In 1843, Mexico granted 22,000 acres in California’s Cuyama Valley; 183 years later, the largest surviving 5,650-acre piece was permanently protected after a $1 million conservation campaign

In 1843, Mexico granted 22,000 acres in California's Cuyama Valley; 183 years later, the largest surviving 5,650-acre piece was permanently protected after a $1 million conservation campaign

The largest remaining intact part of an 1843 Mexican land grant in California’s Cuyama Valley has been permanently protected from future commercial development after a successful grassroots conservation campaign. The 5,650-acre Spanish Ranch, managed by the Doiron family, is now protected by a permanent agricultural conservation easement through a partnership with the California Rangeland Trust. … Read more

A conservation group bought nearly 2,000 acres of South Carolina forest before development could reach it; the land has now been transferred to the US government and permanently added to Sumter National Forest

A conservation group bought nearly 2,000 acres of South Carolina forest before development could reach it; the land has now been transferred to the US government and permanently added to Sumter National Forest

Representative image from Canva In a quiet but decisive win for conservation, a 1,950-acre tract of South Carolina forest that once faced the threat of development has been permanently protected as part of Sumter National Forest. The Nature Conservancy purchased the land in 2023, held it while paperwork and funding were finalised, and has now … Read more

In 2003, a Montana family bought 57 acres along the Stillwater River; after cameras documented bears, wolves and mountain lions, they have permanently protected the property from development

In 2003, a Montana family bought 57 acres along the Stillwater River; after cameras documented bears, wolves and mountain lions, they have permanently protected the property from development

A Montana family has permanently protected 57 acres of riverfront land along the Stillwater River after years of documenting the wildlife that moves through the property. The conservation effort was reported by the Flathead Beacon and Whitefish Pilot, while the Flathead Land Trust confirmed details of the newly established conservation easement. Sean and Melodye Rooney … Read more

A Utah couple spent 14 years trying to stop their 25.5-acre farm from becoming another subdivision; the land is now permanently protected from development even as homes spread around it

A Utah couple spent 14 years trying to stop their 25.5-acre farm from becoming another subdivision; the land is now permanently protected from development even as homes spread around it

Sheri Schiess and her late husband, Boyd, worked for 14 years to preserve their 25.5-acre farm in Nibley, Utah, as development expanded around it (Image Credit: Brock Marchant/ The Salt Lake Tribune) A stretch of green farmland surrounded by growing communities can look increasingly out of place, but one Utah couple spent years ensuring their … Read more

In 1907, New Jersey’s Clementon Park opened; after surviving a 1931 fire and a $2.37 million foreclosure rescue in 2021, it has permanently closed; now the 52-acre site goes on sale

In 1907, New Jersey's Clementon Park opened; after surviving a 1931 fire and a $2.37 million foreclosure rescue in 2021, it has permanently closed; now the 52-acre site goes on sale

After more than a century of welcoming families through its gates, Clementon Park and Splash World in Camden County, New Jersey, has announced the ‘difficult decision’ to close permanently. The landmark amusement park made the announcement on September 9, marking an end to its 119 years of operation. The property is now up for sale. … Read more

A 674-acre Colorado ranch was listed for $5.9 million as a development site; conservationists bought it instead, permanently protecting land that links to more than 100,000 acres of public space

A 674-acre Colorado ranch was listed for $5.9 million as a development site; conservationists bought it instead, permanently protecting land that links to more than 100,000 acres of public space

The ranch is near the proposed Ring the Peak trail system. A 674-acre ranch on the northern flank of Colorado’s Pikes Peak, once listed as a development site for $5.9 million, has now been bought by Palmer Land Conservancy and will be protected for conservation.The Conservancy closed on the purchase of Pinestone Ranch on August … Read more