A land trust is a legal agreement where a property owner transfers the title of their land to a trust, which is managed by a third party. This arrangement helps protect the land from development and ensures it is used for specific purposes, such as conservation or agriculture. The original owner can still use the land or receive benefits from it, depending on the terms of the trust. Land trusts are often used to preserve natural habitats, open spaces, and farmland. They can be established by individuals, organizations, or government entities. Many local and national organizations, like the Nature Conservancy, work to create and manage land trusts to promote environmental sustainability.