Fresh air, clean water, beautiful views and treasured wildlife—these are things we need to lead healthy and happy lives. They make up our natural heritage that is uniquely Texas. Luckily, there are tools available to protect these values, and in a state with over 95% of land privately-owned, conservation easements are one of the best tools available. Conservation easements are voluntary agreements that private landowners make with a land trust or other qualifying 501(c)(3) land conservation organization. The easement itself is a real estate transaction that forever runs with the deed of the property and protects it from intensive development,