Protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and engaging communities in conservation practices.

Core to the mission of public parks and recreation is the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of good conservation and stewardship practices. In today’s world, where conservation and environmental stewardship is on everyone’s minds, public parks and lands are viewed as essential to protect open space and preserve nature – our land, water, trees, open space, wildlife.

But even more so, we value what conservation of these resources bring to us such as clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, protection from and prevention of extreme weather events and more.

Public parks and recreation everywhere are engaging in good environmental stewardship practices that ensure communities and future generations can reap the benefits of a protected and enhanced recreational environment. Now more than ever, we must demonstrate and show how parks are essential to the quality of the environment and lives of all.

Now more than ever, we must demonstrate and show how parks are essential to the quality of the environment and lives of all. Watch NRPA’s President and CEO, Barbara Tulipane, CAE explain why conservation is an important mission for parks and recreation.

Position Statement

• The role of parks and recreation in Conservation and the Environment

Communities Promoting Conservation

• Watch how Five Rivers MetroParks engaged their community to help save trees after the Emerald Ash Borer threatened their existence.
• Portland Parks and Recreation put a price tag on their trees to demonstrate their value.

Parks & Recreation Magazine: Conservation Articles

The “Soft Fascination” of Nature
By Richard J. Dolesh
April 2013 Issue
Summary: Research proves the calming effect of nature on the brain.

Restoring the Gulf
By Maureen Hannan
March 2013 Issue
Summary: Oil spill settlement sends $1 billion to Gulf states and counties.

A Wide Open Field for Conservation
By Timothy Gallagher
February 2013 Issue
Summary: Our responsibility is to build and maintain sustainable communities.

NRPA Resources for Conservation

• Full Report of the Conservation Task Force (8 MB PDF)


• Top Ten Recommendations on how to implement conservation practices in your community (1 MB PDF)


• Conservation Best Management Practices and Case Studies: The full library is available to NRPA Members in the Knowledge Center (Environment & Conservation > Conservation Task Force Resources ). Five public selections are shown below:


• Rain Gardens (2 MB PDF)
• Reduced Mowing Saves Funds and Improves Natural Resources (1 MB PDF)
• Creating Partnerships to Engage Youth in Conservation and Stewardship (5 MB PDF)
• How to Develop an Energy Conservation Program for Your Agency (5 MB PDF)
• Wind and Solar Learning Center (2 MB PDF)
• Conservation Discussion Group on NRPA Connect (Public)


• Park Resources Network on NRPA Connect (NRPA Membership required for access)


• NRPA Green School—New in 2013, outstanding opportunities for staff training in sustainability and conservation practices