3 Ways Prebiotic Foods Can Help Your Active Lifestyle

You’ve undoubtedly heard of probiotics and it's likely that you are taking probiotic supplements or yogurt drinks that boost the amount of good bacteria in the gut. But what are prebiotics? Currently, the definition of a prebiotic is that of compounds in food that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Essentially, prebiotics feed the useful bacteria (probiotics) that are found in our gut and are essential for good, internal physical health. A type of fiber, prebiotics are commonly found in the gut and digestive system such as the GI tract and colon whereby they serve to be used by friendly bacteria found in those places.

The main benefits of prebiotics are that they:

• Feed the Body’s Probiotic Organisms

• Promote a Healthy Diet

• Boost Energy and the Immune System

As a food source for probiotics, prebiotics are able to help useful bacteria flourish and continue to provide their support for your body while prebiotics passively encourage a healthier diet because of the foods they are commonly found in and regular intake of these foods help boost energy levels and the immune systems as result of the medicinal nutrients contained therein.

Feed the Body’s Probiotic Organisms

Composed mainly of fiber, prebiotics serve as a food source for probiotic bacteria found in the gut. The intake of prebiotic foods aids an active lifestyle by assisting any existing probiotics to consume their food source and get on with their job of maintaining a healthy digestive system that works properly and requires less energy.

Because of the acidic environment of the digestive system that is used to break down the food that we eat, prebiotics feed the probiotic microbes so that they can withstand the harsh environment and serve their purpose. You can try taking Sugar Shift 1-2 times a day and experience a natural metabolic shift that brings restoration to your body. Lack of probiotics can cause severe health issues such as acid reflux, diarrhea and infections.

Promote a Healthy Diet

As an added bonus to assisting your body's probiotic growth and maintenance, the act of consuming prebiotic-rich foods provides a passive healthy dietary plan since all prebiotic-rich foods are among some of the healthiest that you can eat. However, incorporating some of these requires specific, prebiotic-rich recipes.

Those on a gluten free diet will miss out on the prebiotic benefits of barley and oats but prebiotics can be found in other food sources such leeks, garlic and onion. Surprisingly, not many fruits are rich with prebiotics but bananas are a rich source as are beans, peas and lentils that can be easily incorporated into many dishes. 

Experts from BioPhysics Essentials suggest supplementing with prebiotic-rich products if your diet lacks these natural sources. This ensures that your gut flora gets the nourishment it needs to maintain balance and support overall health.

Boost Energy and the Immune System

Probiotics and prebiotics are vital when it comes to internal digestion health, but they do also provide other benefits as well. Some benefits of an active lifestyle come from the promotion of probiotics through their interaction with prebiotics, but most come from consuming the foods in which they are found.

A healthy gut alone aids with digestion but an efficient system can also reduce headaches, lethargy and muscle pains since less energy is required for digestion and the body can therefore concentrate on doing other jobs well. In addition, a stronger gut helps boost the immune systems against harmful viruses and food intolerances such as lactose or gluten.

7 of the World’s Most Luxurious Casino Resorts

Whether you like gambling online or in a land-based casino, extravagant casino destinations like Las Vegas or Macau are definitely worth adding to your bucket list.

We have explored the most popular luxury casinos globally and curated a list containing seven gambling resorts that you must visit during your lifetime.

 Browse around our deluxe casino resorts, choose one that you like and start packing your bags. It’s going to be an adventure you’re not going to forget any time soon!

Let’s get started:

1.     Casino de Monte-Carlo – Monaco

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The Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most extravagant resorts in the world. Situated in the middle of Monaco, the casino looks like a royal building, making it the ideal destination for high rollers.

It has a Mediterranean vibe and luxuriant interior décor, which offers the casino a unique design that inspired many architects. In addition to hundreds of tables and slots, you can also enjoy one of the largest fashion shows in the world or drink a glass of Moet on the terrace (which has a breathtaking view over the city).

2.     Bellagio – Las Vegas, Nevada

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Famous for its mesmerizing fountains, the Bellagio is one of the first luxurious casinos that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas. With a building cost of nearly C$100 million, the resort has become part of the pop culture after being featured in blockbuster casino movies like Ocean’s 11 or The Hangover.

Gambling at the Bellagio comes in all shapes and sizes. Still, perhaps one of their most famous locations is “The Office,” containing high-end poker rooms where many editions of World Poker Tour have been hosted throughout the years.

Professional poker players are in love with the Bellagio, thanks to the high limits at the table, where the bets can go up to C$4.800/C$9.600 in Bobby’s Room. It’s not unusual for the pots at “Big Game” to exceed C$1 million.

The resort offers access to over 2,000 slots (some with jackpots going up to  C$2.5 million) and luxury fashion shops where you can find unique clothes and accessories for those not passionate about poker or table games.

