What is accreditation?

In December 2014, Georges River Land Trust achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. Our accreditation was renewed in 2020.

Georges River Land Trust is one of more than 400 land trusts from across the country that has been awarded accreditation since the fall of 2008. The accredited land trusts protect nearly 80% of land owned as preserves or protected by a conservation easement by a land trust.

Each accredited land trust must submit extensive documentation and undergo a rigorous review. This review process honors only land trusts with the most streamlined operations and effective land conservation. Accredited land trusts are authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation.

“Accreditation provides the public with an assurance that, at the time of accreditation, land trusts meet high standards for quality and that the results of their conservation work are permanent,” said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn.

What does accreditation mean?

At the core of this distinction are three principles: excellence, trust and permanence.

Excellence: Through accreditation, we’ve adopted Land Trust Standards and Practices, the formal ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust. This means that we are held to the highest quality standards in conserving the places that are important to you.

Trust: Trust is a top-of-mind issue for all of those who support nonprofits. Accreditation helps us be accountable to you, our members, and to the greater public. In order to earn accreditation, we voluntarily submitted to an external, independent review of our practices. As a result, accreditation provides you with the extra assurance that you are donating to a quality organization.

Permanence: Our main goal is to conserve land that is essential to your health and our region’s well being. When we protect land for the benefit of the public, we also promise that the protection is forever. Through accreditation, we developed the policies and programs to keep this promise for your children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Being nationally accredited means we’re doing it right! With these policies and procedures in place, we are able to be even more efficient and accomplish more on a regional scale. The accreditation process has significantly enhanced our ability to ensure conservation in perpetuity. Strong, community supported land trusts like Georges River serve our residents as effective caretakers of our critical natural resources, and safeguard the land for future generations.

How can you help?

Through your support, you will enable us to accomplish even more strategic conservation projects as a nationally accredited land trust. Help us continue to achieve at the highest level – Donate Today!

For more information on the Land Trust please call 594-5166.