Adirondack Waterfalls A waterfall in the Adirondacks of New York. © Charles Gleberman Photography
Water sustains all life, making Earth a living planet. Fresh water connects land to sea, community to community, and species to species. Fresh water shapes landscapes, weather patterns, cultures and the course of life itself.
Fresh water flows through everything we do at TNC. We aim to conserve 1 million kilometers of rivers and 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands by 2030.
We're celebrating World Rivers Day!
With support from Kia America, we're protecting freshwater and honoring our rivers.
Restoring lake sturgeon to Cumberland River
Once nearly extinct in Tennessee, the ancient Lake Sturgeon is making a comeback thanks to decades of effort. TNC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are exploring how dam operations can support spawning by adjusting seasonal water flows—balancing hydropower, flood control, and recreation with conservation and protection of endangered species.
Bringing paddlefish back to Big Cypress Bayou
In northeast Texas, TNC and partners are restoring 2,000 acres of wetlands and bringing back the ancient American paddlefish to Big Cypress Bayou. By mimicking natural flows from Lake O’ the Pines, the project revives vital habitats. Thousands of paddlefish have been reintroduced, and ongoing monitoring helps ensure they can thrive.
Healthy river flow in the Atchafalaya River Basin
In Louisiana’s Atchafalaya River Basin, TNC and local partners are improving water flows to boost forest health, water quality, and wildlife habitat—including the vital crawfish fishery. By managing nitrogen levels, the effort also helps reduce Gulf dead zones. It’s a science-based approach to keeping one of America’s richest ecosystems thriving.
Restoring freshwater mussels to Wabash River
In Indiana’s Wabash River, TNC is restoring freshwater mussels—natural water filters vital to river health. Once abundant, mussels declined due to pollution and habitat loss. Now, scientists are raising and reintroducing them, tracking progress with tiny tags. The project also engages communities and supports broader ecosystem restoration.
The Urgency to Protect Fresh Water
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1/3
The world has lost nearly one-third of its freshwater ecosystems since 1970.
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83%
Monitored freshwater populations have declined by an average of 83% since 1970.
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1M
TNC's goal is to conserve 1 million kilometers of the world's rivers by 2030.
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30M
TNC also aims to conserve 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands by 2030.
#AcceleratetheGood for Fresh Water
As part of its campaign, Kia America is committing $3M to TNC to support our freshwater conservation efforts nationwide. The campaign will also raise awareness of and educate audiences on why freshwater ecosystems are important for all life on Earth.
Learn More
Five Ways to Appreciate Water
On average, Americans use about 80-100 gallons of water per day—and that’s just what comes from showers, baths, laundry, dishes, and other conventional household activities. With so little effort needed to turn on our faucets and enjoy clean, filtered water, it’s easy to take fresh water for granted.
Conserving Fresh Water for Life on Earth
Freshwater systems are in trouble. But with a fresh approach, we can change the course for the better.
Sustainable Rivers Program
The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are finding new ways to strike a sustainable balance in how people use and protect the many benefits that rivers provide.
We Must Save Fresh Water to Save Ourselves
The Nature Conservancy joins others in pressing for urgent stewardship of our world's precious fresh water.