3.     The Venetian Macau – China

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Macau was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1999 when China reclaimed it. Nowadays, Macau is commonly referred to as “the Monte Carlo from the Orient,” It is famous for its luxury casino resorts, including The Venetian.

In fact, The Venetian Macau is the largest resort in the world and the 6th largest building. The construction costs are estimated to over C$2.7 billion. It includes a sports hall, a 550,000 sq foot gambling zone and many other amenities that tourists can enjoy during their stay.

From an architectural point of view, it was inspired by the quasi-Venetian style, including the famous canals and canoe rides. Tourists can eat at one of the various multi-national restaurants, swim in the giant pools or enjoy one of the 3.000 slot machines and over 750 tables.

4.     Marina Bay Sands – Singapore

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While it’s not among the largest resorts in the world, Marina Bay Sands is the second most expensive casino in the world, with a value estimated at over C$6 billion. The Singapore casino is considered the largest atrium on Earth, with over 2.500 slot machine terminals and 500 table games.

If you get bored by gambling, you can enjoy swimming in the 500-foot Skypark, located on the 57th floor, that offers you a stunning 360-degrees view of Singapore. On top of that, you can watch a play at the grand theatre or visit the Marina Bay Sands Science Museum.

5.     Caesar’s Palace -Las Vegas, Nevada

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One of the iconic brands of Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace, opened 50 years ago. The resort established itself as a luxurious touristic destination throughout the years, surviving countless scandals, financial crises, and pressure from the government.

Since Roman buildings inspired its architecture, the location features complex mosaic designs, classic architectural structures and the famous Roman baths inspired from Ancient Rome. Located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesar’s palace has a gaming area of over 166.000 sq feet, deluxe hotel rooms, top-rated cafés and restaurants and a prominent Qua Bath and Spa location.

6.     City of Dreams Macau – China

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Located in Macau, China, the City of Dreams resort opened in 2009, and its construction cost is estimated to C$2.5 billion. It features over 20 luxury restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Jade Dragon, which serves dishes by the famous Chef Tam Kwok Fung.

The casino floor has 550 gaming tables and over 1.500 slots featured in the 420,000 sq feet gambling area, making it one of the most prominent gambling destinations in the world. Additionally, the resort has a mesmerizing water show called the House of Dancing Water, where 80 professional performers put together a particular type of theatre show in a pool holding 3.7 million gallons of water.

7.     Resorts World Sentosa – Singapore

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Located in Singapore, the Resorts World Sentosa is one of the most expensive gambling resorts ever built, costing a whopping C$5 billion. In addition to the casino floor, the location includes multiple hotels, a Universal Studios theme park, a giant Adventure Cove Water Park and the world’s largest oceanarium, called the Marine Life Park.

The gaming area includes over 2.400 slots and virtual table games and 500 table games that allow high rollers to play poker, blackjack or baccarat. The Resorts World Sentosa has a unique theme that recreates a beach-like atmosphere with villas, personal butlers, top-end hotel rooms and tree-top lofts. Nature lovers will love this resort, especially the rare canopy trees found all around the location.

The bottom line – Your next touristic destination

When it comes to luxury gambling destinations, the world is full of incredible creal money casinos that will take your breath away.

Judging by the fact that the resorts are pretty expensive and the minimum bet requirements have a high roller level, you should be prepared to spend some serious cash during your gambling holiday. Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and save some money by winning big at the poker table.

Whatever you do when visiting one of the glamorous resorts on our list, remember to gamble responsibly and have fun.

After all, what’s the point of a holiday if you’re going to stay on the casino floor all day and not enjoy the other benefits included in your hotel package?

Good luck!

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Why Having the Right Golf Gear Can Improve the Way You Play

You may think that golf is a sport that is only played by skilled and rich people who can afford it. However, there is more to this game than rich people playing in fancy clubs. Anyone can play golf, and you can easily become an amateur golfer with the right amount of training and a little bit of money. Golf is a sport that requires a certain attire and equipment in order for you to play a good game. It is important to be equipped with the right golfing gear because it affects your swing and how you play. Some golfers don’t care about the equipment, they just want to play a good game and have fun. However, your game won’t be as good as you hope if you aren’t using the right equipment. Golf gear can improve the way you play, and our golf team apparel ensures your team looks professional, and in this article, you will find out why it is important to have the right gear.

Golf Balls

There isn’t any specific advice on how to choose golf balls because it only depends on your personal preference. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on golf balls, it is a waste of money since you are going to lose them anyway, and they also have little to no effect on your game, especially if you are a beginner. It isn’t hard to find high-value golf balls that aren’t hard to hit and have a good feeling for them. As you experiment with different types of golf balls, you will develop a sense of how they react to your game. For now, don’t worry about buying expensive balls, just focus on hitting them right. Don’t worry about losing your golf balls, it happens to every golfer. 

