A foggy morning on the prairie at Fair Meadows, SoWBA’s newest sanctuary (photo by Gary Shackelford).
Last year, we announced that Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (then Madison Audubon) was in the process of applying to renew our status as a nationally-accredited land trust. We are very happy to share that we have now officially achieved our accreditation renewal!
Land trusts are nonprofit organizations that acquire and manage land for conservation purposes. As a land trust, SoWBA stewards nearly 2,600 acres of valuable, protected habitat for birds and other wildlife species. In addition to conserving important ecosystems, many of the lands we manage are open for the community to enjoy and free to visit.
Our organization began the accreditation process in 2012 and was first recognized as a nationally-accredited land trust in 2018, but accreditation goes far beyond a one-time action. We work diligently every day to meet rigorous standards for excellence, accountability, and permanence of our conservation efforts.
WHAT does it mean to be accredited?
Accreditation recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands in perpetuity. The process is regulated by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. They conduct an extensive review of an organization’s policies and programs, including procedures, record-keeping, finances, governance, stewardship, and much more.
Learn more in this video from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission:
What now?
Our current renewal term lasts into March 2029, but accreditation is an ongoing process. Land trusts must foster continuous improvement and uphold the Land Trust Standards & Practices (for a full list, click here).
We are proud to move forward with our renewed status as a nationally-accredited land trust. Our appreciation and gratitude go out to the many people who help make accreditation possible. And of course, we couldn’t do this without our wonderful supporters and members—you are the heart of our work. Thank you!
Cover image: Yellow flowers bloom on a foggy prairie morning at Fair Meadows, the newest of SoWBA’s sanctuaries (photo by Gary Shackelford).
