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.

Photo courtesy of the Central Indiana Land Trust

Central Indiana Land Trust protects landscape of high conservation value

After decades of work, the Central Indiana Land Trust has protected 51 acres in southeast Indiana known as Em's Conservation Easement. Touted as one of their highest conservation priorities, the site is home to 18 rare and endangered species, including the state-threatened Soft-leaf arrow-wood (Viburnum molle).

Protected land in Shenandoah Valley expands, including Shenandoah Valley Prairie Fen

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation recently added land to natural area preserves in the South Fork Shenandoah River watershed. One addition hosts a rare type of wetland called the Shenandoah Valley Prairie Fen, a globally rare type of wetland that are hotspots for biodiversity.

Photo courtesy of B.J. Maynard/USFWS, Public Domain

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Delists Florida Golden Aster (Chyrsopsis floridana)

The Florida golden aster (Chyrsopsis floridana) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1986 with only nine clusters remaining. Today, 30 populations have spread across five counties east and southeast of the Tampa Bay area in west central Florida.   

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Advances Legislation to Bolster Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Efforts

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted to advance the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, which would reauthorize important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts throughout the country.

In Other News

The Bureau of Land Management looks to emphasize Indigenous Knowledge with newly unveiled Bears Ears management plan*

A Prairie Persists: A Tale of Resilience and Loss in a Wet Prairie System

Disentangling disturbances in drylands: Interactions among herbivory, drought, and termite activity in savanna plant communities

New Maps Identify Areas for Urgently Needed Pesticide Limits to Safeguard 50 Protected Species

Colorado lawmakers move to study insects, rare plant populations*

Forest Service tribal liaisons work to bridge gap between federal government, Indigenous communities

Rare collection of plant specimens arrives at Virginia Tech herbarium

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Input on Proposed National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Maryland

Effects of plant diversity on productivity strengthen over time due to trait-dependent shifts in species overyielding

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks comments on endangered, threatened and special concern species list

Critical habitat designated for 12 Hawaii species

In Planning for Climate Change, Native Americans Draw on the Past

Indiana conservation groups defend state’s wetlands that lost protection

A Long Lesson in Resiliency: Ha Ha Tonka Karst Natural Area

Landmark Wildlife Habitat Bill Implements Long-Term Conservation Solutions

How one California wetland was saved while wetlands worldwide are disappearing*

Pennsylvania State University awarded $140,000 for biodiversity research, conservation

The future of Prairie Chickens in Iowa

*May require a paid subscription to read

Funding Opportunities

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

Application Period Now Open for Wetland Restoration Projects in Wisconsin

Deadline: Open until projects are selected

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