INHF renews its accreditation status

By Joe Jayjack on March 10, 2022 in Press Center

For immediate release

Contact: Joe Jayjack, INHF communications director, jjayjack@inhf.org, 515-288-1846, ext. 19

DES MOINES — One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1979, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has been doing just that for the people of Iowa.

Now, INHF announced 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 professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in its conservation work.

INHF provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. INHF has been verified to be practicing at the highest possible conservation standards for the past 11 years by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the national accrediting body for land trusts. The Commission's decision signifies its confidence that INHF's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres - the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.

"It is exciting to recognize INHF's continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. "Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship."

INHF is one of 1,363 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.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and public partners to protect and restore Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 185,000 acres of Iowa's natural resources.