--- title: Updates & News (9) description: Learn about our latest restoration & conservation efforts and discover how healthy land & aquatic resources benefit our communities across the US (9) image: https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/river%20flow%20healthy%20rivers%20dam%20removal.jpg --- [![Unique Places to Save logo](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo%20horizontal-1.png?width=1254&height=380&name=logo%20horizontal-1.png "Unique Places to Save logo")](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/) - [PROJECTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/projects) - SERVICES - [FOR MITIGATION BANKERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/conservation-mitigation) - [FOR LAND MANAGERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/land-planners-managers) - [FOR LANDOWNERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/conservation-for-landowners) - [FOR RESTORATION PARTNERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/dam-removals) - ABOUT - [OUR GOALS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/our-goals) - [OUR VALUES](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/our-values) - [OUR TEAM](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/team) - [CAREERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/careers) - [CONTACT US](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/contact) - UPDATES - [CONSERVATION EASEMENTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) - [MITIGATION BANKING](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) - [WORKING LANDS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/working-lands) - [RIVERS, WETLANDS & DAMS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) - [CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) - [CONSERVATION STORIES](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-stories) - [ORGANIZATION NEWS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) - [ALL POSTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news) [Donate](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/wetland-keepers) [Donate](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/wetland-keepers) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Updates & News Learn about our latest restoration & conservation efforts and discover how healthy land & aquatic resources benefit our communities across the US ![service 1 d](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/Image%20Dividers/service%201%20d.png) ![service 1 m](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/Image%20Dividers/service%201%20m.png)   [All posts](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news) [Conservation Easements](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) [Working Lands](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/working-lands) [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) [Conservation & Development](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) [Conservation Stories](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-stories) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) [![The edge of a lake with tall grass and yellow flowers catching early light.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/wetland%20mitigation%20banking.jpg?width=900&name=wetland%20mitigation%20banking.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/what-is-mitigation-banking) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, September 2024 ### [What is Mitigation Banking?](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/what-is-mitigation-banking) A mitigation bank is a site where wetlands, streams, or other natural habitats are restored, enhanced, or preserved to compensate for or offset negative impacts to similar ecosystems elsewhere within a defined geography. These negative impa... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/what-is-mitigation-banking) [![Sunrise over a harvested golden field, with hills in the distance.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/introduction%20to%20conservation%20easements-1.jpg?width=900&name=introduction%20to%20conservation%20easements-1.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/conservation-easement-introduction) [Conservation Easements](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, September 2024 ### [An Introduction to Conservation Easements](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/conservation-easement-introduction) A conservation easement can be a desirable tool in very specific instances where landowner, land management and fiscal goals meet. They are a unique solution for many landowners who wish to conserve and protect their investment in their lan... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/conservation-easement-introduction) [![A shallow river with a green weedy bar, running between wooded banks under a blue sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pushmataha%20endangered%20species%20conservation%20bank.jpg?width=900&name=pushmataha%20endangered%20species%20conservation%20bank.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/mandi-taylor-conservation-specialist) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Mandi Taylor, September 2024 ### [Mandi Taylor | Stewardship Manager](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/mandi-taylor-conservation-specialist) Hi everyone! My name is Mandi and I am thrilled to serve as the Stewardship Manager at Unique Places to Save. After two years with the organization as the Conservation Specialist, I am excited to deepen our mission by focusing on the heart ... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/mandi-taylor-conservation-specialist) [![A white water lily in bloom on a lily pad.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/natalie%20d%20flower.jpg?width=900&name=natalie%20d%20flower.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natalie-davis-conservation) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Natalie Davis, August 2024 ### [Building Confidence in Conservation: Natalie Davis's Journey with Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natalie-davis-conservation) When I graduated from University of North Carolina in December of 2020, I did what most fresh college graduates do and I started looking for a job in the environmental science field rather aimlessly. When I saw the job listing from Unique P... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natalie-davis-conservation) [![A wide, slow river bending between green wooded banks.