Mississippi Valley Conservancy is a nationally accredited, non-profit land trust based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Conservancy has permanently conserved more than 19,600 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin since its founding in 1997. The Conservancy works with private landowners, local communities, and partner organizations on conservation projects in nine counties along or near the Mississippi River: Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford, Richland and Grant Counties. The Conservancy uses voluntary tools such as conservation agreements, land acquisitions, and a landowner registry program to protect lands for their ecology, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation potential, and prime agricultural soils. The conservation staff works hard to restore native natural communities by removing invasive species and conducting prescribed burns. Additionally, the Conservancy provides hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors for thousands of young people and works to foster a conservation ethic. Mississippi Valley Conservancy has been recognized for its conservation leadership through these achievement awards: La Crosse County Conservation Alliance - Conservation Project of the Year for Bat Habitat Protection 2018 National Land Trust Accreditation Renewal 2017 (five year duration) La Crosse County Conservation Alliance - Conservation Organization of the Year - 2016 ClearMark Award of Distinction - 2013 Communicator Award of Distinction - 2013 National Land Trust Accreditation - 2012 Friend of Conservation—Outstanding Organization - WI 2009 Land Trust of the Year - WI 2008 Conservation Organization of the Year - La Crosse County 2008