47. Colleges and Universities
Contact: college or university of your choice.
Both public and private colleges and universities often accept land donations. Depending on the institution’s needs and the agreement, such lands may be retained for research and education purposes or they may be sold to support other programs of the institution. Land donations to public institutions and to private nonprofit institutions are charitable contributions on your income tax returns.

48. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Gift Program
Contact: Realty Supervisor, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155; phone (651) 296-4097.
Landowners may donate full or partial interest (e.g., an easement) in property to the DNR for conservation purposes. Donated lands may be incorporated into a wildlife management area, state park, state forest, scientific and natural area, or other management unit. The DNR also accepts land without natural resource value, such as improved real estate, with the understanding that the DNR will exchange it for land suitable for natural resource purposes. Donations of land, easements, cash, or pledges to the DNR’s Critical Habitat Matching Program are matched dollar for dollar by state funds to acquire and develop critical fish, wildlife, and native plant habitat. Examples of critical habitat include important wetlands, sharp-tailed grouse habitat, deer and pheasant wintering areas, undisturbed plant communities, habitat for rare plant and animal species, native prairie and grasslands, spawning and reproduction areas for fish, and water sources for trout streams.

49. Minnesota Land Trust
Contact: Minnesota Land Trust, 2356 University Avenue West, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55114; phone (651) 647-9590.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving open space including farmland, wetlands, woodlands, bluff lands, wildlife habitat, and scenic areas statewide. It accepts land gifts.

50. Minnesota Waterfowl Association (MWA)
Contact: Minnesota Waterfowl Association, 5701 Normandale Road, Minneapolis, MN 55424; phone (612) 922-2832.
This nonprofit organization’s mission is to protect statewide waterfowl resources, including critical habitats. MWA purchases or accepts donations of critical wildlife habitats, especially wetlands and surrounding uplands. Acquired areas are preserved, restored, and enhanced to benefit waterfowl and all wetland-dependent wildlife.

51. National Audubon Society
Contact: National Audubon Society, 26 E. Exchange Street, Suite 207, St. Paul, MN 55101; phone (651) 225-1830.
This nonprofit organization focuses on protecting biological diversity while ensuring the environmentally responsible use of natural resources. As part of this mission, it purchases and accepts donations of critical wildlife habitats throughout the country. Acquired areas are managed as part of a nationwide network of education centers and nature preserves.

52. The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Contact: The Nature Conservancy, Minnesota Chapter, 1313 Fifth Street Southeast, Suite 320, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1588; phone (612) 331-0750.
This international, private, nonprofit organization’s mission is to preserve diverse plants, animals, and natural communities by protecting the lands and water they need to survive. TNC protects land through acquisitions, gifts of land, management agreements, conservation easements, cooperation with state and local units of government, and enrollment of private landowners in a voluntary registry program. It is funded by memberships, grants, and contributions from individuals and corporations. Gifts can be made during your lifetime or through a bequest or pension plan. A life income gift would pay you interest during your lifetime. TNC seeks not only land with critical habitat for rare and endangered species or ecosystems, but also trade lands that could be sold and the proceeds used to purchase or manage critical habitat.