What Is a Land Trust—and What Do We Protect in Louisiana?

Maurepas Swamp Preserve, under conservation with Land Trust for Louisiana.

Protecting Louisiana’s Natural Legacy
The Land Trust for Louisiana located in Covington, Louisiana has protected more than 15,000 acres of forests, wetlands, farms, and wildlife habitat across Louisiana since 2004 through conservation easements and land acquisition.

Longleaf pine habitat protected by the Land Trust for Louisiana

At Land Trust for Louisiana, our mission is rooted in protecting the extraordinary natural and working landscapes that make our state unique. Our lands and waters have played a crucial role in the unique history and vibrant culture of our state, hosting communities and traditions that can’t be found anywhere else.

As stewards of the land, we are responsible for protecting that legacy while preserving some of the most fragile and important ecosystems in the country. By working to permanently conserve Louisiana’s lands and natural resources, we are ensuring that our legacy is one of sustainability, respect, and love for the place we call home.

Why Land Conservation Matters in Louisiana?

  • Protects drinking water
  • Reduces flood risk
  • Preserves wildlife habitat
  • Supports working forests and farms

Louisiana is home to old-growth forests, native grasslands, productive farms, vital waterways and a diverse array of wildlife — from our coastal plains, to the rolling hills of north Louisiana. When we conserve land, we ensure that these places will continue to exist and thrive for generations to come, benefiting people, communities and wildlife.

Land trusts typically work directly with landowners to permanently protect important places, often through tools like conservation easements. While the conservation goals for each easement in our portfolio are unique, we strive for outcomes that will enhance and restore Louisiana’s natural resources and ways of living.

Local Conservation Success
Protected properties include lands in:

  • Abita Creek Flatwoods – St. Tammany Parish
  • Pine Knoll Farm – Tangipahoa Parish
  • Sunnyside Plantation – Iberville Parish
abita creek flatwoods preserve

Working with landowners includes helping a family protect their farmland from developmental pressures — or connecting green space for recreation and water management in urban areas. Land Trust for Louisiana’s conservation work spans a wide range of landscapes across the state, including:

1. Forests and Natural Lands
We protect forests, grasslands, wetlands, and other natural habitats that support wildlife, improve environmental resiliency, and provide space for outdoor recreation. Land Trust for Louisiana property highlight: Maurepas Swamp Preserve in Livingston Parish.

2. Working Lands
Farms, ranches, and timber lands are essential to Louisiana’s heritage and economy. Conserving working lands helps keep them healthy and productive, while preventing unwanted development. Land Trust for Louisiana property highlight: Live Oak Farm in Vermilion Parish.

3. Coastal Lands
Protecting coastal lands helps strengthen natural storm buffers, while preserving the critical ecosystems and commercial activity, like fishing, that our state is known for. Land Trust for Louisiana property highlight: Bayou Grand Coteau in Lafourche Parish.

4. Inland Waters
Rivers, streams, lakes, and floodplains play a key role in water quality and flood control. Conserving land along inland waters helps protect drinking water and aquatic habitats for communities and local wildlife. Land Trust for Louisiana property highlight: Oak Hill Natural Area in West Feliciana Parish.

5. Urban Green Spaces
Parks, trails, and natural areas in and near cities provide communities with access to nature, improve public health, and enhance neighborhood resilience. Land Trust for Louisiana property highlight: Broadmoor Rain Garden in Orleans Parish.

Through partnerships with landowners and communities across the state, Land Trust for Louisiana works to conserve the lands and waters that sustain us all—today, and for generations to come.

How You Can Help:
➡️ Become a Member
➡️ Donate to Protect Louisiana
➡️ Explore Conservation Easements

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