Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to provide public enjoyment, conserve habitat and working lands, and sustain communities.

Founded in 1974, the Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national conservation leader, partnering in the protection of more than 2.5 million acres across the Eastern US and Canada.

OSI protects land for clean drinking water, public recreation, healthy communities, and wildlife habitat. Additionally, the intact forests and floodplains we protect capture and store carbon and protect against extreme weather events.

In addition to strategic conservation, OSI is also committed to making protected land more welcoming to the public; making the outdoors more accessible for all; and, promoting science-based conservation among fellow land trusts and government leaders.

OSI is also a leader in advocating for public policies that promote innovative and effective land protection, including securing full and permanent funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.