News & Perspectives

What is the “God Squad” and Why Does it Matter?

Lately we have been hearing a lot about a group called the “God Squad.” Though many of us have not heard of this group before, they’ve actually been around a long time.

A Year in Review: 2025

In 2025, we’ve collaborated with 12 organizations in 10 states, helping to secure $41,883,578 worth of conservation lands on 8,042 acres that are now permanently protected! 

Connecting Habitats, Connecting Communities

Local governments play a crucial role in fostering wildlife habitat connectivity through urban planning — something local residents can get involved in.

Redford Inspired Land Protection

Robert Redford’s legacy of land protection and stewardship is an inspiration to us all.

The Roadless Rule

The Roadless Rule is an important conservation tool many people didn’t know existed until the administration announced plans in June to rescind it.

Enduring Arctic Wildlife Proves Importance of Land Conservation

Nature’s resilience in the Arctic serves as an important example of the need for land conservation.

Working Locally to Act Globally

Local conservation groups have a huge role to play working to protect locally and regionally important natural spaces as part of a global movement.

Local Land Conservation Is More Important than Ever

While it would be easy to get lost in the current uncertainties surrounding our nation’s protected places, we’re instead doubling down on our commitment to supporting local efforts in local communities.

Moving Beyond Debate into Action

Debate over habitat fragmentation has been going on for decades, but we’re not waiting to take action until the argument is settled!

Saving Wetlands One Acre at a Time

A 2024 report to Congress showed that net loss of wetlands increased by more than 50 percent from 2009-2019. We’re working to save these and other important habitats.

Stay informed. Stay involved.

Ellsbury Diamond E Ranch Conservation Easement in Crook County Permanently Protects 2,506 Acres

Crucial wildlife habitat in Wyoming’s Black Hills is perpetually protected under the Ellsbury Diamond E Ranch Conservation Easement | Photo: Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust | March 19, 2026 CHEYENNE, WYOMING — David Ellsbury has…

Vital Ground and Landowners Conserve Key Grizzly Connectivity Zone in Western Montana

The Warm Springs Creek project protects 800 acres in the Garnet Mountains, linking the Northern Continental Divide, Selway-Bitterroot and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems | Photo: Mitch Doherty GARRISON, MONTANA | Vital Ground Foundation. June 11, 2026 An 800-acre…

Vital Ground Conserves Key Cabinet Mountain Habitat with Transfer to Kootenai National Forest

The Falls Creek Project protects key wildlife habitat and public recreation access to the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in northwestern Montana | Photo: Eric Ian TROY, MONTANA | Vital Ground Foundation. May 5, 2026 Public recreation access and one of the Lower 48’s…

Hailey Hot Springs Ranch to be Preserved in Perpetuity

Story and Photos by Karen Bossick, Eye on the Sun Valley | Jan. 1, 2026 HAILEY, ID – The Hailey Hot Springs Ranch is in the bag, thanks to donations from more than 900 families, businesses, foundations and nonprofits. Those individuals and organizations helped raise…

Restoration Momentum Builds at Wandering Rock SNA

Restoration work at Wandering Rock State Natural Area | Photo: Kay Solverson In 2025, Atira Conservation helped to support the Wandering Rock State Natural Area in Wisconsin. Now, Mississippi Valley Conservancy is working on restoration. Mississippi Valley Conservancy…

Keeping It In Ag

The Bloom Ranch and Upper Flint Creek Valley | Photo: Revealing Earth Five Valleys Land Trust | May 9, 2025 “I can go outside here and take a big breath of fresh air, see the beautiful sunsets, or blue sky!” — Flint Creek Valley rancher Clare Bloom  This April, Five…

437-Acre Ranch in Paradise Valley’s Mill Creek Drainage Permanently Conserved

Park County Community Journal | April 24, 2026 PARADISE VALLEY, MT – A vital 437-acre piece of the Paradise Valley landscape has been permanently protected through a voluntary conservation easement established by the Nickelson family in partnership with Northern…

Case Ranch Protects 2,330 Acres of Habitat, Ranchlands and History in Potomac

Case Ranch partnered with Five Valleys Land Trust, Atira Conservation and a coalition of partners to permanently protect 2,330 acres of the ranch.

Projects Near Garrison and Superior Help Link Ecosystems for Grizzlies, Other Wildlife

Two key Western Montana habitat linkages for grizzly bears and other wide-ranging wildlife will be protected from subdivision and development

Conservation Update: Shoal River Headwaters State Park

Shoal River Headwaters State Park | Photo: Trust for Public Land In January 2026, Florida State Parks celebrated the anniversary of the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park as the newest state park in Florida. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) purchased and…

Preserved and Protected

By working with local land trusts and conservation groups, Atira Conservation ensures that lands with conservation easements and fee-simple land purchases remain protected and managed in perpetuity, providing enduring environmental benefits for people and wildlife.

Partners in Land Conservation

Atira Conservation is committed to land conservation across the United States. We work with local and regional land trusts, conservation organizations and private landowners to safeguard natural spaces for wildlife, for people and for the future of our planet. 

Click here to learn about becoming an Atira Conservation partner.

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust

The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) is a nationally accredited nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that uses a science-driven and community-minded approach to protect Kentucky’s wildlands.  Since 1995, KNLT has protected more than 64,000 acres of wildlands across…

Vital Ground Foundation

The Vital Ground Foundation was founded in 1990 to protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations for future generations by conserving wildlife habitat and by supporting programs that reduce conflicts between bears and humans. Based in Missoula, Montana,…