World Nature Conservation Day
Every year on July 28th, the world recognizes Conservation Day, a reminder of the responsibility to protect the planet's natural resources for future generations. While conservation efforts often bring to mind forests, oceans, and wildlife, one critical and commonly overlooked industry plays a foundational role in environmental stewardship: land surveying.
From the planning stages of construction to the preservation of wetlands, surveyors are the unsung heroes behind sustainable development. On this Conservation Day, we’re spotlighting how land surveying directly supports conservation goals and why it’s essential for balancing human progress with environmental responsibility.
Surveying: The First Step Toward Sustainable Land Use
Before the first tree is cleared or the shovel hits soil, land surveyors are on-site, mapping and assessing the terrain. These early evaluations are key to identifying protected areas, flood zones, watercourses, soil conditions, and existing ecosystems that must be preserved.
Through accurate and detailed mapping, surveyors help:
Avoid environmentally sensitive zones
Inform low-impact construction design
Ensure compliance with conservation easements and local zoning laws
Assist in reforestation, erosion control, and wetland delineation
Accurate data leads to good decisions, and surveyors are the ones providing that data.
Smart Development Starts with Responsible Planning
With population growth and urban expansion, smart land management has never been more crucial. Surveying helps achieve sustainable development by enabling:
Efficient land use
Surveyors map out the most logical and least disruptive layout for infrastructure, minimizing habitat disruption and maximizing the utility of developed land.Protection of natural habitats
Survey data can show buffer zones around wetlands, endangered species habitats, or tree canopies, helping developers adapt plans to leave these areas untouched.Monitoring environmental impact
GPS and GIS technology allow surveyors to track changes to landscapes, helping conservationists monitor erosion, deforestation, or climate impacts.
Technology That Supports Sustainability
Modern surveying tools make it easier than ever to support green initiatives:
Drone surveys reduce the need for heavy vehicle access in delicate areas.
LiDAR technology can create detailed topographic maps without disturbing the environment.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) helps manage land use planning with layers of environmental data.
These innovations reduce the carbon footprint of fieldwork while increasing accuracy, resulting in two positive impacts on the environment.
Jepson History
In the 1950s Ron Jepson assisted in the Gordon Carter Conservation Site south of Lake Whatcom. He was chairman of the school board during the time of dedication. This beloved center allowed for the school children of Whatcom County to study nature with many outdoor learning opportunities.
Surveying & Conservation
Whether it’s determining where a building should be placed or assisting with the restoration of damaged landscapes, surveyors play a crucial yet often overlooked role in environmental protection. Their work lays the foundation for green infrastructure, climate resilience, and community safety.
On World Conservation Day, we honor not only the trees, rivers, and wildlife we aim to protect but also the professionals working behind the scenes to ensure it is done right. With land surveying at the core of thoughtful development, we can build a future where progress and preservation go hand in hand.
- Jepson Team