Skip to content

About Us

Who We Are

A professional climber climbing the side of a mountain
A rope technician works to remove invasive pine trees from the greater Cape Town region in South Africa. TNC works with local organizations to support these water-saving efforts. © Roshni Lodhia

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners.

Together, We Find A Way

We must boldly address the biodiversity and climate crises. We're overcoming barriers to the change our planet needs.

Our Priorities for 2030

What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we avoid the worst impacts of climate change, conserve enough habitat to slow down species loss, and safeguard people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How may we help you? Find answers to common questions about The Nature Conservancy. Learn about the organization's outreach, membership program, careers and more.

How You Can Help

Get involved with The Nature Conservancy by volunteering, attending live or virtual events, taking direct action and lowering your carbon footprint.

Donate to Our Mission

Donate today and you’ll be a member, funding urgent direct conservation and advocacy where its needed most around the world.

By the Numbers

  • Icon of a globe

    70+

    We impact conservation in over 70 countries and territories.

  • Two fish

    100+

    We operate more than 100 marine conservation projects.

  • Icon of a microscope.

    400+

    We have more than 400 scientists on staff.

  • Icon of a garden.

    125M+

    We have protected more than 125 million acres of land.

Collage of Nature Conservancy leaders' headshots.
Sunset Cooper Lake in Alaska. The creek draining the lake is colored red by tannins from the surrounding vegetation. © Stuart Chape/TNC Photo Contest 2021

Success

Our Leaders

Meet the experts, scientists, leadership and staff that embody The Nature Conservancy's spirit of innovation and drive to deliver tangible lasting results for both people & nature.

Meet Our People
×
Zulfa Hassan (center, in blue), chairlady of the Mtangawanda Women's Association, and a group of women plant mangroves in a TNC-led mangrove restoration project.
Mangrove Mud Zulfa Hassan (center, in blue), chairlady of the Mtangawanda Women's Association, and a group of women plant mangroves in a TNC-led mangrove restoration project. © Roshni Lodhia

Achieving Across Common Ground and Great Divides

We develop breakthrough ideas, forge new paths to conservation funding, guide game-changing decisions and amplify local and Indigenous leadership.

How We Work aiding local leaders
×

What Makes Us Who We Are

BBB Accredited Charity; DMA Nonprofit Organization; Charity Navigator; Accredited: Land Trust Accreditation Commission; S&P Global Ratings; 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies: www.ethisphere.com

An Organization You Can Trust

As a leading global charity, we put every dollar donated to work efficiently and effectively to make the greatest impact possible for conservation.

Our Accountability Rating
×

Highlights From Our Work

Close-up view of a monarch butterfly.
Monarch butterfly Close view of a monarch butterfly on a flower. © Charles Larry
Rainforest with ferns and moss-covered tree trunks.
Riparian old-growth forest Landscape of a riparian old growth forest near Thorne Bay, Alaska. © Chris Crisman
Wind turbine over a large body of water.
Block Island Wind Farm In 2010, Tricia Jedele helped develop the RI Ocean Special Area Management Plan, the first federally approved ocean plan for offshore wind in the U.S. © Ayla Fox
Fire crew at a prescribed burn.
Lake Alexander prescribed burn Firefighters conducting a prescribed spring burn at the Lake Alexander Preserve in central Minnesota. © Jennifer Linehan/TNC
Aerial view of a sky-blue river running through forest.
Holmes River Aerial view of the Holmes River, British Columbia, Canada. © Shane Kalyn
Woman in mangrove forest.
Harvest Time A member of the Mtangawanda Women’s Association harvesting propagules from mangroves in Lamu County, Kenya. © Roshni Lodhia
Close-up view of a monarch butterfly.
Monarch butterfly Close view of a monarch butterfly on a flower. © Charles Larry

1

Celebrating a Cultural Icon

The iconic Monarch butterfly holds great ecological and cultural significance across North America. Their stunning appearance and incredible 3,000 mile migration across the continent have inspired myths and celebrations. Monarch populations are declining. Their numbers are threatened by dwindling native plant populations and climate change, which alters their migration patterns. TNC partners with local communities across the country, including in East Chicago, to protect and celebrate the Monarch.

Rainforest with ferns and moss-covered tree trunks.
Riparian old-growth forest Landscape of a riparian old growth forest near Thorne Bay, Alaska. © Chris Crisman

2

5 Ways We Conserve Quickly and Durably

We have to work quickly to conserve nature and ensure that the work we do endures. Helping to launch a sustainable tuna company. Raising coral embryos to serve as marine habitats. Partnering with local communities to conserve important habitats. In these ways and more, we're providing the next generation with the tools they need to build a sustainable future.

Wind turbine over a large body of water.
Block Island Wind Farm In 2010, Tricia Jedele helped develop the RI Ocean Special Area Management Plan, the first federally approved ocean plan for offshore wind in the U.S. © Ayla Fox

3

Saving Energy And Fish

When we design with nature in mind, we accomplish more. Like making thriving marine habitats out of offshore wind turbines. They fight climate change and can act as artificial reefs. TNC scientists are helping research materials and designs that will properly anchoring offshore wind turbines while also supporting marine life and biodiversity.

Fire crew at a prescribed burn.
Lake Alexander prescribed burn Firefighters conducting a prescribed spring burn at the Lake Alexander Preserve in central Minnesota. © Jennifer Linehan/TNC

4

Burning to Keep Forests in Check

Fire can be a force of restoration, and many habitats need them. Wisconsin Oak trees rely on fire to burn away plants that would shade them out. In grasslands, native plants grow and thrive in the aftermath of fires. Controlled burns even decrease severity of wildfires. To help maintain native plant populations, we partner with local organizations and Indigenous leaders to perform safe controlled burns.

Aerial view of a sky-blue river running through forest.
Holmes River Aerial view of the Holmes River, British Columbia, Canada. © Shane Kalyn

5

Reducing Emissions with Nature

Technology will take us a long way in reducing carbon emissions, but we must also remove carbon from the atmosphere. Luckily, nature is fantastic at storing carbon, if we give it the chance. Natural solutions, like protecting and managing forests and wetlands, can store 1/3 of the carbon the world needs to avoid climate change's worst impacts. Hear from a TNC scientist on how protecting nature protects us.

Woman in mangrove forest.
Harvest Time A member of the Mtangawanda Women’s Association harvesting propagules from mangroves in Lamu County, Kenya. © Roshni Lodhia

6

Kenya’s Mangrove Guardians

Mangrove forests—critical parts of Kenya’s ecosystems, cultures and local economies—are threatened by logging and pollution. TNC and partners developed a program empowering women to protect and restore their community's mangroves. The program supports women in creating sustainable economic opportunity.