About

Long recognized as a leading center for technical research and the space industry, North Alabama is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation.  And, North Alabama is a scenic jewel.  But our mountains, rivers, and rich agricultural lands  are more than just scenery – they’re also valuable resources that provide our communities with quality drinking water, local food sources, recreation, and places to relax and recharge.

The Land Trust of North Alabama is dedicated to connecting people with nature.  The Land Trust protects and stewards significant and vulnerable natural, scenic, and historic areas to help ensure that our cherished natural resources will be here for all to enjoy for years to come.   

Our Mission

The Land Trust preserves and protects land and its legacies, including wildlife habitats, farms, historic sites, waterways, and mountains for conservation, public recreation, and environmental education to enhance quality of life in North Alabama.

Our Vision

The Land Trust leads regional and community collaborations that plan, preserve, and provide stewardship for greenspace in North Alabama.

Our Values

  • The Land Trust is passionate about preserving lands for public use and encouraging all citizens to experience the wonders of the natural world.
  • The Land Trust promotes conservation and sustainable development as a viable means for improving quality of life and public health.
  • The Land Trust values its reputation as an ethical and effective organization in working to protect and care for the land.

You have an opportunity to alter the future of North Alabama. You can help to protect the scenic vistas, critical wetlands, and green corridors which define this area of the South and make it so attractive. You can help to ensure that in one year, ten years or 100 years from now the natural character we love will still be present.

Who we are:

The Land Trust of North Alabama is a member supported, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to protect North Alabama natural lands, scenic areas, fresh water resources, and wildlife habitat. Incorporated in 1987 as Alabama’s first land trust, over 6,500 acres have been protected. We maintain five Nature Preserves and 45+ miles of trails which are open to the public.

Board of Directors and Staff

We protect land:

Land is a resource that is owned by individuals, but enjoyed by many. When it is overdeveloped or misused, we all suffer. The Land Trust works with willing landowners to protect the natural values of their property to ensure that the scenic beauty of North Alabama will be maintained for future generations.

The majority of our protected property has been donated by land owners. Many acres have been added as purchase/donations. And, the Land Trust currently has properties termed “Life Estates” – land already deeded to the Land Trust while the landowners have use of the property until their passing.

Another way to protect land is through a Conservation Easement – a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.  Landowners continue to own and use their land and may to sell it or pass it on to heirs.

What we don’t do:

The Land Trust provides people with alternatives, not ultimatums.  We work with all land owners, whether they are conservationists or developers, to protect North Alabama’s natural features. After all, protecting our area’s natural appeal is in everyone’s best interest.

How can you help?

Become a member! Membership support allows the Land Trust to maintain a professional organization which is working every day to protect the important land in North Alabama.  Your membership helps preserve greenspace which will be as beautiful in 50 years as it does today.

Volunteer!  Donations of time and expertise is critical to the success of our mission.

Why should you be involved?

Most of us have a sizeable investment in North Alabama. Whether it is our home or cottage, property or business, we each have a vested interest in the future of the area.

Consider the Land Trust as a land protection insurance policy which helps you to safeguard not only the value of your personal investment, but also your overall enjoyment of the area. Few would dispute that the natural beauty of North Alabama contributes significantly to the decision process when companies or families are considering relocation. A healthy North Alabama economy and quality of life is directly related to a healthy natural environment.

Take a moment to reflect on what North Alabama means to you. Invest in its future.  The time to protect our precious scenic and historic acreage is NOW. Don’t look back with regret in ten years and say “If only we had protected…”. The cost of membership is small, but it will pay dividends for generations.