~ Selected Writings ~

Saving The Face Of North America:
The Exponential Growth of Land Conservation

back to list of writing samples

(return to previous page) Jean Hocker, president of the Land Trust Alliance, says "The popularity of land trusts has skyrocketed over the past decade for two reasons. First, people realize that open land is a finite resource that, once lost, can never be regained. Second, people have discovered that, through land trusts, they can make a direct, lasting difference in the community they live in and the world they will leave to their children and grandchildren."

This trend is all the more remarkable when one takes into account the fact that much of its success is based on volunteerism. In fact, more than 40% of land trusts are staffed solely by volunteers. As well, a majority of land trusts receive more than half of their operating budgets from individual donations and memberships, rather than being government-funded, thus revealing how vital volunteers and concerned members are to the rapid growth of land conservation.

A non-government organization, the NSNT is funded by membership fees, donations and fund-raising events, as well as grants from charitable foundations. Our fundraising success has enabled us to hire full-time staff members to promote private stewardship in Nova Scotia.

The Nature Trust's Own Growth & Accomplishments

Like its American counterparts, the NSNT is also growing quickly. Currently we own four properties and one conservation easement, and are in the process of protecting several other significant properties. Through our pilot landowner contact program (Natural Landscapes Spring 1998), more than 100 new landowners are approached each year. Eighty percent (80%) of NSNT's efforts and time is channelled toward reaching, educating, and negotiating with landowners, with only five to ten per cent (5% - 10%) spent on educating the general public and naturalists groups (slide shows, guided walks, and lectures).

This focus on a target group - landowners - assures NSNT's continuing success in acquiring and protecting even more land for the near future. NSNT, still a very young organization, is already receiving recognition for its accomplishments. Garth Bangay, Regional Director General of Environment Canada in Dartmouth, in a formal letter to NSNT, wrote: "No single organization can protect all of the critical habitat in Nova Scotia. However, I believe that your organization has clearly made great strides in forming strong partnerships to forward your goals."

He also added that "It is indeed encouraging to read of the recent accomplishments of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. I was impressed with your innovative programs, such as the Trust initiative with Stora Port Hawkesbury and the 'Sacred Worth' project."

A single starfish, then a second, then a third....and sooner than we expect, a powerful trend is starting. One that makes a difference.

Nova Scotia Nature Trust thanks all its volunteers for being part of this trend.

back to list of writing samples
RETURN TO MENU