What does accreditation mean?

The Land Conservancy of Adams County earned accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2013, making us one of only 21 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. It sends the message to landowners that we are a strong, effective organization that you can trust to keep “the promise of perpetuity” in honoring your vision for your 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.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Commission is governed by conservation practitioners around the country who ensure that each accredited land trust meets extensive documentation requirements and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application. Accredited land trusts must renew their accreditation every five years, confirming their compliance with national quality standards and providing continued assurance to donors and landowners of their commitment to forever stewarding their land and easements. The Land Conservancy of Adams County has recently begun our first re-accreditation process—click here to learn more about re-accreditation and how you can help. 

Holding a Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation, and we’re proud to have earned it!