Organizations that own property with significant conservation value can place an easement on the land that will protect it from development. Black Swamp Conservancy will monitor the easement to make sure the terms are fulfilled -- forever.

When the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area doubled the size of Pearson Metropark in 2007, they protected the new 245-acre wetland parcel through a conservation easement with Black Swamp. Metroparks also has a 40-acre easement with the conservancy along Swan Creek in Fulton County.

The 577 Foundation along the Maumee River in Perrysburg, founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, is also protected through a perpetual easement with Black Swamp Conservancy.

Landowner Profile

On September 29, 2007, the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio, signed a land conservation agreement with Black Swamp Conservancy that protects 346 acres of their Seneca County community -- farmland, wetland and stream corridors for plant and wildlife habitat.

"Most of our women came from small rural farms," said Sister Rita Wienken, who developed the community's Earth Literacy Center and initiated its Seeds of Hope Farm. "We have such a passion for the land -- caring for it and wanting it to continue."

But the sisters wondered why they had to take action now. Sister Rita, who is 57, explained, "I'm the fifth-youngest person in the community. At some point we're going to have to sell this land."

When they do, under the terms of the easement the new owners won't be permitted to clear any of the woodland for agriculture. They won't be able to set up a concentrated animal feeding operation. And they'll have to farm the land using sustainable methods.

In his writings, St. Francis spoke about "brother sun" and "sister moon."

"My firm belief," said Sister Rita, "is that Francis would say, today, that Franciscans must have that intimate brother/sister relationship with the natural world -- or we won't be here."