Founded in 1953, Mianus River Gorge, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote appreciation of the natural heritage of the Mianus River watershed through land acquisition and conservation, scientific research and public education throughout the region. A 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation and education organization, Mianus River Gorge: -- Protects over 1,000 acres in Bedford, North Castle and Pound Ridge, NY and Stamford CT, including one of the last stands of old-growth forest in the northeast US, -- Manages a 794-acre nature preserve which is open seasonally with 5 miles of hiking trails and outdoor exhibits, -- Conducts applied research and offers innovative research-based education programs for high school, undergraduate and graduate students, and -- Works on initiatives to protect the Mianus River Watershed from its headwaters to the Long Island Sound. The Mianus River Gorge was the first land project of the Nature Conservancy as well as the first National Natural History Landmark in the United States.