At the heart of The Conservation Foundation there is a simple yet profound belief:
Every person, regardless of where they live or their social-economic status, deserves clean water, clean air, nutritious food, and safe access to nature as a way to be healthy and happy.
This statement speaks to something deeper than just protecting open space — it points to a vision of environmental inclusion and shared stewardship. It’s about building a world where everyone can thrive.
In this blog, we explore what it means to truly conserve land and water for everyone, and why this simple proposition is central to every conservation effort moving forward.
Nature Is Not a Luxury
Frequently, clean air, drinkable water, and access to parks or forests are considered amenities — advantages predominantly available to affluent or suburban communities. In contrast, numerous other communities are more likely to encounter:
- Air pollution from nearby highways or industrial sites
- Contaminated water from outdated or neglected infrastructure
- Limited access to healthy food due to food deserts
- A lack of green space, trees, or safe recreational areas
What Equitable Conservation Looks Like
To fulfill the promise of clean water, clean air, nutritious food, and access to nature for all, land and water trusts, governments, and community partners must:
1. Center Community Voices
Communities most impacted by pollution or environmental neglect must be involved in shaping solutions. That means listening to residents, honoring lived experience, and co-creating projects that reflect community needs.
2. Prioritize Underserved Areas
Rather than focusing only on pristine or scenic areas, conservation must also work in urban and rural neighborhoods that have been left behind — planting trees, restoring rivers, building trails, and investing in urban and suburban agriculture. For instance, The Conservation Foundation’s Green Earth Harvest certified organic farm program is devoted to healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people, and healthy communities. That program includes partnering with other non-profits and local farms to bring our communities together on this precious protected land. During our growing season, we typically provide around 20,000 pounds of produce to Loaves & Fishes and other local food pantries through our Farm to Pantry program.
3. Support Health Through Nature
Programs that connect people to nature — especially seniors, children, and frontline workers — should be funded and accessible. Outdoor experiences are linked to lower stress, improved immunity, and longer lifespans. The Conservation Foundation’s Nature Rx initiative strives to educate the community and promote the efforts of healthcare facilities, park districts, and forest preserves to engage people with the outdoors and the other living beings that share the places we call home. Through workshops, media, engagement activities, and educational materials, we are educating people about the physical and mental health benefits of getting out into nature and exploring the endless ways a connection to nature improves our quality of life.
4. Protect the Resources People Rely On
Clean drinking water and fertile land are essential resources. Conservation trusts play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting watersheds, farmlands, and green infrastructure that significantly enhance public health and community resilience.
The Future of Conservation Is Inclusive
True conservation is not just about what we save, it’s about who we save it for.
Acting on the principle that everyone deserves a healthy environment fosters stronger, more connected communities. It helps to reduce health disparities, honors the profound relationship between people and the land, and allows new generations to develop an appreciation for the natural world. For further insights, please view our video on Sustainability into the Future at The Conservation Foundation to understand how these goals can be achieved.
Final Thought
Inclusion is not an add-on to conservation — it is essential to its mission. Every tree planted, every river restored, and every trail built should reflect a commitment to universal belonging.
Because when everyone has access to clean air, clean water, healthy food, and a connection to nature, we all thrive.
Ready to support conservation for all? Well, that is what The Conservation Foundation does every day. We can all do more together than we can alone. Join our collective momentum – become a member today!
Feel free to comment on this blog with your ideas on conservation for all.
By Steve Stawarz, Oak Brook
DuPage County Advisory Council Member