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 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.

Tribal communities nationwide gain GIS skills 

More than 500 individuals in tribal communities were able to enhance their land management, environmental conservation, and community development skills thanks to the GIS training provided by Mississippi State University's Geosystems Research Institute, in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Photo courtesy of John Maxwell/Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources

Indiana celebrates the dedication of its 300th nature preserve*

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources reached a milestone in October 2023, with the dedication of its 300th nature preserve. The Nature Preserves Act, approved by the General Assembly in 1967, aims to safeguard the state's top-quality natural lands for both present and future generations.

Virginia Tech researchers help answer an urgent call for native seeds in Southside Virginia

Last year, we became aware that there aren’t enough native seeds to restore damaged U.S. lands. A project led by Virginia Tech researchers aims to replenish and maintain a sustainable pipeline of native seeds for southern Virginia by partnering with underserved farmers.

Photo courtesy of Mike Budd/USFWS, Public Domain

How the Midwest is climate-proofing its prairies*

In our modern era of climate change, one of the significant threats to conserving and restoring native prairielands has been the dramatic reduction of connectivity among remaining prairies and the resulting loss of biodiversity. Instead of one interconnected system naturally laced with diversity, only a fragmented patchwork remains today. 

In Other News

Nevada wildflower (Penstemon albomarginatus) advances toward Endangered Species Protections

Purchase of property in Proctor Valley to ensure preservation of essential biodiversity and wildlife

Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Initiation of 5-year status reviews of 22 species in the Southwest

Understanding variation in impacts from private protected areas across regions and protection mechanisms to inform organizational practices

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests unveil forward-looking revised land management plan*

Endangered species protection sought for Alaskan arctic flower (Ranunculus glacialis) threatened by climate change

With resurgence of endangered black-footed ferret, a reason to cheer in Kansas*

When does a species become invasive? A 1920s scientist showed us, partly by accident*

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues draft environmental assessment for Beaver Dam Notching at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Land use change and forest management effects on soil carbon stocks in the Northeast U.S

Agreement ensures swift consideration of habitat protection for endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebees

Natural Resources Conservation Service seeks public comment on 8 conservation practices

The future of 28 million acres of public land in Alaska hangs in the balance

New bill in California allows for co-management of ancestral lands and waters

Non-native plant invasion after fire in western USA varies by functional type and with climate

Everglades National Park takes input for wilderness stewardship plan through March 31, 2024

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Funding Opportunities

The Nature Conservancy's Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program

Deadline: February 24, 2024

Acres for America 2024 Request for Proposals

Deadline: February 29, 2024

Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Program | Habitat Conservation Projects

Deadline: March 1, 2024

*Applications open February 14, 2024

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural and Scenic Area Grants

Deadline: April 1, 2024

The Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants

Deadline: April 1, 2024

*Applications open January 16, 2024

The Alabama Coastal Management Program | Annual Request for Proposals

Deadline: April 25, 2024

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