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    History of land conservation

    As conservation professionals, it is vitally important that we acknowledge false stories, such as the discovery of an untouched wilderness; explore power dynamics (race, class, gender) that shaped the history of the conservation movement; and the adverse impact on people and communities of color and low-income communities.

    The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness.
    — Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
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    Land is power

    This overview is excerpted in part from Investing in Rural Prosperity by Savi Horne, Livia Marques and Mikki Sager.

    Check back often for more resources

    The Land Trust Alliance is in the process of creating a Relearning History series and a Land History Database that will help land trusts relearn the history of their communities to be better allies and conservationists. Check back often to learn more.

    Resources for change

    Our shared history

    These essential resources will introduce you to the historical context of land conservation in the United States. As the Alliance builds out its Relearning History series, we will add additional resources, so check back often.

    Next steps

    Questions for further reflection

    • Does your land trust have an understanding of the historical context of the land where you work?

    • Does your land trust have the necessary knowledge and skills to work with tribal nations? If not, what resources or technical assistance do you need?

    • Does your land trust have expertise—or can you access expertise—for working with landowners whose property is in fractionated ownership (heirs’ property)?

    Actions

    • Find the original stewards of your land trust’s service area and the land you own and/or manage with this interactive map Native Land Digital.

    • Develop a land acknowledgement using Native Governance Center’s A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.

    • Include your land acknowledgement in your internal and external communications.

    • Engage your board and staff in exploring potential projects or programs that go beyond land acknowledgements to making amends or addressing/reversing the injustices that have occurred.

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