Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

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Photo courtesy of Brian van der Brug/The Los Angeles Times

California’s first Black land trust fights climate change, makes

the outdoors more inclusive*

The 40 Acre Conservation League, California’s first Black-led land conservancy, recently secured $3 million to purchase 650 acres. Given that Black Americans historically have not enjoyed equal access to national parks and wilderness recreation areas, and have often been deprived of the chance to steward large open spaces, the purchase carries great cultural importance.

King County modernizes its approach to habitat restoration

King County salmon habitat restoration managers in Washington State are adapting their work along rivers and streams to account for the transformational changes in landscapes made by beavers as their population recovers and repopulates wetlands and waterways. Experts say the new approach will better capitalize on beavers’ unique ability to promote biodiversity and improve water quality.

Photo courtesy of Gary P. Fleming/Virginia DCR-DNH

$9.5 million allocated to two Virginia counties for nature preserve expansion project

Floyd and Carroll counties in Virginia will receive $9.5 million in federal funding for the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve Expansion Project, according to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The project will cover 3,311 acres of the Southern Appalachian Rich Cove Forest, productive white pine, and nearly 14 miles of mountain streams in the New River.

Photo courtesy of Deanna Erickson/Lake Superior Reserve

Fond du Lac Band awarded $350,000 for land restoration

and stewardship

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve received nearly $350,000 for the restoration and stewardship of 10.9 acres of land they regained. The land, located at the western end of Lake Superior’s Wisconsin Point, is an extensive sand bar of tremendous ecological, cultural and historic importance.

In Other News

How grassland restoration is reversing a disappearing habitat

Biden-Harris Administration releases report highlighting historic and ongoing negative impacts of federal Columbia River dams on tribal communities

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts five-year status reviews of 59 southeastern species

Connecticut adds to invasive plants species list for first time in several years

Hydrologist’s research highlights benefits of prairie-wetland restoration at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge*

Colorado's Kings Crossing Natural Area to reopen after 2 years of restoration

Partnerships in cultural, natural resource protection drive environmental team’s work in Hawaii

Lake County forest preserves in Minnesota wants to borrow $155 million for habitat restoration, land acquisition*

European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae): Be on the lookout for this aggressive invasive plant

Colorado River to benefit from restoration efforts proposed as part of land exchange in Summit and Grand counties*

As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails

New research could help resource managers improve the health and resilience of the Mississippi River Basin

Biden-⁠Harris Administration launches Conservation.gov, showcasing and supporting the rapid acceleration of locally led efforts to conserve, protect and restore lands and waters 

Restoring Indigenous aquaculture heals both ecosystems and communities in Hawai‘i

Home on the range: Inside buffalo restoration on the Wind River Indian Reservation

‘The creek’s flowing again’: Easton dam removed as part of Bushkill Creek restoration*

University of New Hampshire announces fellowship: Understanding the Scope and IPM Solutions to Woody Invasive Species in the Northeast

Cattle help reduce wildfire fuels, invasive weed species in Boulder

New research blames climate change, not foreign bugs, for killing critical marsh grass in Louisiana

Recent YouTube Releases

The Role of Groundwater in Natural Areas Stewardship

State Natural Areas Programs: Public Access at Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve

Informed Plant Selection to Restore Pollinators and Songbirds in Human Dominated Landscapes

The Latest Research

Advancing the science and practice of rare plant conservation with the Center for Plant Conservation Reintroduction Database

Accuracy, accessibility, and institutional capacity shape the utility of habitat models for managing and conserving rare plants on western public lands

Turning setbacks into stepping-stones for growth in conservation paleobiology

Approaches and methods used to bring together Indigenous and Environmental science Knowledge in environmental research: A systematic map protocol

Linking microphytobenthos distribution and mudflat geomorphology under varying sedimentary regimes using unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV)-acquired multispectral reflectance and photogrammetry

• Items with an asterisk may require registration or a paid subscription to view*
• Items that are italicized represent academic titles

Natural Areas Association (NAA) seeks individuals with expertise in human and resource management, financial management, and business development/advancement to join its board of directors.

Land stewardship benefits from shared knowledge rich in diverse perspectives. NAA seeks board applicants from diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to enrich learning for all. 

Support the conservation of nature and the protection of all species through service on the NAA board of directors. Contact Holli Redekop with questions.

Funding Opportunities

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

Deadline: June 21, 2024

Arizona Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Grant

Deadline: June 28, 2024

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