No. The land trust is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

No. There are over 1,700 land trusts working to save land across the country. Some have been around for more than 50 years.

Many landowners value the benefits of land conservation for current and future generations, including preservation of wildlife habitat, the history and rural character of our community, and protection of water quality and the local economy. Though conservation easements limit the development potential of the land, conserving land often protects property values into the future.

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between the landowner and the land trust that places certain agreed-upon restrictions on land uses that would have a negative impact on the conservation values of the land. For example, a conservation easement protects the land from being subdivided and developed. They can also ensure that a property is made available for public use, although public access is not required.

No. Properties are considered based on their conservation value, not on size alone.

The land trust does not currently have ready funding to buy land or easements, but may on occasion work with community partners to fund the purchase of significant lands.

Yes! The nonprofit status of the land trust means that donations of land, easements, or financial contributions can be tax-deductible. Income tax deductions for the donation of a conservation easement can be used for up to 15 years through the permanent Conservation Tax Incentive, and some state tax credits may also be available. Consult your tax professional for more information.

Sometimes. The land trust reviews each potential project to ensure a conservation benefit, as well as alignment with the needs, mission and long-term capacity of the land trust.

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is a nonprofit organization reliant on support from individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors and community partners. Membership matters. Click here to join!

Being accredited through the Land Trust Alliance means we follow strict land trust standards and practices. It is a mark of distinction, showing that a land trust meets high standards for land conservation. It sends a message to landowners and supporters: “Invest in us. We are a strong, effective organization you can trust to conserve your land trust forever.”

Yes! Whether you are interested in leading hikes, working on the land or helping in the office, we welcome your gift of time! We can also accommodate corporate volunteering. Contact us to learn more.

Yes, some of the properties the land trust conserves are open to the public and we continually seek new projects suitable for public use. In addition, the land trust provides regular opportunities to get outdoors, including guided field trips, school trips, citizen science projects, volunteer days and recreational outings. Contact us for more information!

For private landowners interested in conservation, public use is an option, but not a requirement.

We appreciate a variety of support from the community. Donating land or an easement to the land trust will help our core mission. In addition, one of the best ways to help is to support us financially – click here to make a donation! We also need volunteers to help with office tasks, habitat cleanups and even photography!