at our preserves & garden

Natural Lands is committed to creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone.

A group of hikers travel along a grassy trail near a towering tree
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three cheers for nature

Nature is magical. Few other things have the same power to inspire, heal, connect, and nurture us. And that’s not just our opinion. Scientists have proven that spending time in nature improves our physical and mental health, relieves stress, and brings us together.

In order to encourage everyone to get outdoors, Natural Lands’ nature preserves and public garden are open to all, free of charge. We host hundreds of events every year. And we engage with a dedicated—and ever-growing—corps of trained volunteers who help us care for all our wonderful wild places.

A mown, grassy path leading through a meadow of goldenrod and grasses with a blue sky above
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nature next door

Access to the great outdoors, close to home. Natural Lands’ nature preserves and public garden span two states and 13 counties. Wildflower-filled meadows, shady forests, boulder-strewn stream valleys, wetlands teeming with life, vibrant native plant gardens, and coastal marshland habitat… our 23,000+ acres of open space is open to all and always free to visit.

find a destination

make a date with nature

We host a wide variety of fun and informative events, for kids or kids at heart, all year round. Birding and wildflower walks, yoga in the garden, live music in the meadow, and much more. Many of our events are free or low cost, and members enjoy discounts and early registration.

see upcoming offerings
four women sitting on a hay bale in a green field sipping wine from glasses
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a man wearing a hat and a puffy vest and jeans leaning on the ground planting a tree
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we have the cause, you have the effect

Make a difference for nature and your community. You can give a few hours at an organized volunteer event, or make a deeper, on-going commitment through our Force of Nature® volunteer program. We also offer corporate volunteer opportunities.

ready to give back?
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child’s play

Unstructured play in nature stretches their bodies and their creativity. Our NaturePlayGround at ChesLen Preserve is the perfect place for kids to get dirty, tired, and inspired.

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find yourself outside challenge

Visit all of our featured properties and earn yourself a cool t-shirt. Are you up to the challenge?

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in your own space

Whether we have access to a front stoop, acres of land, or anything in between, we can give nature a helping hand.

Want to explore creative ways to support our work?

There are many ways to give.