The Power of Community: Insights from our December Community Conversation

Public lands have long been a unifying thread in America’s story. From the towering redwoods of California to the expansive deserts of the Southwest, these lands connect us to our past, sustain our present, and inspire hope for the future. 

This week, the Conservation Lands Foundation hosted a virtual Community Conversation: 2025 Priorities for Investing in America’s Public Lands. Moderated by our CEO, Chris Hill, the discussion brought together an incredible lineup of speakers: California Representative Jared Huffman, Native American Land Conservancy Policy Manager Cassaundra Pino, Conservation Lands Foundation Government Affairs Director David Feinman, and author and Professor Emeritus John D. Leshy.

The conversation highlighted three key themes: the bipartisan legacy of public lands protections, the critical role of grassroots advocacy, and the pressing need to strengthen community power in the face of challenges. From the enduring impact of the Antiquities Act to the power of local activism, the panelists shared insights that underscored a powerful truth: public lands are not just about policy—they are about people and the communities that cherish and defend them.

Our Common Ground

As John D. Leshy, author of Our Common Ground, reminded us, public lands represent one of the great unifying achievements in American history. From Theodore Roosevelt using the Antiquities Act to safeguard millions of acres, to the wilderness designations signed into law by Ronald Reagan, conservation has always been shaped by community advocacy and bipartisan collaboration, proving that public lands resonate deeply with Americans of all backgrounds and political beliefs.

“If you look at history, the big sweep of history, the public lands we see today was the result of largely grassroots activism widely supported by local people from across the political spectrum,” Leshy explained.

This bipartisan legacy reminds us that protecting public lands is about people working together to uphold a shared vision of stewardship and sustainability.

The Power of Community
At the heart of every public lands success story are people who care. “This progress...is a direct result of advocates like you,” Representative Huffman. 

The Conservation Lands Foundation’s Friends Grassroots Network—a coalition of over 80 local organizations—embodies this ethos. Through this network, we support local voices and amplify their efforts to protect public lands. 

As our CEO Chris Hill emphasized, “The Conservation Lands Foundation's authentic community-led advocacy is going to be essential to defending protections already in place and expanding the base of supporters who share the values of protecting these lands for our climate, culture, health, and well-being.”

Cassaundra Pino further emphasized the importance of centering local stories and communities in conservation efforts, such as the campaign to designate Chuckwalla National Monument in California. 

“Every landscape has a history, has a story. Every community that is currently a part of that place has a story to share with the world,” Pino explained. 

Through our work with the Friends Grassroots Network and partnerships like those with the Native American Land Conservancy, the Conservation Lands Foundation remains committed to empowering communities and fostering the kind of collaboration that leads to enduring protections for the lands we all cherish.

Finding Strength in Joy and Community

While the road ahead may be challenging—with threats to protections and funding cuts for land management agencies—resilience comes from finding joy in the work we do.

“While defending against the attacks we know are coming, we’re also going to be celebrating the system we cherish,” Conservation Lands Foundation’s Government Affairs Director David Feinman said, reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands in 2025.

Rep. Huffman echoed this optimism: “We can limit the damage. We can win some of these fights... and we’re not walking away from any of them.” The work to protect public lands is as much about celebrating successes and fostering connections as it is about confronting adversity. 

Join Us in the Movement to Protect What Matters
This conversation reinforced a vital truth: protecting public lands is a collective effort. The fight to protect and defend these cherished spaces is ongoing—but also deeply rewarding and filled with moments of joy and connection. 

As Leshy reminded us, “Don’t disconnect, but organize. We need greater, not lesser, engagement in the political process.” 

The Conservation Lands Foundation is steadfast in its mission to empower local communities, support grassroots efforts, and defend the protections that ensure these lands remain accessible to all. As we move forward to 2025, the path is clear: we will need bold action, collaboration with each other, and remembering to find joy and pride in this work.

Let’s keep protecting what matters—and have fun while doing it!