Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

Photo courtesy of The Conservation Fund

‘Dream Realized’ as Illinois conservation groups add 1,000 acres to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

The partnership of Openlands, The Conservation Fund, and the Illinois Audubon Society announced the acquisition of Tamarack Farms, consisting of a nearly 1,000 acre addition to the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. This marks the largest regional conservation acquisition in 28 years, and creates the third-largest conservation landscape in the region.

LEARN MORE

Photo courtesy of Brianna Soukup via Getty Images

The hidden value of herbariums

Duke University recently announced plans to close and re-home its century-old herbarium, which ranks number 12 in size in the United States. As the threats of climate change increase, along with a looming biodiversity crisis, scientists say these preserved collections of old plants are more important than ever. A reporter recently spoke with a Duke professor and their colleagues at other colleges to learn why herbariums are needed and the benefits they provide.

LEARN MORE

Photo courtesy of Zachary Turner/WFAE

Suburban development threatens Mecklenburg County's most biodiverse natural spaces

West Branch is one of the county's most biodiverse areas, according to Lenny Lampel, the natural resources supervisor for the Mecklenburg County Parks Department. Commissioners granted the Parks Department a $50 million budget for land acquisition over the last two years, but with the price of land increasing amid continued urban development, staff are racing against the clock.

LEARN MORE

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Continued Decline of Wetlands Documented in New U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report

A report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reveals wetlands cover less than 6 percent of the lower 48 states as of 2019, which is half the area they covered since the 1780s. The report also identifies that loss rates have increased by 50 percent since 2009, and that without additional conservation actions to protect these ecosystems, wetland loss will likely continue, reducing ecosystem benefits.

LEARN MORE