The Natural Areas Conservancy

Through its visionary leadership and high impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. We increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze connections between people and nature, and strengthen the environmental workforce. 

Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management.

We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world.