Friend, as another wildfire season unfolds, communities across the country are once again facing the threat of catastrophic fire. One of the most powerful ways to help reduce wildfire risk may surprise you: protecting land before disaster strikes.

Sixteen years ago, Trust for Public Land helped protect the land surrounding the Hollywood Sign to preserve an iconic landscape from development and expand public access to Griffith Park.

Years later, that same project revealed another powerful benefit: helping protect nearby communities when wildfire struck.

When devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, the conserved land surrounding the Hollywood Sign helped create a natural buffer between wildfire-prone hillsides and nearby communities.

It was a powerful reminder that protecting land can do more than preserve beautiful places—it can also help communities become more resilient.

Today, projects like this are one example of how wildfire resilience is built into our conservation work. From mountain meadows that naturally retain water to open spaces that can serve as natural firebreaks, we’re protecting landscapes that help communities prepare for the future.

Those same landscapes also conserve wildlife habitat, safeguard water resources, and create more opportunities for people to enjoy nature.

That's the power of conservation: protecting the places we love while helping communities become more resilient.

With gratitude, 

Your friends at Trust for Public Land

As communities face increasing wildfire risk, what role do you believe land conservation should play?