The Hessian Nature Conservation Foundation was established on September 8, 1978 by resolution of the Hessian state government and promotes the protection of nature and the landscape both materially and ideally. It supports measures for the protection, care and development of nature and landscape, including projects to raise public awareness of nature conservation issues and to spread the idea of nature conservation. It can also acquire, sell or lease land for the purpose of nature conservation.

The bodies of the Hessian Nature Conservation Foundation are the Foundation Council with 21 members (including the representatives of the nature conservation associations authorized in Hesse under the Federal Nature Conservation Act and members from the parties represented in the Hessian state parliament ) and the Foundation Board with four members. The ministry responsible for nature conservation provides a "management". The chairman of the board is appointed by the state government.

Since the foundation was established, over 1,000 nature conservation projects have been supported by private and public sponsors.