Why Protecting Our Natural Lands Matter

Story written by 812 contributor Richard Stoll

Photo taken by Toby Mroz

In the United States, we lose roughly 150 acres of natural land and 40 acres of farmland every hour! That’s the equivalent of losing more than the entirety of Shenandoah National Park every year. Once that land is gone, we can’t get it back.

Wildlife habitats are decreasing at an alarming rate. With every acre of land lost to poorly planned development, we diminish our connection to nature, wipe out family farms and destroy valuable wildlife and pollinator habitats. It also means children have fewer green places to play outside.

Every piece of natural land that we protect means less carbon dioxide being pumped into the air we breathe, healthier soil for our crops, cleaner water from our taps, and more protected habitats for wildlife and native plants. Forests and wetlands naturally filter and purify our water.

Did you know 40% of America’s agricultural land is projected to change hands in the next 15 years?

Oak Heritage Conservancy believes that acquiring and protecting forests, farms, meadows, wetlands, and other greenspace is important to retaining the quality of life in southeast Indiana.

Oak Heritage protects land in perpetuity by outright purchase or by accepting donations, bequests or conservation easements. Want to learn more about protecting your land?

Visit our website at OakHeritageConservancy.org to learn how others have protected their land and feel free to reach out to us.

Richard Stoll is a Board member with Oak Heritage Conservancy and a contributing writer on 812now.com