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2023 Year in Review
Over the past 12 months, we’ve achieved some noteworthy goals and set plenty of exciting projects in motion. While we can’t shine a light on each and every win, this gallery of goodness highlights some heavy hitters—our top moments of 2023.
By Amy McCullough
Published December 12, 2023
From launching an effort toward the largest collaborative land return between a nonprofit and a tribal nation in U.S. history to helping a new generation of land conservation professionals forge the path of the future, we celebrated some incredible milestones and successes in 2023. In case you missed any, here’s a quick look back at a few of the biggest.
Help us keep the momentum going.
Celebrating the Multifarious Benefits of Green Spaces
From stormwater-capturing playgrounds in NYC to culturally significant street murals in Colorado, TPL-protected outdoor spaces pack the multitasking power to improve public health, climate resilience, and social justice in the communities they reflect and serve.
Engagement Leads to Advocacy
"It will be here and part of this community for years to come,” says Nikki Porter, principal at Stonewall Tell Elementary School outside Atlanta, Georgia. “The students initiated the schoolyard project, presented it to the community, and had their ideas represented in the design. That’s a significant learning experience.”
Mountaineer, Advocate, TPL Leader
In October, TPL announced a new member of the leadership team, Chief Impact Officer Luis Guillermo Benitez. Benitez brings a wealth of experience in the outdoor industry, government affairs, and academia and has long demonstrated his commitment to sustainability and outdoor advocacy.
Fishpond Access Protected in Perpetuity
Thousands of people visit Hawaiʻi's Halulu Fishpond every year, where one can connect with ʻāina (land), culture, and community. Together with our partners, we’ve preserved a quarter-acre property on the north shore of Kaua‘i to ensure access to and protection of Halulu in perpetuity.
A Groundbreaking Partnership
In San Juan Bautista, California, TPL celebrated the permanent protection of a historic ranch known as the Harvey and Gladys Nyland Property. This conservation success happened in tandem with a historic agreement between TPL and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band that will revive traditional Indigenous land stewardship.
Playgrounds Serve More than Students
In Georgia, TPL is helping close the outdoor equity gap by making outdoor space accessible to residents of all ages in the form of renovated schoolyards. These vibrant green oases provide cooling shade, a safe space to play, and opportunities to gather with family and neighbors after school hours.
1,250 Acres Protected in New Hampshire
Dundee Community Forest is now protected for the enjoyment of skiers, anglers, hunters, and anyone looking to benefit from time in nature. It also protects the source of drinking water for approximately 250,000 people in 35 nearby towns. Anyone for a celebratory hike?
Private Property No More
For decades, the largest inholding in the Green Mountain National Forest held an uncertain future. Recreationists were granted access, but for how long? In early 2023, TPL transferred 2,800 acres known as Rolston Rest to the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring it will remain forever accessible as part of the national forest.
Panhandle Progress
In Florida, TPL has protected over 10,000 acres at Wolfe Creek Forest and Blackwater River State Forest, ensuring the critical longleaf pine habitat remains intact for many threatened and endangered species. In progress for human paddlers, our work here also protects a popular canoe and kayak trail called Coldwater Creek.
Feeling Inspired?
All of these milestones—and many more—are achieved thanks to Trust for Public Land supporters. Join us in our mission to bring the profound benefits of equitable access to the outdoors to millions of people across America.
Rising temperatures, bigger storms, and asphalt schoolyards pose significant risks during recess. Urge Congress to prioritize schoolyards that cool neighborhoods, manage stormwater, and provide opportunities for kids to connect with nature today!
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