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In an inspiring milestone for conservation, New York committed to the ambitious 30×30 initiative, a national effort to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030. This initiative aligns with the urgent need to protect natural resources and ensure a sustainable future. As of 2024, only ten states have joined this critical endeavor, making New York’s leadership a beacon of hope for conservation efforts.

For the Indian River Lakes Conservancy (IRLC), this commitment reinforces the importance of the work we’ve been doing for decades—ensuring that the lands and waters of the Indian River Lakes region are conserved for future generations. From the recent expansions of Ferrone Woods Preserve and Red Lake Preserve to the creation of sensory trails at Baker Woods Preserve and Redwood Hill Preserve, IRLC is actively contributing to New York’s conservation goals while making a meaningful impact on our community.

Urgency Fuels Action

The conservation landscape is changing rapidly. As highlighted at a recent Land Trust Alliance conference, many of the lands that can still be saved will be conserved in the next 10-20 years. Beyond that, the focus will shift from acquisition to stewardship—managing and protecting the land we’ve worked so hard to conserve. That means the time to act is now. Every acre we save today is an investment in clean water, healthy ecosystems, and the resilience of our community in the face of climate change.

At IRLC, we are driven by this urgency. The lands we protect not only safeguard the Indian River Lakes region’s breathtaking natural beauty but also preserve critical wildlife habitats, support biodiversity, and improve water quality. Each new conservation effort brings us closer to ensuring that future generations can enjoy these pristine lands.

Our Role in New York’s Conservation Future

As of July 2024, New York has conserved 5.68% of its land through private ownership and 16.19% through public ownership. While these numbers are promising, there is much more work to do. IRLC is proud to play a vital role in achieving the state’s 30×30 goal by protecting land in the Indian River Lakes watershed—a region critical to New York’s environmental health.

Through partnerships, community engagement, innovative approaches, and projects like Forever Wild at Grand Lake Reserve that align with the Climate Action Plan, IRLC continues to expand its impact. Whether acquiring new properties, maintaining accessible trails, or fostering educational opportunities, we are committed to conserving the natural resources that define our region.

Your Support Makes Conservation Possible

As the window to protect unspoiled land narrows, IRLC invites everyone to join us in this mission. Together, we can conserve the land that sustains us, ensuring it remains wild, beautiful, and thriving for generations to come. By acting today, we not only contribute to New York’s 30×30 commitment but also secure the future of the Indian River Lakes region.