THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

                                         © freenaturepictures.com

WHEN THE STATE of the world gets you into such a funk even hope -- the thing with feathers -- is at risk, it is worth remembering there are many dedicated people and organizations actively working on behalf of the planet.

One admirable organization is The Nature Conservancy, a group devoted to protecting the earth's land, water and living things through collaborations with people, communities, businesses and governments in the U.S. and throughout the world.

The Conservancy has been around for six decades. Its activities include buying land for conservation and carrying out projects, both big and small, that involve science-based research, pioneering strategies to safeguard nature, and developing crucial conservation plans. There is just so much this organization has done, where to begin? Back in the early 70s, the Conservancy was instrumental in helping turn California's Marin Headlands into a national park. This area of wild, rugged beauty spanning the central hills and coastline of Marin County (next door to San Francisco) was threatened by a huge housing development which took several years to halt through lawsuits and public opposition.  In the end, though, it was The Conservancy that came through with $6.5 million to buy the site slated for the controversial project, land that it subsequently turned over to the National Park Service to become a central feature of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

This is but one among countless initiatives that this formidable organization has tackled through the years.

Much of the work done by the Conservancy can be appreciated by reading its eponymous magazine, published four times a year. It is a beautiful publication with photography that easily rivals National Geographic. The interesting stories describe projects that take place all over the globe. The first issue of 2012 featured a story about how the Conservancy and its partners have kicked off a $100 million effort across 11 Western states to revive the numbers of the sage grouse, a noble looking bird of striking plumage renowned for its primal courting ritual but in rapid decline: from an estimated 16 million a century ago, the species is down to around 200,000 these days.

Organizations like the Conservancy that are doing so much to preserve Earth embody humanity at its best: people looking at problems and seeking solutions. Still, the work of these groups would not be possible without an important resource and that is financing. Donations from the public are what sustain these groups and donations are especially important during these difficult times. So if you are looking for a deserving organization to support, the Conservancy is definitely one.

➺The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org

(Check out Free Nature Pictures at: http://www.freenaturepictures.com/misc-birds-pictures.php)

                                                                                           
           

          The world around us 
           engages our attention.
            Stop Look 
             Enjoy
                  

           Photography by Denise Blasor

               

"Art was the truth about life - and life itself...
was more or less a lie."
Anatole Broyard
"Kafka was the Rage"

                                                                                    

©2012 Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved✍