Citizens for Conservation has helped shape the open, green character of the Barrington area for decades. Through strong leadership, collaboration with partners, and deep community support, CFC has protected more than 3,500 acres of land for current and future generations.

We conserve land in several ways—including direct acquisition, land donations, and conservation easements—ensuring that important natural areas remain protected forever.

Preserving and Restoring the Land

Protection is only the first step. At many CFC preserves, dedicated volunteers actively restore land to healthier, more resilient ecosystems—often working to return landscapes to conditions similar to those that existed before settlement. Restoration improves air and water quality, supports native plants and wildlife, stores carbon, and creates meaningful opportunities for people to connect with nature.

Some preserves are left largely untouched and protected as open space, particularly where access or restoration is not appropriate. In every case, the goal is the same: to safeguard land so nature—and the community—can benefit.

A Connected Vision for the Future

CFC continues to expand its conservation impact through the Barrington Greenway Initiative (BGI)—a forward-looking effort to connect preserved lands across the region. By linking habitats and open spaces, the Greenway strengthens ecosystems, supports wildlife movement, and enhances the natural landscape that defines Barrington.

Restoration in Action

The photo below shows the power of restoration. On the left, trees are crowded and weakened by invasive buckthorn. On the right, after CFC volunteers removed invasive species, native trees now have the light, nutrients, and space they need to thrive.

The image below shows the trees on the left side of the street choked with invasive buckthorn. After CFC volunteers cleared the invasive buckthorn on the right side of the street, the trees now have the nutrients and space to thrive.