Long recognized as a leading center for technical research and the space industry, Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama, is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. Our North Alabama region seeks to attract innovative, future-oriented economic development. Recreational, educational, and aesthetic amenities of the area are important factors in recruiting new businesses and employees.
The image of our community is entwined with the quality of life it offers.
Land Trust of North Alabama offers a balance between growth and preservation. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations. This quality of life will ensure our region’s prospects for continued economic prosperity.
Our Mission
The Land Trust preserves land and its legacies for conservation, public recreation, and environmental education to enhance quality of life in North Alabama now and for the future.
Our Vision
The Land Trust leads the region and community in planning, preserving, and providing stewardship for public greenspace including: recreation and wildlife corridors; historic and geologic features; wetlands and watersheds; urban open spaces; mountains, hillsides, and scenic views.
Our Values
- The Land Trust is passionate about preserving lands for public use and encouraging all citizens to experience the benefits of the natural world resources promoting recreation and nature-based learning.
- The Land Trust promotes conservation, sustainable development, and smart growth as a viable means for improving quality of life and public health.
- The Land Trust stewards greenspace to protect the regional ecology and the legacies of the land.
- The Land Trust practices and promotes environmentally-friendly living and sustainable business practices.
- The Land Trust values and appreciates its reputation as an ethical and effective business in land preservation and stewardship.
You have an opportunity to alter the future of North Alabama. You can help to protect the scenic vistas, critical wetlands, and green corridors which define this area of the South and make it so attractive. You can help to ensure that in one year, ten years or 100 years from now the natural character we love will still be present.
Who we are:
The Land Trust of North Alabama is a member supported, not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to protect the North Alabama natural lands and scenic areas. Incorporated in 1987 as Alabama’s first land trust, over 6,100 acres have been protected. We maintain three major Nature Preserves and 40+ miles of trails which are open to the public. Three full-time and three part-time staff members, as well as over 150 active volunteers, work to accomplish our mission.
We protect land:
Land is a resource that is owned by individuals, but enjoyed by many. When it is overdeveloped or misused, we all suffer. The Land Trust works with landowners to protect the natural values of their property to ensure that the scenic beauty of North Alabama will be maintained for future generations.
The majority of our protected property has been donated by land owners. Many acres have been added as purchase/donations. And, the Land Trust currently has two properties termed “Life Estates” – land already deeded to the Land Trust while the landowners have use of the property until their passing. Another way to protect land is through a Conservation Easement – a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. You to continue to own and use your land and may to sell it or pass it on to heirs.
What we don’t do:
The Land Trust provides people with alternatives, not ultimatums. We do not tell individuals or governments how to manage their land. This is a job best left to other organizations and political entities. Instead we work with all land owners, whether they are conservationists or developers, to protect North Alabama’s natural features. After all, protecting our area’s natural appeal is really in everyone’s best interest.
How can you help?
Become a member! Volunteer! Membership support allows the Land Trust to maintain a professional organization which is working every day to protect the important land in North Alabama. Volunteers are at the heart of what we do.
Why should you be involved?
Most of us have a sizeable investment in North Alabama. Whether it is our home or cottage, property or business, we each have a vested interest in the future of the area.
Consider the Land Trust as a land protection insurance policy which helps you to safeguard not only the value of your personal investment, but also your overall enjoyment of the area. Few would dispute that the natural beauty of North Alabama contributes significantly to the decision process when companies or families are considering relocation. A healthy North Alabama economy and quality of life is directly related to a healthy natural environment.
Picture perfect greenspace…You have an opportunity to paint a picture of what the future holds for North Alabama. Through your support as a member you can help preserve greenspace which will be as beautiful in 50 years as it does today.
Take a moment to reflect on what North Alabama means to you. You have an opportunity today to invest in its future. The time to protect our precious scenic and historic acreage is NOW. Don’t look back with regret in ten years and say “If only we had protected…”. The cost of membership is small, but it will pay dividends for generations.
