Habitat for people, plants, and animals

It is not enough to protect the best and most beautiful places, or even the richest habitats for endangered species. Successful nature conservation requires that we sustain the very systems of life.

Ecosystems are communities of plants, animals, and microorganisms linked by their interactions. Ecosystems not only sustain the wildlife that inspire us, they also produce the clean water, air, and necessities that nourish us.

A greater ecosystem is one large enough to accommodate populations of even its largest resident wildlife, such as bears and wolves, over the long term. For instance, Conservation Northwest has for close to two decades led efforts to protect two great ecosystems, the North Cascades and the Columbia Mountains, spanning the US/Canada border from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains.

We work to protect enough habitat, and in the right places and patterns, to not only provide for the immediate needs of these creatures but to buffer populations against natural disturbances like fire and climate change. Our actions are guided by the best science, pursued by innovative strategy, and supported by the people who share these landscapes.