Voiced: The power of storytelling
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About This Saving Land
The work of conservation can be complex and technical. But stories bring that work to life, making it accessible and relevant to anyone. Stories not only inform, they inspire people to care.
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I’ve been moved and honored to tell the stories of land trusts and private land conservation at the Land Trust Alliance for the past 12 years, through Saving Land magazine, our website, blog and more. I’ve seen firsthand why stories matter — they inform, but more importantly, they have the power to inspire people to care.
Let’s face it, the how of land trusts is often hard to explain — the work can be wonky, complicated and sometimes abstract. Conservation projects can take years, sometimes decades, to complete. The concept of forever sounds great, but what does it really mean? And try explaining conservation easements, tax law or appraisals to your grandmother over Sunday dinner!
But, when a land trust tells a story, it shows people why conservation matters:
Stories can connect us to ourselves. No matter what our experiences of nature are — from childhoods spent on ranches, in the woods, at the beach or playing on urban playgrounds — we all have memories of those experiences. The thrill of “first times,” planting a garden, pitching a tent or spotting a bear. The solace of a quiet moment under a tree, grieving a loss, contemplating a tough decision or conversing with a friend. The nostalgia of a favorite place we no longer can visit.
Stories also shine a light on how land conservation helps address some of society’s greatest challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to our physical and mental well-being. Stories have the power to move the hearts, minds and votes of people everywhere, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity or any other demographic data point you can name.
Stories help us reflect, dream and move toward a brighter future.
Now, I have my own story to share.
After working in conservation for more than two decades, I’ll be retiring at the end of 2025. I’m proud to have been part of a movement that has grown by leaps and bounds. A highlight of my time at the Alliance was launching the organization’s first national public awareness campaign, Gaining Ground, in 2023. I’m excited that the Alliance will be rolling out a second national ad campaign for Gaining Ground in 2026 — along with updated messaging and other tools for land trusts.
While I’ll miss the people and the work, I’ll be staying connected to the land conservation community. I’m honored to be joining the board of my local land trust, Northern Virginia Land Trust. I learned about NVCT long before I joined the Alliance — for years, I’ve passed by one of the organization’s protected properties on my usual running route. Now I look forward to visiting a protected heronry along Potomac Creek near historic Fredericksburg and volunteering at NVCT’s relatively new Terborgh Terrace Garden, which is a short walk from my home and where the land trust grows fresh produce for donation to local food pantries.
I’m thrilled to be bringing my passion for conservation and my experience in marketing and communications to a group working right here in my backyard. And you can be sure I’ll be following the stories of the great work that the Alliance and all the land trusts across the country are achieving, together.
Elizabeth Ward served as chief marketing and communications officer at the Land Trust Alliance through 2025.
