National Natural Landmarks Conservation Collaboratives

ocean view from inside a cave
The Mona and Monito Islands consists of two separate islands in the Caribbean, west of the main island of Puerto Rico. The sea caves on these islands are some of the largest, most extensive and most unusual in the world.

Photo by David Bunnell

National Natural Landmarks (NNL) are natural areas designated for their outstanding examples of biological and geological features. Sites are owned by a variety of public and private landowners and their participation is voluntary. The NNL Program, established in 1962, is administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS encourages and supports landowner conservation efforts, helps raise awareness of these significant sites and can elevate and shine a light on some of the extraordinary efforts taken by the various public and private stewards of these significant areas.

NNL designation provides a catalyst that brings various landmark owners, managers, and partners together. Joining forces around shared goals spurs cooperative stewardship, pooling of resources, improved innovation, and a strengthened conservation commitment.With 599 sites across the country, NNLs provide broad geographic coverage and represent the great diversity of America's natural heritage. This network of landmark sites offers the perfect opportunity for connection and engagement in landscape scale conservation efforts, a few of which are highlighted here.

Connected Conservation in National Natural Landmarks

Showing results 1-10 of 13

  • National Natural Landmarks Program

    Landmark Highlights 2024

    • Type: Article
    • Offices: National Natural Landmarks Program
    Scenic view of steep sided rock formations in the tropical ocean

    We invite you to explore the 2024 Landmark Highlights for a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2024.

  • Landmark Highlights 2023

    • Type: Article
    View of water surrounded by marsh grass with trees in background

    We invite you to explore the 2023 Landmark Highlights for a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2023.

  • Columbia River Gorge

    • Type: Article
    view of river valley

    Many multi-partner collaborations in the Pacific Northwest are underway to tackle management of the highly visited Columbia River Gorge.

  • Landmark Highlights 2022

    • Type: Article
    Rocks and trees surrounded by fog

    We invite you to explore the 2022 Landmark Highlights for a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2022

  • Landmark Highlights 2021

    • Type: Article
    Yellow vegetation in foreground and mountain in background

    We invite you to explore the 2021 Landmark Highlights for a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2021.

  • Dinos Large and Small, NNLs Got 'Em All

    • Type: Article
    • Offices: Geologic Resources Division,National Natural Landmarks Program
    dinosaur skull on display outdoors

    The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program includes dozens of important fossil sites throughout the United States, a handful are recognized for significant dinosaur fossils.

  • NNL Prehistoric Life Coloring Pages

    • Type: Article
    Colored drawing of dinosaur on two legs walking in grass

    Coloring Pages! Explore prehistoric life at National Natural Landmarks through these downloadable coloring pages featuring dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, ancient bear, coral reefs, and more.

  • Amazing Cave Critters Up-close

    • Type: Article
    • Offices: Geologic Resources Division,National Natural Landmarks Program
    close-up of the head and frilled gills of a blind cave salamander

    This article shines a virtual flashlight on some truly amazing inhabitants from National Park System and NNL caves across the country. It is a celebration of the amazing critters that live below our feet and are incredibly adapted to survive unusual environments. It is also a shout out to the various organizations that so carefully steward these precious resources and their homes.

  • Landmark Highlights 2020

    • Type: Article
    Pond in foreground with fall color trees in background

    We invite you to explore the 2020 Landmark Highlights for a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2020.

  • Landmark Highlights 2019

    • Type: Article
    freshwater spring surrounded by tall grasses

    We invite you to explore the 2019 Landmark Highlights to view a sampling of activities at NNL sites across the country throughout Fiscal Year 2019.

Tags: connected conservation national natural landmarks
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Last updated: August 21, 2020

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