Logo for the Conservation Lands Foundation, an environmental nonprofit supporting National Conservation Lands.

Turning local passion into acres protected.

A map of the united states showing the friends grassroots network and the conservation lands foundation

People create change

We know from experience that durable public lands conservation requires local people who fight for the land day in and day out.


Our Friends Grassroots Network is a national movement of more than 80 community-based organizations focused on protecting, restoring, and expanding National Conservation Lands.


Some of these groups are all-volunteer led, while others have paid staff. They host hikes, undertake restoration projects, and serve as local sentries to protect the lands all of us love and need.

We fuel the diversity and impact of this national movement and harness the collective power of our Friends Grassroots Network to:

Darcy Shepard Conservation Lands Foundation

“The Conservation Lands Foundation has been a huge part of our success story. Being able to connect with the Friends Network has been really rewarding.”

—Darcy Shepard, Associate Director, Friends of Nevada Wilderness

“It’s been really important for us to be a partner with the Conservation Lands Foundation because they essentially helped us get going. With their guidance, we were able to form our nonprofit. We’re over 400 members now and just keep growing and getting stronger from working with the Conservation Lands Foundation.”

—Robin Galloway, President, Friends and Neighbors of Deschutes Canyon Area

“We love the support that the Conservation Lands Foundation provides us. They find local passionate advocates, build them up and create a community. To have the support from them is very important to us and our mission.”

—Aaron Leifheit, former Program Director, Get Outdoors Nevada

Help us protect the lands you love

Through grant giving, capacity building, and field support, we increase the impact of our Friends Network. We support the operations of these local organizations, connect them to policymakers, and ensure that their voices are at the table.


Help us help them succeed.

Community leaders in action

See our Friends Grassroots Network in action and how they're making a difference every day.

By Conservation Lands Foundation September 16, 2025
At the Conservation Lands Foundation, we've always believed that the most impactful strategies start with people. It begins with the passionate individuals and dedicated local organizations on the front lines, working tirelessly to protect America's National Conservation Lands. Our mission isn’t just about conserving the public’s land; it's about nurturing the community-based movement that makes this work possible and successful. That's why we're so excited to announce a deeper, more robust collaboration with TREC–Together Rising As An Environmental Community–the nation’s leading environmental nonprofit capacity building advisors. This new partnership isn't just about a one-time project; it’s a long-term commitment to strengthening the foundation of our work—the people.
By Shi-Lynn Campbell August 5, 2025
Earlier this summer, the Conservation Lands Foundation hosted the Foundations of Conservation Leadership, which is designed to prepare attendees for a successful career in conservation by providing them campaign tools and skills, grounding them in policy and the history of the environmental movement, and connecting them to one another through team building exercises and networking opportunities.
By Anna Zawisza May 6, 2025
Powerful advocacy begins with simple conversations. When we share why we treasure certain places—a favorite fishing spot, a special hunting ground, a memorable trail, we transform abstract policy into tangible, personal stakes. Talking to people about the places that matter to us creates ripples that become waves of action. And it’s working. Our collective advocacy has prevented nefarious attacks on public lands and waters - and we must remain loud as the threats build. In this newsletter, we cover our recent DC Fly-In, threats to national monuments, and proactive bills that protect nature.

Find a Friends group near you

Arizona

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California

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Colorado

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Nevada

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New Mexico

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Are you a Friends Grassroots Network member?

Check out our Grassroots Advocacy Program to explore tools, trainings, and other resources