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/gpdr.jpg?width=900&name=gpdr.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/great-pee-dee-river-conservation-bank) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, August 2024 ### [Great Pee Dee Mitigation Bank](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/great-pee-dee-river-conservation-bank) Total Acres 1,094 Project Year 2023 Located in Mason & Dillon Counties, SC The goal of the Great Pee Dee mitigation banking project is to preserve, enhance and restore streams and wetlands associated with the Great Pee Dee River, Mill Creek... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/great-pee-dee-river-conservation-bank) [![An aerial view looking straight down on a wetland of winding channels and yellow green vegetation.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/why%20do%20wetlands%20smell%20bad.jpg?width=900&name=why%20do%20wetlands%20smell%20bad.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/why-do-wetlands-smell-bad) [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Christine Pickens, August 2024 ### [Why Do Wetlands Smell Bad?](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/why-do-wetlands-smell-bad) The wetland superpower behind the stink and why you’ll be saying, “Oh no, my feet smell cheesy!” Experiencing nature can become enlightening when we use our five senses. In the case of wetlands, using your sense of smell can also help you u... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/why-do-wetlands-smell-bad) [![A shallow river with a green weedy bar, running between wooded banks under a blue sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pushmataha%20endangered%20species%20conservation%20bank.jpg?width=900&name=pushmataha%20endangered%20species%20conservation%20bank.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/pushmataha-bat-conservation-bank) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, August 2024 ### [Pushmataha Bat Conservation Bank | Endangered Species](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/pushmataha-bat-conservation-bank) Total Acres 90 Project Year 2022 Located in Pushmataha County OK The purpose of this species mitigation bank is to help offset potential negative impacts on habitat for Indiana Bats (Endangered) and Northern Long-Eared Bats (Threatened) fro... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/pushmataha-bat-conservation-bank) [![A spiral of stones laid on bright green grass in a rocky glen at sunset.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/valuing%20ecosystem%20services-1.jpg?width=900&name=valuing%20ecosystem%20services-1.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/valuating-ecosystem-services) [Conservation & Development](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, August 2024 ### [How to Value Ecosystem Services](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/valuating-ecosystem-services) Economics is all about determining how to best use our limited resources, and assigning a value to these can help us understand how scarce these resources are. When we value ecosystem services and biodiversity, we show what we're willing to... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/valuating-ecosystem-services) [![A creek running between grassy banks, with summer woodland and dead vines along the far side.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hatch%20hill%20nc%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg?width=900&name=hatch%20hill%20nc%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/hatchs-hill-conservation-mitigation) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, August 2024 ### [Hatch's Hill | Conservation Mitigation Easement](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/hatchs-hill-conservation-mitigation) Total Acres 65.9 Project Year 2024 Located in Wayne County NC The Hatch’s Hill Conservation Easement is located on active farms used for cropland and pasture for goats, donkeys, and alpaca. The 56.2‐acre conservation easement includes multi... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/hatchs-hill-conservation-mitigation) [![A tidal pond fringed with marsh grass and old tree stumps, backed by pine woods under a blue sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/chub_backup/point%20farm%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg?width=900&name=point%20farm%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/new-leadership-same-mission) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Nathan Phillips, July 2024 ### [New Leadership, Same Mission!](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/new-leadership-same-mission) Two years ago, Clark Harris stepped up from our Board of Directors to lead Unique Places to Save through a planned two-year transition period. His work focused on leadership development and visioning for the organization and we are a much s... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/new-leadership-same-mission) [![A leaf covered field in late autumn with cedars and bare trees under a grey sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/smiley%20farm%20conservation%20easement.jpg?width=900&name=smiley%20farm%20conservation%20easement.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/smiley-conservation-mitigation) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, July 2024 ### [Smiley | Conservation Mitigation Easement](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/smiley-conservation-mitigation) Total Acres 15.6 Project Year 2024 Located in Knox County TN The Smiley Conservation Easement is a remarkable project and a great example of pairing ecological conservation with agricultural working lands. This easement protects 4,458 feet ... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/smiley-conservation-mitigation) [![Jacaranda branches in purple bloom against a bright blue sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ecosystem%20services.jpg?width=900&name=ecosystem%20services.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/understanding-ecosystem-services) [Conservation & Development](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, June 2024 ### [What are Ecosystem Services](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/understanding-ecosystem-services) Ecosystem services (ES) is a buzzword that often appears when discussing ways to protect the environment. Although the term has been around since the 1980s, there’s a lot of confusion behind what it conveys. We’ll discuss ES’s meaning and h... 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