After a lengthy and rigorous application process, we received the good news that JDCF has been reaccredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance and only awards accreditation status to land trusts that meet the highest national standards for excellence and
conservation permanence.

“Renewing accreditation shows JDCF’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in and around Jo Daviess County, said Steve Barg, JDCF Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as Casper Bluff and the now 900-acre Big Sky Nature Reserve – will be protected forever, making our region an even greater place for now and in the future.”

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation with commendations. “JDCF has made an extraordinary commitment to excellence, trust, and permanence in land conservation,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “We especially recognize JDCF for actively preserving sacred Native American heritage sites and for its work with several tribes who trace their ancestry to the region.”

JDCF is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census.