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About Us

Who We Are > Our Network

NatureServe represents a network of member programs comprising 82 independent centers that collect and analyze data about the plants, animals, and ecological communities of the Western Hemisphere. Known as natural heritage programs or conservation data centers, these programs operate in all 50 U.S. states, in 11 provinces and territories of Canada, and in many countries and territories of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers

The role of these programs is to collect, analyze, and distribute detailed scientific information about the biological diversity found within their jurisdictions. Natural heritage programs are the leading source of information on the precise locations and conditions of rare and threatened species and ecological communities. Consistent standards for collecting and managing data allow information from different programs to be shared and combined regionally, nationally, and internationally. The nearly 1,000 staff from across the network are experts in their fields, and include some of the most knowledgeable field biologists and conservation planners in their regions.

Biodiversity Information Databases

Information on species and ecological communities is first compiled from existing sources, such as scientific literature, field guides, and museum collections. Natural heritage biologists conduct extensive field inventories to locate and verify species populations and to assess their current conservation condition. Each program maintains and continuously updates a sophisticated computer database that tracks the relative rarity of each species or community and the precise location and status of each known population. Representing three decades of continuous ecological inventory and database development, these are the most complete and up-to-date conservation databases available.

How the Information Is Used

The information compiled by natural heritage programs is a powerful conservation tool for planners, landowners, natural area managers, and others. Conservation groups use natural heritage data to identify the most important natural areas and to set conservation priorities. Local governments use the information to aid in land use planning. Developers and businesses rely on natural heritage data to comply with environmental laws and to improve the environmental sensitivity of development projects. Public agencies use it to manage public lands better and help guide natural resource decisions.

Regional Sections

NatureServe’s member programs are organized in three regional sections, through which the programs work together to share common experiences and expertise. For a complete list of these programs and links to their websites, see Visit Local Programs.

Canada

NatureServe has eight member programs in Canada, operating in all ten provinces and the Yukon Territory. Known as conservation data centres, most are part of provincial wildlife agencies, while one (Atlantic Canada) is a non-governmental organization. NatureServe Canada, NatureServe’s affiliate in that country, facilitates these programs? cooperation as a network and coordinates the development of national-scale projects.

United States

NatureServe has 54 member programs in the United States, operating in all 50 states as well as through regional entities such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Navajo Nation. Generally referred to as natural heritage programs, most U.S. programs are operated as agencies of state government, while some reside within universities or non-profit organizations.

Latin America & the Caribbean

NatureServe has 20 member programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, operated by a diverse set of institutions, including government agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations. These conservation data centers operate at national levels (e.g., Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala), state levels (e.g., Sonora, Mexico), and regional levels (e.g., Cauca Valley, Colombia; Northeastern Mexico).