Shallow Reef and Limestone Islet. Shot in Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Bahamas.

Experience Nature Your Way

July 16, 2024

From preserves we own and manage to local, state and federal properties we have helped protect, land conservation is core to The Nature Conservancy’s past, present and future. These places promote mental and physical health, serve as the settings for creativity and offer countless opportunities for visitors to have sensory-rich experiences in nature.

Here are a few standout sites to explore.

BOND WITH BIRDS

South Cape May Meadows, New Jersey

Look for 350 species of birds—or watch a livestream osprey camera from anywhere in the world.

SWIM & SNORKEL

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Bahamas

Count colorful fish in the sparkling turquoise water of the world’s first protected land and sea park, which includes the second-largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

LEARN & LEAD

Santa Clara River Preserve, California

Take a tour or volunteer as a preserve ambassador to protect a river that is vital for wildlife and farming.

BE WOWED BY WILDFLOWERS

Presson-Oglesby Preserve, Arkansas

Ramble across land that represents native Cherokee prairie to spy stunning wildflowers like the purple prairie blazing star.

FISH & FLOAT

Silver Creek Preserve, Idaho

Cast a line for elusive trout or canoe for a creek-level view of this majestic landscape.

RULE THE ROCK

Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, Oklahoma

Feel the wind atop the plateau—the highest point in the state—that gets its name from lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago.

SEE THE STARS

Davis Mountains Preserve, Texas

Marvel at the heavens on horseback or while camping in the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve.

HIKE OR HOST

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Arizona

Join nature walks among tall, rare cottonwood trees and consider being a camp host to welcome visitors.

FIND MANY MORE PLACES TO EXPLORE.