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    Land trusts came together to form the Land Trust Alliance in 1982 to do the things that no one organization can do on its own.

    Things like leading nationwide advocacy. Setting standards to ensure land trust excellence and earn the public’s trust. Providing insurance for easement defense. We also empower land conservation organizations to do more as their people become more skilled, connected and inspired. We train thousands of people every year. We develop leaders and catalyze partnerships. We share success stories and equip land trusts for accreditation. How do you want to grow your organization? Learn about the benefits of land trust and affiliate membership below.

    Professional development

    Providing resources to learn, connect and grow.

    We provide the staff, board members and volunteers of our member organizations with standards, training and expertise so you have what you need to run and advance your organization.

    Education resources

    The Alliance’s online Resource Library holds more than 2,000 resources, including books, online courses, legal opinions, sample documents and more.

    Conferences and events

    The Alliance creates events that range from national, such as Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference, to regional, such as the New York Conservation Conference, to position-specific, such as the Legal Symposium.

    Saving Land

    Members have access to Saving Land, a quarterly award-winning magazine for land conservationists. The 40-page color magazine offers stories, tips and resources on the latest trends in land conservation.

    Building community

    Join the conversation! Members have access to our online community to ask questions, share their successes and challenges and connect with others working in conservation.

    Legal knowledge

    The Resource Library has a large collection of legal materials on specific topics. In addition, members have access to complimentary technical assistance from expert Alliance staff regarding legal issues, governance, transactions, federal issues and tax laws.

    Peer groups

    There is something special about connecting with your peers. We connect our members to each other, to experts and to potential partners so you never feel alone.

    "Five years ago I was a part-time executive director, and now we have five full-time staff. We've accomplished so much, and the Alliance's mark is on all of that."
    — Terri Lane, executive director, Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (accredited)
    Field Services

    On-the-ground support

    The Alliance's regional staff are placed strategically across the country to provide local support and training that helps develop networks, empower change and grow conservation impact in every corner of the country. Their support ranges in size and scope, from deep investment in organizational leadership to simply offering a sympathetic ear.

    Altogether over 40 years, these individual investments of time, energy and caring have added up to profound and often community-wide impacts.

    The Alliance's regional staff are placed strategically across the country to provide region-specific support and training.

    Find your region

    Already a member?

    Welcome back! You can login to the Resource Center now to access resources, join online conversations and more!

    Not sure if you're organization is a member? Check out all of our members on Find a Land Trust or the Affiliate Member Directory.

    One-of-a-kind insurance

    Insurance for private land conservation.

    In 2011, the Land Trust Alliance created Terrafirma, a charitable risk pool only for land trusts to insure them against the legal costs of safeguarding conservation. Terrafirma is owned exclusively by its 545 land trust members, and as of 2022, has insured 10 million acres of conserved land.

    Land Trust Alliance land trust members are eligible to join this unique safety net for legal expenses so that they have the confidence and capability to uphold conservation in perpetuity.

    Advocacy

    Advocating for you

    The Land Trust Alliance works with our members and partners to collectively advocate on behalf of land conservation. Together we’ve enacted key reforms, including:

    • Making permanent the federal conservation easement tax incentive in 2015.

    • Increasing funding for agricultural easements in the 2018 Farm Bill.

    • Permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 2019.

    • Adding $20 billion in funding for the Farm Bill conservation programs through the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.

    "The Alliance has helped in so many ways. I really appreciate their prompts, so I know when things are happening and when to contact my representatives. They provide so much information about the issues that I feel I can speak with confidence about our position."
    — Ellen Gass, conservation director at the accredited Texas Land Conservancy

    Benefits at a glance

    Explore all the benefits and services that are available to you.