Americans have a strong connection to our lands and enthusiastically support saving the natural spaces they love. Land Trust of North Alabama has been doing just that for our region since 1987. As North Alabama’s only local land conservation organization, we are proud to announce our Land Trust Accreditation has been officially renewed. Land Trust Accreditation proves that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, we are committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in our conservation work.

“Renewing our accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation across North Alabama,” said Marie Bostick, Land Trust of North Alabama’s Executive Director. “The rigorous renewal process provides an opportunity to track our progress and reevaluate procedures to ensure we can always fulfill our promises to this community. Our continued strength means special places – like ours – will be protected forever, making this an even greater community to call home.”

Land Trust of North Alabama provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Land Trust of North Alabama’s lands will be responsibly protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres across the nation – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

Originally accredited in 2013, Land Trust of North Alabama has since preserved more than 500 additional acres expanding their conservation footprint. In that time, the Land Trust also opened two new public recreation preserves (Green Mountain Nature Preserve and Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve) and built more than 15 miles of trails. Land Trust membership has doubled as our community grows and more and more people realize the importance of protecting our natural resources. Land Trust of North Alabama specifically received commendation for their project selection assessment process and documentation. The Land Trust Alliance plans to share their work in this area as an example of best practices for other Land Trusts to emulate.

“It is exciting to recognize Land Trust of North Alabama’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

Land Trust of North Alabama is among a community of over 1300 land trusts in the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about this distinction can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.