Realizing that the unique character of Saratoga County would vanish without passionate advocates to support it, the Open Space Project was born. In 1987 a small group of citizens in Saratoga Springs joined together to establish an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the "city in the country." With a clear mission to sustain a vibrant downtown within a spectacular rural landscape the Open Space Project became an effective voice for "smart growth," protecting and providing public access to natural resources, and a dynamic advocate for preserving the quality of life in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga P.L.A.N. was formed in July 2003 through a merger of the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project and the Land Trust of the Saratoga Region. By the time of the merger, the Land Trust had protected over 2,400 acres in Saratoga County.

Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) builds upon the planning and advocacy legacy of the Open Space Project, and the solid conservation achievements of the Land Trust. The organization offers comprehensive land conservation services to governments, organizations, and individuals, while simultaneously striving to achieve regional coordination and cooperation in land use, open space and recreational trail planning. Saratoga PLAN retains the structure of a traditional land trust, providing direct land protection and stewardship services through acquisition of land and conservation easements.