© From "The C&O Canal" by Dorothy Camagna

Rivers & Watersheds

America's freshwater resources - its rivers, lakes and bays - drive local economies, create recreational opportunities, support wildlife and provide public drinking water. Protecting these water resources is a community-wide task. Engaging conservation groups, public agencies, private landowners and businesses, The Conservation Fund develops strategic conservation approaches to revitalize local economies, protect valuable water resources, and reduce the impact of human activity.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Chesapeake Bay community is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and Captain John Smith’s monumental exploration of the Chesapeake Bay region by establishing the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.   Read more>

Mississippi River Revolving Fund

Since 1994, the Fund and its partners have protected more than 14,400 acres of important wildlife habitat and recreation lands along the great river valued at over $19.6 million.  Read more>

Snake River: Protecting a Recreational Paradise

The Fund and its partners, with assistance from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, have protected nearly 12,000 acres of agricultural land and wildlife habitat within the Snake River watershed as part of a conservation initiative in the Greater Yellowstone area.  Read more>
Spotlight: Garcia River Forest

Garcia River ForestThe Garcia River Forest – a Conservation Fund-owned forest on California’s North Coast – became one of the first forests – and the largest – recognized by the California Climate Action Registry as a certified source of carbon credits.
Read more »

In Your Words

In Your Words

Pledge to our Donors
Your charitable dollars are limited -- we make every dollar count. We pledge to:

Donor Committment

  • Safeguard privacy
  • Exceed industry standards
  • Limit mailings
  • Ensure gifts directly support conservation