From the Land Conservancy of McHenry County:
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Earns National Recognition Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Woodstock, IL – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the natural spaces they love.
Since 1991, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has been doing just that for the people of McHenry County.
Now TLC announces it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence.
“Renewing our accreditation shows TLC’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in McHenry County,” said Lisa Haderlein, executive director.
“We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process.
“Our strength means special places, such as Wolf Oak Woods in Bull Valley – will be protected forever, making McHenry County an even greater place for now and in the future.”
TLC provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction.
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that TLC’s lands will be protected forever.
Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.
TLC preserves both public and private land in McHenry County.
TLC has preserved 997 acres through conservation areas it owns, and over 2,320 acres through private conservation easements, ensuring that these natural spaces will remain undeveloped.
Most recently, TLC helped Bull Valley farmland owner, Karen Strano, preserve her 80-acre farm for life in Bull Valley in the fall of 2024.
“We are proud to recognize TLC’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said
Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission.
“The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices.
“Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”
TLC is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found here. About The Land Conservancy of McHenry County:
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving
natural, scenic and agricultural land. Since 1991, TLC has preserved over 3,300 acres of private and public land.
About Land Trust Accreditation Commission:
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
