Land Trusts Had a Big Decade

Land trusts are diversifying, racking up victories, and conserving millions of acres of land in recent years, according to a recent report.

1 minute read

January 11, 2022, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A line of trees next to open grass land at the Ridges Sanctuary in Wisconsin.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a nature preserve and land trust in Door County, Wisconsin. | Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock

"More than 15 million acres of land across America have been added to the nation’s inventory of conserved land by land trusts since 2010," reports Marcus Schneck for Penn Live.

Those gaudy numbers come courtesy of a new report by the Land Trust Alliance, published in December.

The report breaks down the amount of acreage added to each state. In the state of Pennsylvania, for instance, "land trusts have added 232,704 acres since 2010, raising the state’s total to 880,722 acres," reports Schneck.

"The census also highlighted the role land trusts played in providing solace for many Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 16.7 million people visited land trust properties in 2020, a substantial increase from 6.25 million in 2015," adds Schneck.

The source article includes demographic data and more information on the management of land trusts around the country.

Thursday, December 23, 2021 in Penn Live

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Canada geese sitting on shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.

How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity

Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

2 hours ago - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

4 hours ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up on cardboard sign reading 'No Kings' being held up at protest at Tesla offices in Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”

Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

6 hours ago - The Globe and Mail