Golf Clubs

Choosing the right golf club, like those Ping golf clubs, or similar brands, can have a huge impact on your swing. While you are playing, other golfers may recommend very expensive sets of clubs, but you don’t really have to spend a fortune on clubs. You can find some at a reasonable price. Many manufacturers offer affordable options that still deliver solid performance, control, and durability. A well-chosen, reasonably priced club can help improve your game just as effectively as a more expensive model, especially if it’s tailored to your skill level and swing style. You have to make sure that the drive you choose is forgiving and has a clean impact on the ball, even if you haven’t mastered the right technique yet. The more golf you play, the better you will become at improving your accuracy, and knowing everything there is to know about the right driver shaft will make a big difference in your game. To avoid playing catch up for the rest of the game as a result of bad tee shots, make sure to choose the right driver as it is the most important club.Avoid heavy clubs; quality clubs are light so they can allow you to cover more distance over the course of the game. And be sure to have a golf bag that can carry everything.

Golf Tees

Golf tees come in different materials and lengths and it is important that you find the right tee for you. Make sure to find a tee that is exactly the right length so you can score the perfect tee shot, you can try some of your friends’ tees until you find the right one. If you still aren’t sure which golf tee length is right for you, you can opt for a long tee and just push it further into the ground. If you have a drive that has a very big head then it is recommended to buy a tee that is 3 or 4 inches long. This will result in a cleaner impact since long tees raise your ball so far from the ground. If you are a beginner or are struggling with your driver, then you should use an oversize tee to get the right tee shot. 

Golf Glove

A good swing is so much easier to pull off when you have a good grip because it elevates your technique and results in a good shot. This is why you need a golf glove to enhance your grip and protect your hand. You don’t have to buy an expensive glove, just like with the tees and clubs, you can find an affordable glove that is comfortable and gets the job done. If you want a glove that lasts a long time, opt for a reputable brand. 

Golf is a very interesting sport that has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years. If you want to play golf, there is nothing that should stop you. All you need is to practice and have the right gear. It is true that practice makes perfect, but with golf, practice isn’t enough; you need to have the right gear as well. It is recommended to buy your equipment online because they are cheaper than the ones sold in the pro-shops. Make sure you opt for affordable gear; there is no need to let your favorite sport bankrupt you.

Inversion Therapy for Back Pain Relief: Is It Really Effective?

Inversion therapy is a common term used for various methods for reducing back pain by removing gravitational pressure. Most of these methods rely on stretching exercises with the aim of managing conditions affecting the spine and the surrounding organs. Because it's relatively inexpensive, inversion therapy can be a great alternative option for many people looking to avoid the side effects of traditional medicine. By reading this article, you can learn more about the effects of inversion therapy, including the possible benefits and dangers involved with its methods.

The Basics of Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy works by putting a person in an upside-down position, which opens up the spine and the surrounding muscles. This removes the compressing effects the gravity has on the body and allows for better circulation. As gravity slowly pushes down all your organs, reversing the body's position can help them return to their natural position. Your vertebrae will be free of any pressure, which causes the sensation of discomfort to go away. The body inversion also strengthens your back muscles, so they can help hold the skeletal elements in their place once the body is returned to the normal position.

In order to place the body in a reversed state, a couple of different equipment could be used. Here are the most common forms of inversion therapy:

• Inversion chairs: Being in the reversed position while seated not only relieves pressure from the back but from the legs as well.

• Inversion boots: Gravitation footwear that allows you to stand literally upside down while providing more freedom to your body.

• Inversion tables: Works similarly to the boots, only hear you lay on your back on a table which is then returned to reverse the effects of gravity.

• Inversion yoga: Yoga poses, like Dolphin, shoulder, or handstands are a great way to open up your vertebrae and eliminate gravity.

• Understanding what types of treatments you may need often starts with understanding the root of your spinal discomfort. Patients should know the difference between PLIF vs. TLIF procedures and when each might be recommended, as both are common surgical approaches to relieve pressure in the spine. These interventions are generally reserved for more severe or chronic cases where conservative therapies like inversion aren’t effective. Exploring non-surgical methods beforehand can still be a valuable step in maintaining spinal health and delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.

Benefits of Inversion Therapy

With the right equipment and knowledge, inversion can be a highly effective way of reducing back pain or discomfort caused by scoliosis, vertebral disk displacement, or similar conditions. If left untreated for a lengthy period, some conditions may even require surgery, often followed by months worth of recovery time. Inversion and similar techniques can help you avoid painful surgery and all its consequences.

Consult your doctor about your condition and ask their opinion about the effects of inversion therapy. If they approve, and you begin the therapy, make sure you always communicate how each position makes you feel. Remember, inversion therapy should be easy for your body and not cause any additional discomfort. It's also inexpensive, non-invasive, and has far fewer side effects than traditional medicine used for pain alleviation.

