Expanding Outdoor Access and Enjoyment

There are so many exciting, inspiring and meaningful ways to enjoy the great outdoors. We’re working across the country to improve access to public lands, so that open space is available for all the ways you like to experience nature. Below are some examples where The Conservation Fund helped open, enhance or safeguard access, expanding recreational opportunities in remote destinations. Watch for an email coming soon highlighting where we’ve used similar strategies to secure important park spaces in more urban locations.

Blazing A New Trail

When the Appalachian Trail was mapped 100 years ago, plans called for a trail that stretched from Maine to northern Alabama. After the primary trail was completed to north Georgia, efforts to build into Alabama faded. But we’ve kept the dream alive. The Conservation Fund has been working with numerous partners to link the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama to the Appalachian Trail. Today, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most well-known places to experience the outdoors, and the Pinhoti Trail’s popularity continues to grow.

For Campers Who Like a Challenge

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is a rugged landscape that attracts hikers and campers who like a challenge. The wild space is known for its 2,000-foot vertical canyon walls and Gold Medal trout fishing waters. So when the opportunity arose for us to add 2,494 acres to the national park — guaranteeing future access to the Red Rock Canyon area, which is a destination for anglers and other backcountry users — we jumped at the chance.

One of the World’s Last Great Wild Places

Spanning more than 1.1 million acres in northeastern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is an ecological treasure offering more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and 2,000 designated campsites. And with the help of supporters like you, we are working to safeguard key sections of this beautiful region. This multifaceted project exemplifies how The Conservation Fund is uniquely positioned to help our partners see opportunities where others see challenges.

Stories like these would not be possible without support from our donors. If you are inspired, please give today. Your unrestricted donation offers the greatest flexibility for conservation and makes a big impact. Thank you.