We are a nationally accredited nonprofit that uses a science-driven and community-minded approach to protect Kentucky’s irreplaceable  wildlands. Foundational to ecological, human, cultural and economic health, the benefits of wildlands are vast – maintaining natural systems that sustain life on Earth, allowing wildlife (living things in wild places) to flourish not only for humanity but for their own sake, enabling nature’s recovery and fostering healthy communities.

Since 1995, KNLT has protected more than 57,000 acres of wildlands across Kentucky and within Central Appalachia. Our conservation work spans from the Appalachian Mountains through the rolling forest and grasslands of Central Kentucky to the meandering western sloughs of Western Kentucky.

Large, ecologically healthy, and connected landscapes are essential to protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem resilience that in turn safeguards communities. Our approach focuses on increasing and restoring landscape connectivity, and fostering collaboration in ways that transcend arbitrary political boundaries and ideologies. KNLT is committed to fulfilling our mission in a just and equitable manner.