In Profile: Building Community by Preserving a Natural Legacy

Over the past 50 years, Centex has established a nationally respected position in the home building industry. Consistently named as one of “America’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine in annual rankings, Centex strives to build more than homes—it seeks to build strong communities. This drive led Centex to join with The Conservation Fund in 2005 to create the Centex Land Legacy Fund.

With operations in 25 states, the company established this dedicated revolving fund to make an impact across the nation. The Centex Land Legacy Fund supports the protection of America’s most important wildlife habitat, working landscapes, historic places, open space and recreation areas. As a revolving fund, every dollar is invested directly in conservation, providing ready capital for land and easement acquisitions. Once financing is secured, the revolving dollars are released back to the fund to be used for the next critical conservation project. On average each dollar will “revolve” three times every five years.

Since 2005, the Centex Land Legacy Fund has protected more than 24,000 acres in 10 states with an investment of more than $2 million. In 2006, Centex helped The Conservation Fund acquire 16,000 acres of redwood and Douglas fir forests surrounding Big River and Salmon Creek in Mendocino County, CA. These working forests are now safe from fragmentation, development and conversion to non-forest uses. On the eastern coast of Florida, the Centex Land Legacy Fund also contributed to the protection of prime manatee habitat near Cocoa Beach and a water passage enjoyed by boaters, birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts.

For Centex, commitment to community goes beyond building award-winning houses. Thanks to the company’s generosity and leadership, natural, historic and recreational areas will continue to provide a home for wildlife and a treasured outdoor legacy for the benefit of individuals, families and communities across America.