--- title: Organization News | Unique Places to Save description: Organization News | Learn about our latest restoration & conservation efforts and discover how healthy land & aquatic resources benefit our communities across the US 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) - [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. # Organization News News from Unique Places to Save, from new projects and milestones to the people doing the work. ![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) [![A still pond ringed by pine woods, with streaks of sunlight flaring across the photograph.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/photo%20of%20batiste%20creek%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg?width=900&name=photo%20of%20batiste%20creek%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/batiste-creek-conservation-easement-announcement) [Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, March 2026 ### [Announcing the Batiste Creek Conservation Easement](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/batiste-creek-conservation-easement-announcement) In Liberty County, Texas, a remarkable new conservation project is helping safeguard one of the region’s most valuable natural landscapes. The Batiste Creek Conservation Easement permanently protects 1,218 acres of forested bottomland, wetl... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/batiste-creek-conservation-easement-announcement) [![A stream flowing over mossy rocks in a wooded gorge, the water blurred by a long exposure.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image.png?width=900&name=image.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/2024-annual-report) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Christine Pickens, March 2025 ### [A Season of Change: Our 2024 Annual Report](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/2024-annual-report) We are proud to present our 2024 Annual Report which highlights our work to restore and conserve land and water across the country. This year, we expanded our work to new states with exciting projects that protect vulnerable species, preser... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/2024-annual-report) [![A sandy bank on the inside bend of a river, with trees turning autumn colour.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Hickory_Jack_7.16.jpg?width=900&name=Hickory_Jack_7.16.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-conservation-easement-missouri) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, February 2025 ### [Unique Places to Save Completes First Conservation Easement in Missouri](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-conservation-easement-missouri) Unique Places to Save has reached a significant milestone in its conservation efforts with the successful completion of its first conservation easement in the state of Missouri. Known as the Hickory Jack Conservation Easement, this project ... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-conservation-easement-missouri) [![A large green cornfield under a clear blue sky, bounded by a distant treeline.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/jigsaw%20mitigation%20conservation%20easement%20north%20carolina.jpg?width=900&name=jigsaw%20mitigation%20conservation%20easement%20north%20carolina.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-days-conservation-specialist) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Mandi Taylor, September 2024 ### [First Days at Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-days-conservation-specialist) My first day in the field as a Conservation Specialist took me to Jigsaw, a 21.54-acre conservation easement property immediately adjacent to a working farm. This property is a mix of mature forested stream buffer and restored in-stream hab... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/first-days-conservation-specialist) [![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 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 young longleaf pine in its grass stage standing in an open pine savanna of wiregrass.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/1.jpeg?width=900&name=1.jpeg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/boiling-spring-press-release) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Nathan Phillips, February 2024 ### [Boiling Spring Wilderness Receives the Third Largest Grant in NC](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/boiling-spring-press-release) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3rd Largest Grant in 2023 Awarded By State to Fund Conservation of 978 Acres of Boiling Spring Wilderness The North Carolina Land and Water Fund Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, September 20th to award Unique Plac... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/boiling-spring-press-release) [![A great egret flying low over a salt marsh, with tidal pools and wind shaped trees behind.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/chub_backup/state%20of%20wetlands%20in%20the%20us.jpg?width=900&name=state%20of%20wetlands%20in%20the%20us.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/sam-warnock-aquatic-resources-manager) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Nathan Phillips, January 2024 ### [Sam Warnock | Aquatic Resources Manager](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/sam-warnock-aquatic-resources-manager) During his time at Unique Places to Save, Sam contributed his seven years of expertise in environmental consulting and project management and was dedicated to managing and protecting our aquatic resources. His tireless work across a wide ra... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/sam-warnock-aquatic-resources-manager) [![Sunrise over a rocky river, with mist rising off the water and trees in silhouette.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/chub_backup/high%20falls%20dam%20removal%20deep%20river%20nc.png?width=900&name=high%20falls%20dam%20removal%20deep%20river%20nc.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/christine-pickens-executive-director) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Nathan Phillips, January 2024 ### [Christine Pickens | Executive Director](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/christine-pickens-executive-director) Dr. Christine Pickens is a wetland ecologist with over 15 years of experience in ecological research, restoration project management, and partnership building on projects in North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia, and California. [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/christine-pickens-executive-director) [![Rows of lettuce in a large field below hills at sunset.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/securing%20food%20supply%20by%20preserving%20local%20farmland.jpg?width=900&name=securing%20food%20supply%20by%20preserving%20local%20farmland.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/michael-scisco-conservation-expert) [Organization News](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Michael Scisco, January 2024 ### [Michael Scisco | Conservation Expert](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/michael-scisco-conservation-expert) Michael is a trusted expert contractor that manages our land conservation program. He has spent over 15 years in the non-profit land conservation industry with another 10 years working as a consultant to private landowners for conservation ... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/michael-scisco-conservation-expert) [![](https://widgets.guidestar.org/prod/v1/pdp/transparency-seal/9341350/svg)](https://app.candid.org/profile/9341350/unique-places-to-save-46-2076094/?pkId=e9b6f29d-825a-42e5-88cd-e7520d3fe801) [Brand Guidelines](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/brand)   |  [Contact](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/contact)   |   [Donate](https://giving.uniqueplacestosave.org/page/donate) [Privacy Policy](https://app.termly.io/policy-viewer/policy.html?policyUUID=9caa4f9b-7b49-4288-a4b5-5c45abbe3ab8)  | [Terms & Conditions](https://app.termly.io/policy-viewer/policy.html?policyUUID=3d5e9999-168e-4629-86bc-82c671729312) | Cookie Consent © Unique Places to Save [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqueplaces2save/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/uniqueplacestosave) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/#org", "@type" : "NGO", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Sanford", "addressRegion" : "NC", "postalCode" : "27330", "streetAddress" : "500 Westover Drive #33037" }, "alternateName" : "UP2S", "areaServed" : "United States", "description" : "Unique Places to Save restores and conserves natural and working lands and aquatic resources through conservation protections and sustainable natural resource restoration and management.", "email" : "info@uniqueplacestosave.org", "foundingDate" : "2014", "logo" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/unique%20places%20to%20save%20non%20profit%20land%20trust.png", "name" : "Unique Places to Save", "nonprofitStatus" : "Nonprofit501c3", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqueplaces2save/", "https://www.facebook.com/uniqueplacestosave", "https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts/explore/unique-places-to-save-nc", "https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/462076094", "https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/462076094", "https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-2076094", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140773865" ], "taxID" : "46-2076094", "telephone" : "919-428-2040", "url" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news#article", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : null, "url" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/author/" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-16", "datePublished" : "2024-01-23", "headline" : "Conservation News & Updates | Unique Places to Save listing page", "image" : "https://43952016.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43952016/river%20flow%20healthy%20rivers%20dam%20removal.jpg", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/#org" }, "url" : "https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news" } ```