Maybe you’ve heard that Madison Audubon is one of only a few Audubon chapters around the country that is also a nationally-accredited land trust. But what exactly does that mean?
What is a land trUst?
Have you had a chance to watch the winter waterfowl flocking at Goose Pond? Explored the sweeping prairie vistas around Faville Grove? Paddled through the lush green Otsego Marsh?
Land trusts are non-profit organizations that acquire and manage land for conservation purposes. As a land trust, Madison Audubon works hard to steward land and protect valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife species. In addition to conserving important ecosystems, our sanctuaries are open for the community to enjoy and free to visit every single day of the year!
WHAT does it mean to be accredited?
Land trust accreditation recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Accreditation is regulated by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. They conduct an extensive review of an organization’s policies and programs. It’s similar to an audit of how a land trust does business—procedures, record-keeping, finances, governance, stewardship, and much more.
Madison Audubon began the accreditation process in 2012 and was first recognized as a nationally-accredited land trust in 2018. We work diligently to meet rigorous standards for excellence, accountability, and permanence of our conservation efforts.
what happens after accreditation?
Accreditation goes far beyond a one-time action. It requires that land trusts foster continuous improvement and uphold the Land Trust Standards and Practices (for a full list of standards, click here), and even seek renewal on a five-year cycle. In 2023, Madison Audubon is applying to renew our accreditation!
The Commission invites the public to share input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Madison Audubon complies with national quality standards related to the operation of a land trust, and are most useful by April 1, 2023.
To learn more and submit a comment, click here. You may also email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org or submit by mail to:
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Attn: Public Comments
36 Phila Street, Suite 2,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many people who help make accreditation possible, And of course, we couldn't do this without our wonderful supporters and members—you are the heart of our work!
Cover image: A fiery orange sunrise over the snowy prairie at Faville Grove Sanctuary in 2017 (photo by Jeff McDonald).
