About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a leading international, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the diversity on life on Earth.

Our Mission

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

Why We're Successful

• We work closely with partners, corporations, indigenous people and traditional communities all over the world, and people like you.
• We have a science-based plan that achieves tangible results all over the world.
• We use a non-confrontational, collaborative approach.
• We continually strive to exercise integrity beyond reproach and to operate openly and transparently as we pursue our mission.

Demonstrating Our Accountability

As a charity, we hold ourselves accountable to our members and to all those who have a stake in preserving our precious natural resources. The Nature Conservancy is highly rated by charity watchdog organizations:

• The American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded The Nature Conservancy an "A" rating.
• Charity Navigator recently awarded The Nature Conservancy four out of four stars, its highest possible rating, for the fourth year in a row.
• Forbes magazine rated The Nature Conservancy's fundraising efficiency at 89% in its annual survey of the largest U.S. charities.

Fast Facts About The Nature Conservancy

• We were founded in 1951.
• We work in all 50 United States and 27 countries.
• We have protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of river around the world.
• We have more than 100 marine conservation projects in 21 countries and 22 US states.
• We have about 1 million members and supporters.
• We have more than 1,500 dedicated volunteers.
• We have 3,200 employees, 720 of whom are scientists.

What's New

For highlights of our conservation work and to read more about our current projects, please download our 2006 Annual Report (requires Acrobat).

Field Trips

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon has been creating remarkable, nature-based excursions since the late 1980s. All of our trips are led by experienced naturalists and outfitters. Trips during 2007 include birdwatching through Crater Lake National Park, Caribou-watching in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, traveling in a 110-foot yacht through the Galapagos, and many more.  Join us and experience an unforgettable natural history excursion today! Learn more >>