Whether you own a working farm, recreational hunting property, timberland, or waterfront acreage, you’ve likely heard the term land trust. But what exactly is a land trust, and how can working with one benefit you as a landowner?

For many property owners, land represents much more than an investment. It’s a family legacy, a source of income, a place to hunt and fish, or a piece of history passed down through generations. Land trusts help preserve those values by providing landowners with tools to permanently protect their property while often allowing them to continue using it for farming, forestry, recreation, and other purposes.

Here’s what every landowner should know about land trusts and the role they can play in long-term land stewardship!

What Is a Land Trust?

A land trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving land with important agricultural, environmental, recreational, or historical value. Rather than purchasing every property outright, many land trusts work with landowners to establish conservation easements that permanently protect certain aspects of a property while allowing the owner to retain ownership.

During a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, Matthew Heim, Executive Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust in Maryland, explained that conservation easements function much like a “bundle of rights.”

“Property ownership is kind of a bundle of rights,” Heim said. “We purchase select rights, usually the right to subdivide or develop the property, while the landowner keeps ownership and continues using the property.” This approach allows families to preserve the character of their land while limiting future development that could fundamentally change the property.

What Does a Land Trust Actually Do?

While every organization is different, most land trusts help landowners:

• Establish conservation easements
• Preserve farmland and working forests
• Protect wildlife habitat
• Improve recreational properties
• Restore wetlands and native habitats
• Connect landowners with conservation funding opportunities
• Develop long-term land management plans
• Monitor conservation easements over time

Many land trusts also serve as guides through the often-complicated conservation process, helping landowners understand available state and federal programs.

Do You Still Own Your Land?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding land trusts is that placing property under a conservation easement means giving up ownership. That’s simply not true.

“No two easements are exactly the same,” Heim explained. “Some still allow farming, hunting, timber operations, additional home sites for family members, and even uses like Airbnb properties.”

Landowners continue to own their property and can often continue farming, timber harvesting, hunting, fishing, and even building, depending on the terms of the agreement. Every conservation easement is unique and is designed around the goals of both the landowner and the conservation program.

Why a Land Broker Matters

Before pursuing conservation, it’s valuable to speak with a land real estate professional who understands both your property’s market value and the conservation opportunities available in your area.

Experienced land brokers regularly work alongside conservation organizations, attorneys, appraisers, foresters, and government agencies to help landowners evaluate all available options. Whether conservation is the right choice depends on your property’s characteristics, your financial goals, and your plans for future generations.

For many landowners, conservation provides a way to preserve family heritage, maintain productive farmland, improve wildlife habitat, and ensure future generations can enjoy the same landscape for decades to come.

If you’re considering conservation, start by speaking with your local Land Professional! Together, they can help you evaluate your property’s potential and determine whether conservation aligns with your long-term goals.