Only in America can we find a way to develop a business model around conservation. Don’t get me wrong, the work and the goals of land trusts are noble. And land trusts are vital to preserving America’s natural areas. Dr. Andy Zepp explained in his Rose Cafe how in Europe the government regulates natural lands. While this governmental model is perhaps more efficient, American culture would never allow it. The fact that America invested in National Parks as early as it did is amazing. Land trusts use money that the acquire through donations to essentially “hold onto” land until better things can be done with it. An example is when the land trust buys development rights to farmland to protect it from urbanization. Their main weapon is time, they wait until conditions are right to act or they wear down land owners until they are willing to sell. Although European countries may have a system which streamlines conservation, the American system has a more communal feel to it. Dr. Zepp told us about how he develops relationships with the land owners and convinces them that selling their land is in the best interest of not only themselves, but also in the best interest of the community. Land trusts are an interesting American invention, and I was glad to learn about it.