Healthy, resilient natural areas for all
We champion and protect New York City’s 20,000 acres of forests and wetlands to create a sustainable future here and across the nation.
Jump to first section
Who are we?
The Natural Areas Conservancy strives to deepen the connection between people and nature in NYC by increasing access, providing education, and building the environmental workforce. Through research, partnerships, and advocacy, we ensure that urban natural areas are healthy and thriving and that their benefits reach all New Yorkers.
What we do
-
Train the next generation
Our CUNY and high school internship programs provide STEM students with the training to succeed in the environmental workforce.
Internships -
Conduct innovative research
We study urban natural areas and develop resources that demonstrate their value.
Innovative Research -
Connect New Yorkers to nature
We host tours and volunteer events in local natural areas and work to improve NYC’s network of trails.
Connect New Yorkers to Nature -
Advocate for natural areas
We make our voices heard by championing forests and wetlands with elected officials.
Coalition Advocacy
Join our efforts
-
Donate
Give back to natural areas. Your gift will go toward preserving our vital forests and wetlands.
Donate now -
Volunteer
Bring new vibrancy to your community by becoming a Super Steward Trail Maintainer.
See opportunities -
Partner
Engage with our mission through corporate sponsorship and volunteering.
Learn more -
Get outside
Tour NYC parks, learn about local wildlife, or get your hands dirty on a stewardship day.
Browse events
-
The NYC Nature Map
Experience a birds-eye-view of our natural areas and learn what’s in your neighborhood.
Explore Now -
New Climate Tool
Visualize changes in climate variables, like temperature and precipitation, over time.
Get Started
Forests in
Cities network
-
What is Forests in Cities?
We created the FiC network in 2019 to advance healthy forested natural areas across America. By nurturing a network of interdisciplinary experts from 21 cities, together we advance urban forest science and practice while advocating for increased resources and support for our cities’ forests.
FiC -
Explore the Resource Library
Everything you need to know about forested natural areas—all in one place. Find peer-reviewed research, forest management plans, land and project assessment protocols, and more. We curate and collect new resources from FiC members weekly.
Explore the Resource Library
Understories
The backdoor to NYC’s backyard
