Wildlands Conservancy's Wildlands Preservation Fund is used to finance the acquisition of tracts of land for public use in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  This program focuses on the permanent preservation of open lands, preserving and protecting habitat, wetlands, streams, valleys, vital watersheds, trails and scenic areas through fee-simple acquisition.  Buying the land is one of the best ways to keep it preserved in perpetuity.

From its beginning in 1981, through the efforts of Charlie Nehf, the Wildlands Preservation Fund has worked in 16 counties on over 150 projects totaling 25,000 acres of preserved land in eastern Pennsylvania. Projects ranging in size from a few acres to the expansive 4,000-acre Lehigh Marshes have made us a leader in land protection.  Thousands of additional acres are currently under consideration or active negotiations.

Wildlands Preservation Fund is the funding mechanism.  Acting as a centralized account, we leverage the legal spending limits of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enhance it with money from our revolving fund.   In order to replenish the fund, we work with partners that have an interest in the preservation of particular land projects.   We focus much of our fund-raising efforts in the county in which the land project is located. All lands acquired through this program are open to the public.

According to surveys by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, two out of three people that make use of these lands are non-sportsmen.  They are hikers, joggers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, bird watchers and cross-country skiers.  Beyond expanded recreational opportunities, one cannot overlook the benefits of preserving wildlife habitat, soil conservation, and reduction of silt loads to streams, improve air quality, and the aesthetic values these lands provide the surrounding communities.

Our support comes from virtually all quarters of society.  Substantial and consistent support comes from the large sporting community throughout the state.  Businesses (large and small), governmental bodies, granting organizations, other non-profit organizations, and individuals continue to respond generously to our fund-raising efforts.

To support this dynamic land-preservation program, please send your donations to:

Wildlands Conservancy

RE:  Wildlands Preservation Fund

3701 Orchid Place

Emmaus, PA 18049

For more information on how to get involved in this program, contact our volunteer receptionist at (610) 965-4397, ext. 10 or via email.

	Wildlands Conservancy's Greenspace Preservation Series Patch - "Cornwall" Are Now Available! Wildlands Conservancy's Greenspace Preservation Series Patch is now available at Wilderness Editions in Tyrone, PA.  This year's patch, the ninth in it's series, is titled the "Cornwall."   All orders are being handled through Wilderness Editions.   Simply fill out the order form by clicking here and mail it directly to Wilderness Editions, or visit their web site at www.wildernesseditions.com.
	Wildlands Conservancy's Limited Edition Preservation Series Prints Are Also Available! To view Wildlands Conservancy's Limited Edition Preservation Series Prints by artists Gerald W. Putt and Karl Eric Leitzel, please click here.