Our mission is to protect and restore Minnesota’s land, water, and wildlife so that nature thrives—for everyone, forever.
Since 1991, the Land Trust has partnered with hundreds of Minnesota landowners to permanently protect nearly 90,000 acres of natural land and 600 miles of fragile shoreline throughout the state. In addition, we’ve restored over 12,400 acres of critical habitat.
Recognizing the growing need to foster a strong conservation ethic, the Land Trust also partners with communities, camps, and organizations to enhance outdoor recreation and educational opportunities across Minnesota.
Our great ambition is to protect what cannot be replaced. To give nature in Minnesota a thriving future. And to do it – together.
Mission
To protect and restore Minnesota’s land, water, and wildlife so that nature thrives—for everyone, forever.
Values
At the Minnesota Land Trust, we are guided not only by our mission but also by our shared values. As a public-serving nonprofit, these values keep us grounded, connected, and accountable to our mission, our partners, and the land.
Deliver Enduring Conservation
Nature is an essential public good. We ground our work on sound ecology, thoughtful planning, and long-term stewardship to ensure that the lands we conserve endure forever.
Operate with the Highest Standards
We do things the right way, even when it’s not the easy way. We uphold fiscal responsibility, ethical practices, and transparency.
Lead with Integrity and Humility
True leadership begins with listening. We seek out and honor diverse voices and lived experiences as we grow our collective impact across the state.
Collaborate and Build Community
Conservation is a shared endeavor. We build strong partnerships and center community relationships of all kinds in shaping Minnesota’s conservation story.
Honor Our People
People are our foundation. We nurture equity and belonging within our organization and celebrate all who help fulfill our mission, including those communities historically excluded from the conservation narrative.
Innovate for the Future
Nature is ever-changing, and so are we. Our success depends on our adaptability, creativity, and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Organizational Overview
A 501(c)3 public charity, the Minnesota Land Trust has been working with landowners and local communities since 1991 to protect and enhance Minnesota’s increasingly threatened lands and waters.
Strategies
- PROTECT: Permanently protecting land through conservation easements and effective land management.
- RESTORE: Helping landowners restore their protected lands to natural and native habitat for birds, wildlife, and human recreation by working in partnership with other experts.
- ENGAGE: Fostering a conservation ethos by building connections to nature and increasing access to meaningful nature experiences for all Minnesotans, connecting conservation partners to amplify our impact.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
The Minnesota Land Trust is committed to becoming a more diverse, inclusive, equitable and just organization and embodying the values of DEIJ in its work. Learn more about Minnesota Land Trust’s DEIJ commitment.
History
The Minnesota Land Trust is rooted in a strong tradition of the land trust movement that began in Massachusetts in 1891 and now stretches across the country.
In 1991, a group of Minnesota citizens committed to maintaining the rural character of their community formed the Washington County Land Trust, Minnesota’s first land trust.
By 1993, responding to the interest from citizens throughout the state, the Washington County Land Trust expanded its vision and mission, becoming the Minnesota Land Trust and offering its services to the entire state.
Since its earliest days, the organization has remained true to its mission, working hard throughout the state to protect and restore our most vital natural lands in order to provide wildlife habitat, clean water, outdoor experiences and scenic beauty for generations to come.
