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.

Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation

Virginia’s Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve is a popular Blue Ridge destination, featuring a two-mile trail that leads to a rounded summit with sweeping 360-degree views. Through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has expanded the preserve by 975 acres, bringing its total to more than 2,100 acres. The site is home to several rare species and contains rare geologic features.

NAA welcomes two new board members

Natural Areas Association (NAA) is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors: Priscilla Crawford (University of Oklahoma) and Deborah Landau (The Nature Conservancy). Each brings decades of experience in biodiversity research, ecological management, and conservation leadership. Their deep knowledge will support NAA's efforts as we continue to serve practitioners and scientists focused on the management of ecologically significant landscapes.

Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills covering Interior and Environment, Commerce, Justice and Science, and Energy and Water. These bills will maintain funding for many federal conservation programs at current levels or increase support for some, despite cuts in other areas.

The recent fight to save a remnant prairie in Rockford, Illinois has driven home the precarious state of the world’s ancient native grasslands. These grasslands are important to life on earth as reservoirs of biodiversity, as carbon sinks, and for water protection. Many people still cling to the view that these grasslands are simply in a transitional state.

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Natural Areas News curates diverse, timely resources from multiple sources to promote objective and balanced information sharing. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Natural Areas Association.

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