The pandemic has changed so much in our lives – and may continue to do so for some time to come. One thing that has really struck me is the optimism of our conservation community and our ability to meet this challenge with new opportunities. Many of our land trusts have stepped up with new and innovative programs and initiatives to serve their communities. Even more are reporting that their work continues.
Our land trusts are closing new conservation easement deals, moving forward with stewardship projects and seeing new projects on the horizon. We’ve seen programs that connect local food producers to families experiencing food insecurity, and others that put cash in the hands of the newly unemployed in exchange for a pledge of future stewardship work. We continue to see successful shifts to virtual events for education and fundraising. We’ve seen messages reminding people that nature is there for them and will help us all endure. These creative solutions demonstrate resiliency and a dedication to serving our communities.
Through this immensely difficult time, people continue to turn to nature. That seems to inspire our community and motivate us to help even more people connect with and conserve our natural places. Again and again, I hear hope in our community. Hope that the people who are turning to nature for solace will seek out opportunities to protect it, and will engage with conservation efforts and organizations.
I share this hope. And I look forward to what the conservation community can achieve despite the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
-- Melissa Daruna, executive director
Photo: Holly Glick
