board Chair Bill Frist.