Our Work

Triangle Land Conservancy has grown from an all-volunteer start-up in 1983 to a professionally staffed organization with a national reputation. To date, we have protected more than 9,600 acres, including preserves open for public outdoor recreation, family farms, and urban gardens. We have earned our reputation as the regional authority in land conservation through tangible results, consensus building, and partnering. Now more than ever, TLC members, supporters, volunteers, and staff are dedicated to the urgent task of saving critical open spaces for the people of our six-county region.

Seeking a Balance

Between 1950 and 2000, the population of TLC's six-county region tripled to 1.5 million.  In less than 30 years, the area's population could increase by 1.3 million people.

Our growing population is changing our landscape. We are losing our farmland and forests at an unprecedented rate. Between 1997 and 2002, 40 acres of open space were lost each day to development—14,000 acres per year. In that same period 2,400 acres per year were conserved.

We must do more to balance conservation with economic development and growth to maintain our quality of life.

TLC believes achieving a balance between developed and protected land means ultimately conserving more than 45,000 acres of the most critical forests, farms, and natural areas in our region. To realize our vision, we:

• identify the most significant and threatened lands (Priority Areas);
• plan with local governments, organizations and individuals for the time and appropriate protection of these lands (Conservation Planning);
• conserve these lands through purchase or private conservation agreements (Conservation Lands); and
• manage these lands (Stewardship).

Learn more about our work:

Places to Visit

Providing places for people to enjoy low-impact outdoor recreation is one feature that sets TLC apart from many other land trusts. Since our earliest days, TLC has recognized the importance of providing opportunities for people to visit the unique and beautiful natural areas we protect. Read more.

Conservation Lands

TLC protects land through conservation methods such as ownership, conservation agreements with private landowners, and through conservation partnerships with governments (local, county and state) and other nonprofit organizations. Read more.

Priority Areas and Special Projects

TLC has identified five landscapes in the region as Priority Areas to focus our conservation efforts. Read more.

Conservation Planning

To make the most of our funding and staff time, TLC relies on sound conservation planning to identify and focus our priorities. This is the behind-the-scenes conservation work that makes our popular land protection projects happen! Read more.

Stewardship

Acquiring a property or the conservation interest in a property is just the first step in protecting the conservation values of that land. Beyond is the long-term responsibility of preserving or enhancing the ecological integrity of the land. Read more.