Our Work
What We Do
Purchasing Land for Permanent Protection
We identify and acquire ecologically significant properties — wetlands, forests, prairies, and lakeshores — to create permanent nature preserves. These lands are protected from development forever and managed for ecological health.
Our five preserves encompass 304 acres of diverse habitats, each with trails open to the public for hiking, birdwatching, and nature study.
Protecting Private Lands — Permanently
Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements between GLC and private landowners. The landowner retains ownership and use of their property, but agrees to permanently restrict development to protect the land's conservation values.
We currently hold 32 conservation easements on private lands across our five-county service area, protecting over 2,100 additional acres of ecologically important habitat.
Active Stewardship of Our Preserves
Owning land is just the beginning. We execute detailed land management plans for each preserve — removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, maintaining trails, and monitoring ecological health.
Our Trail Preservation Program raises dedicated funding for ongoing maintenance, ensuring our preserves remain accessible and ecologically vibrant for years to come.
Bringing People Together for Nature
From our annual native plant sale to guided hikes, fundraising events, and youth education programs — we create meaningful connections between our community and the natural world.