In a heartening trend for nature conservation, private landowners in Australia and the United States have collectively protected around 85 million acres of land, demonstrating a growing commitment to preserving fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats beyond public reserves.
- Australia has 24 million acres of private land conserved, much from bequests.
- American Prairie in Montana combines public and private lands to conserve over 600,000 acres.
- 61 million acres in the U.S. are privately held for conservation, surpassing all national parks.
What happened
Australia now ranks among the world’s leaders in private land conservation, with about 24 million acres set aside thanks largely to citizens who leave land to conservation organizations in their wills. Groups like Bush Heritage Australia manage millions of these acres, often focused on protecting ecosystems outside official national reserves that are vulnerable to threats like land clearing and invasive species. Recent figures show a notable increase in conservation-oriented bequests, nearly doubling from the year prior.
Meanwhile, in the United States, private and public partnerships such as American Prairie in Montana have been steadily acquiring and managing large tracts of land to protect and restore wild prairie habitat. Currently covering over 600,000 acres, American Prairie aims to eventually safeguard more than 2 million acres. Additionally, the Land Trust Alliance reports that private land set aside for conservation in the U.S. totals 61 million acres, exceeding the size of all national parks combined, highlighting the growing role of private efforts in conservation.
Why it feels good
These conservation efforts remind us that individuals and local communities can play a vital role in protecting the natural world, supplementing government parks and reserves. The rise in bequests and donations reflects a widespread desire to leave a positive legacy for future generations by preserving nature’s beauty and ecological balance.
It also highlights the value of diverse landscapes, including those on private or pastoral land that might not qualify for traditional protections but are nonetheless critical for wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration between private citizens, nonprofits, and government agencies showcases a unified approach to environmental stewardship that benefits both people and the planet.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on the ongoing expansion projects of organizations like American Prairie, which continue to open up new areas for wildlife and public enjoyment of wild landscapes. More visitors are also discovering these places each year, drawn by the promise of nature-based recreation and educational opportunities.
In Australia, watch for similar partnerships and legal protections being extended to private reserves, like those granted to the Pilungah Reserve under Queensland law. These efforts encourage other landowners to participate, potentially increasing the volume of conserved acreage and strengthening ecological networks across regions.