--- title: Unique Places to Save (2) | Unique Places to Save description: Unique Places to Save | Learn about our latest restoration & conservation efforts and discover how healthy land & aquatic resources benefit our communities across the US (2) 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. # Unique Places to Save (2) 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) [![An aerial view of a river curving around a small wooded island, framed by green woodland.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/photo%20of%20free%20flowing%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg?width=900&name=photo%20of%20free%20flowing%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-two) [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, April 2025 ### [How Dam Removals Sustain & Enhance Natural Capital - Part Two](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-two) In the first part of our series, we explored the historical significance of dams and the myriad benefits they have provided over the centuries, from hydroelectric power to flood control. We also highlighted the serious environmental drawbac... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-two) [![An aerial view of a river running between wooded banks over rocky shoals.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/photo%20of%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg?width=900&name=photo%20of%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-one) [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, April 2025 ### [How Dam Removals Sustain & Enhance Natural Capital - Part One](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-one) While dams provide significant benefits, such as reliable water sources and energy with relatively low maintenance costs, these advantages often come at a cost to the environment. Dams can disrupt ecosystems, alter river flows, and generall... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-one) [![A stream winding through a meadow at sunset, with bare trees along the horizon.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/conservation-stewardship-1.jpg?width=900&name=conservation-stewardship-1.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/importance-of-conservation-stewardship) [Conservation Easements](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Mandi Taylor, April 2025 ### [The Importance of Stewardship in Conservation](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/importance-of-conservation-stewardship) When you hear about land and resource conservation, the focus is often on the big moments: a large parcel of land being protected in perpetuity, a forest is spared from development, or a critical habitat is preserved for wildlife. But what ... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/importance-of-conservation-stewardship) [![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 group of people walking in single file along a grassy bank beside water.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/health%20benefits%20outdoor%20recreation.jpg?width=900&name=health%20benefits%20outdoor%20recreation.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/nurtured-by-nature-outdoor-recreation-benefits) [Conservation Easements](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Mandi Taylor, November 2024 ### [Nurtured by Nature: Why Outdoor Recreation Matters](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/nurtured-by-nature-outdoor-recreation-benefits) While the benefits of being outdoors–such as soaking up vitamin D, boosting your mood, and getting more exercise–has always been emphasized, the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for recreational activities and social interacti... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/nurtured-by-nature-outdoor-recreation-benefits) [![A view over rolling green hills and hedged fields toward distant uplands under a cloudy sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/value%20natural%20capital%20economy.jpg?width=900&name=value%20natural%20capital%20economy.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natural-capital-economic-value) [Conservation & Development](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, October 2024 ### [Natural Capital and Its Value to the Economy](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natural-capital-economic-value) When you think of capital, you probably think of money or investments. But at its core, capital is anything that: Stores or confers value Generates benefits Grows in value over time We’re all familiar with financial capital—the money and re... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natural-capital-economic-value) [![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 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 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) [![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... [Read more ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/arrow-right%20copy.png)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/understanding-ecosystem-services) [![Rows of lettuce in a large field below hills at sunset.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/securing%20food%20supply%20preserving%20local%20farmland.jpg?width=900&name=securing%20food%20supply%20preserving%20local%20farmland.jpg)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/securing-food-supply-preserving-local-farmland) [Working Lands](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/working-lands) ‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ Sam Warnock, April 2024 ### [Securing the Food Supply by Preserving Local Farmland](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/securing-food-supply-preserving-local-farmland) Many global challenges include climate change, population growth, and economic instability. However, the preservation of local farmland emerges as a linchpin in the quest for sustainability and resilience. 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