Why It Matters

We believe that effective, large-scale conservation efforts are the key to a better future for our nation, both for wildlife species across the United States and for the 330 million people living here now … and the generations to come. 

We also believe that partnerships that bridge the public and private sectors are the key to achieving conservation success. And we know that conservation investments yield dividends that extend far beyond wildlife.

That’s why we must bring everyone to the table for conservation: government agencies, private corporations, conservation nonprofits, private landowners, agricultural producers, leaders in business and technology, and citizens from all walks of life. 

By restoring coastal marshes, barrier islands and coral reefs, we don’t just conserve the biodiversity enriching those environments. We also strengthen local economies and make our cities, towns, ports and energy hubs more resilient to storms, erosion and sea-level rise.

When we conserve forests and make them more resilient to wildfires, we don’t just protect habitats for migratory songbirds, many of which are suffering drastic population declines. We also safeguard billions of trees that capture carbon, generate oxygen, cool our streams and shade our homes. 

When we restore native vegetation, we don’t just provide vital habitats for bumblebees, butterflies and other native pollinators. We also protect our ability to feed ourselves by preserving the estimated $3.1 billion dollars of pollination services these insects provide to the U.S. agricultural sector.

When we improve stormwater management and restore wetlands, we don’t just ensure cleaner water for fish, amphibians and other aquatic organisms. We also create jobs and protect neighborhoods from destructive floods by giving urban runoff a place to go.

At NFWF, we focus on sustaining and enhancing wildlife populations and their habitats — that is our core mission. But we also know that by making wise public-private conservation investments, our citizens, our communities, and our local economies will all enjoy a brighter future.