We’re excited to announce that our accreditation has been renewed!

The Land Conservancy of adams county is one of only 26 accredited land trusts in Pennsylvania.

Accreditation is a mark of distinction that shows that a land trust meets the highest standards for land conservation and stewardship, and we are proud to have achieved this benchmark.  It reassures landowners that the Land Conservancy of Adams County is a strong, effective organization that they can trust to keep “the promise of perpetuity” in honoring their vision for their land, forever.  It also sends the message to supporters that we are a trustworthy partner for those who, like us, are passionate about preserving Adams County’s rural lands and character. 

9/18/2024 Press Release

Land Conservancy Earns National Recognition

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the natural spaces they love. Since 1995, the Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC), has been doing just that for the people of Adams County. Now LCAC announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation - proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence. "Renewing our accreditation shows the Land Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Adams County," said Dave Salisbury, LCAC Board President. "We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places will be protected forever, making Adams County an even greater place for now and in the future."

The Land Conservancy provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that LCAC's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres - the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.

The Land Conservancy has permanently preserved over 13,200 acres of our county’s farmland, forestland, and wildlife habitat since its founding in 1995. One notable effort was the Marsh Creek Project, when over a thousand acres were preserved in an initiative that focused on restoring and preserving the Marsh Creek watershed, a vital ecological area known for its critical role in local water systems. Other significant projects have helped to protect our county’s unique agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes, such as the preservation of Boyer Nurseries & Orchards and several hundred acres of important grassland and pasture with Hanover Shoe Farms.

"We are proud to recognize the Land Conservancy of Adams County's continued commitment to conservation excellence," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. "The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. The Land Conservancy is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities."

LCAC is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance's most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.