The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $3.6 million in new conservation grants.
The foundation awarded the funding through Acres for America, a partnership with Walmart.
The grants will permanently protect more than 145,000 acres of wildlife habitat.
The projects span five states and target ecologically important landscapes.
The grants will leverage $56 million in public and private matching funds.
That support brings the total conservation investment to $59.6 million.
The initiative strengthens long-term habitat protection and public land access.
For more than two decades, Acres for America has driven large-scale conservation efforts.
The program highlights the impact of public and private collaboration.
The newly announced projects protect nationally significant habitats.
They also expand outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities.
NFWF president Jeff Trandahl said the program anchors landscape conservation nationwide.
He said the projects support wildlife while creating access for hunting and hiking.
He added that Walmart’s investment protects iconic landscapes and boosts local economies.
Walmart Realty executive Hunter Hart praised the program’s long-term vision.
He said conservation of high-value landscapes benefits both wildlife and communities.
He highlighted the diversity of supported ecosystems across the country.
He said the program secures environmental and recreational value for future generations.
State projects protect habitats and expand public access
In Florida, Alachua Conservation Trust will protect a 4,636-acre corridor property.
The land connects more than 87,000 acres of previously conserved public land.
The project supports black bears, gopher tortoises, and eastern indigo snakes.
It also expands public recreation and longleaf pine restoration.
In Maine, four conservation groups will preserve 78,000 acres of forestland.
The area includes a nationally important brook trout watershed.
The land supports wildlife habitats, bird migration routes, and timber resources.
The project also increases recreational access for the public.
In Michigan, The Nature Conservancy will partner with state officials.
The effort will conserve an 8,850-acre forest in the Lower Peninsula.
The land represents one of the last large privately owned forest tracts.
Managers will support sustainable timber, wildlife habitat, fishing, and recreation.
In North Carolina, Foothills Conservancy will conserve 12,000 acres of mountain forest.
The land sits where the Blue Ridge and South Mountains meet.
The project guarantees public ownership, access, habitat protection, and water quality.
Long-running partnership delivers nationwide impact
Walmart launched Acres for America in 2005 with a 10-year commitment.
The company pledged $34.5 million to offset land developed for stores.
Walmart exceeded that goal and renewed the program in 2015.
The company renewed the partnership again in 2025.
The program will help protect more than two million acres nationwide.
The protected lands span all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Over 21 years, NFWF has funded 131 Acres for America projects.
Walmart has invested $73 million through the program.
Matching contributions have generated more than $1 billion in conservation impact.
