Sand County Foundation

Sand County Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to working with private landholders across North America on voluntary land management practices that benefit the environment. Sand County Foundation was founded nearly fifty years ago to protect the land surrounding renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold’s shack from development. Rather than depending on public acquisition, our protection strategy was rooted in private action inspired by Leopold’s Land Ethic, using responsible, voluntary means.

Today, Sand County Foundation is the nation’s leading voice for conservation on private land. The Foundation works with farmers, ranchers and foresters to improve the quality of their lands through science, ethics, and incentives. Our focus has expanded from research and experimental management on Leopold’s land to supporting and encouraging the stewards of hundreds of thousands of acres.