Our History

73,354

Acres Conserved
29

Counties Served
530

Landowners
920

Properties
35,077

Farmland Acres Conserved
219

Parks & Preserves Created
18,024

Acres of Parks & Preserves Created
15,000

Trees Planted & Given Away

Background on the Formation of Western Reserve Land Conservancy

At the Land Conservancy, we are built on the spirit of collaboration. We get things done for the purposes of maintaining and preserving land throughout and beyond northern Ohio.

Our Origins

In 2006, Western Reserve Land Conservancy was created by the largest ever merger of land trusts in the United States. Eight northern Ohio land trusts joined forces to form a private, nonprofit conservation organization for a region stretching from Sandusky Bay to the Pennsylvania border and from Lake Erie to Wayne County.

Four years later, the Land Conservancy grew again by merging with Grand River Partners. At the start of 2013, two more conservation groups joined us: the Waite Hill Land Conservancy and the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation. Today, Western Reserve Land Conservancy is the result of the merger of 13 organizations. Our 28-county footprint now extends south to Columbiana, Jefferson and Carroll.

Evolution of our Efforts

2011

The Land Conservancy formed the Thriving Communities Institute (TCI), a program designed to revitalize Ohio’s urban centers. This program, originally led by Jim Rokakis and now Isaac Robb, to date has helped to establish 64 county land banks throughout Ohio. It has also secured millions of dollars to demolish more than 50,000 dilapidated and abandoned homes and re-green these sites.

2019

The Land Conservancy, the largest land trust in Ohio and among the top in the nation, became a nationally accredited land trust through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We operate ethically, with sound finances, responsible governance, and provide lasting stewardship – ensuring that properties remain protected forever.

Where We Stand Today

Land Conserved

As of January 2024, the Land Conservancy has permanently conserved 920 properties and approximately 73,354 acres in northern Ohio, and has helped create 219 public parks and preserves totaling 18,024 acres. We have also been instrumental in creating the Cleveland Tree Coalition and Cleveland Tree Plan, resulting in planting of more than 15,000 trees in the region in support of an expanding tree canopy and healthy neighborhoods.

Statistics

The following conservation achievements have also been reached as of spring 2022:

  • Completed some of the largest conservation projects involving private owners in state history
  • Preserved 4,623 acres in Trumbull, Ashtabula and Mercer (PA) counties
  • Protected 4,094 acres of farmland in Trumbull County
  • Preserved 2,830 acres in Erie, Huron, Sandusky and Seneca counties
  • Placed a 1,018-acre conservation easement on a Lorain County farm
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