Scenic Rivers Receives National Accreditation Renewal
Rigorous process by Land Trust Accreditation Commission confirms sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship
One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the natural spaces they love. Since 1988, Scenic Rivers Land Trust has been doing just that for the people of Anne Arundel County. Now, Scenic Rivers announced that 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 reinforces Scenic Rivers commitment to permanent land conservation in Anne Arundel County,” said Erin Valentine, Acting Executive Director. “The rigorous process of maintaining accreditation standards in our everyday work and applying for renewal has made our organization stronger than ever, ensuring that special places like Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville and Swan Creek Wetlands in Curtis Bay will remain protected for generations to come. Together, with the help of our supporters, we’re safeguarding the lands that define and sustain our community.”
Scenic Rivers 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 Scenic Rivers’ 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.
In the past year, Scenic Rivers has continued to expand its conservation and stewardship efforts throughout Anne Arundel County. In 2024, a multi-year dream was finally realized; 47 acres of pristine forest and wetlands in the Bodkin Creek watershed was conserved, forever. In addition, Scenic Rivers’ Healthy Forests Program enlisted the help of over 125 volunteers over 10 workdays to remove 800+ pounds of invasive plant species from across more than 32,000 square feet of Bacon Ridge Natural Area.
“We are proud to recognize Scenic Rivers’ 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. Scenic Rivers 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.”
Scenic Rivers 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 at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
About Scenic Rivers Land Trust
A nationally accredited land trust, Scenic Rivers is a private nonprofit dedicated to conserving the special forests, farms, wetlands, and natural areas that sustain Anne Arundel County. To date, Scenic Rivers holds 80 conservation easements across the county, totaling over 3,800 acres. To learn about Scenic Rivers’ conservation and stewardship programs, visit www.srlt.org.
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.
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