Even if you don't feel any pain or discomfort yet, standing or sitting for an extended period of time on a daily basis can have detrimental effects on your spine. This later translates into stress on your joints, muscles, and nerves throughout your body, leaving you without energy and eventually in pain. By occasionally turning your gravitational points, you can reverse these harmful effects and prevent them from causing any major damage.

Risks of Inversion Therapy

While beneficial for many people, it's not an advisable method for those suffering from heart conditions, certain types of hernia, osteoporosis, or who have suffered a stroke before. Placing the body in an upside-down position increases blood pressure and decreases heart rate. If the person already has problems with these or is generally obese, putting even more pressure on their cardiovascular system can have dangerous consequences.

Because it increases the blood flow to the head and can open up fresh wounds, reversion of the body should be avoided if you suffered a recent head injury. Eye or ear conditions also increase the intracranial pressure on their own, so if you suffer from an inner ear infection, glaucoma, or anything similar, inversion will not be safe for you. Due to their changing gravitational axis and increasing pressure in the abdominal area, inversion therapy isn't safe for pregnant women either.

Although the term inversion therapy is considered relatively new in the field of alternative medicine, the basics of the exercises used during the treatment are well known. Besides being an effective alternative treatment for back pain, inversion therapy can have several other benefits for your health. However, there are several risks involved with this method, which means it may not be a suitable option for everyone. If you are considering using inversion therapy for back issues, make sure you consult your doctor before trying any of the exercises.

Poplar Island's Eco-Friendly MagnumStone Retaining Walls

Poplar Island is a remote Chesapeake Bay island that has a rich historic background. It has in the past acted as a hideout for bootleggers and a short-lived black cat farm. 

It has also been used as a base camp for a fleet of British invaders, hosting British warships during the 1812 war, as well as a home to some communities. Poplar Island boasts of being a vacationing retreat center for prominent people, among them Presidents Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt.

The Poplar Nightmare

As you would expect of any coastal ocean frontage, Poplar Island experienced violent weather and fell victim to rapid erosion in the early 1900s. 

It was adversely affected by fluctuating tides that caused rapid deterioration of this once-elegant Chesapeake Bay island. 

Sooner rather than later, the extensive island of over 2,000 acres of wildlife habitat was reduced to just about 4 acres with scarce wildlife.

One could clearly see that Poplar Island was slowly approaching its sunset days due to the rapid washing away of the landmass and the reduction of the natural wildlife habitats. 

However, before the Poplar light went off, restorative engineering solutions were provided to preserve its ecological legacy, thanks to MagnumStone retaining wall solutions.

The Restoration of Poplar Island

To save the situation, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Port Administration made a decision to restore Poplar Island using dredging materials from the shipping channels of the Chesapeake Bay and Port of Baltimore. 

This was done in a bid to save the vital Chesapeake Bay island habitats and to counter the impact that the disappearance of the habitat had on wildlife, waterfowl, and birds.

The project, 1,140 acres big, saw the relocation of dredging sediments begin in 2001. 

The sediments were used to construct marshes and wetlands which house shorebirds and waterfowls. Poplar Island now has over 35,000 ft (10.67 km) containment dikes constructed using sand and stones.

The Failure of the Big Block Gravity Wall System

The most recent Poplar Island project, dubbed Spillway 17 and Spillway 19, which was awarded to McLean Contracting Company, saw USACE consider a big block gravity wall system. They were to be used in a very sensitive part of the island where overhead access roads and large culverts were to be constructed.

To erect the roadways and support them above the two culverts, four big block gravity walls were needed (one retaining wall on either side of each culvert). 

Part of the team that was brought together included Earth Retention Systems which is a wall engineering company and York Building Products who are MagnumStone wall manufacturers.

The big-block gravity wall system faced major hurdles at the engineering phase. The challenges included fluctuations in tidal water levels and soft soil which would not effectively hold the weight of the heavy solid walls. 

The McLean-led team had no other choice but to overcome these challenges and still deliver the project to USACE's satisfaction.

Poplar Island Spillways with MagnumStone

Poplar Island needed a retaining wall system that was strong enough to satisfy the structural needs of the project and innovative enough to overcome the challenges of the solid big block wall system. 

York Building Products quickly thought about MagnumStone’s retaining wall solutions.

Being an ecological haven, Poplar Island needed an environmentally sustainable retaining wall solution. MagnumStone offers eco-friendly big block wall systems with a hollow core design that uses 40% less concrete compared to solid concrete block walls. 

Additionally, the precaster of York Building Products', Keystone Concrete Products, uses about 9% slag in their MagnumStone blocks. Slag is a waste product obtained when smelting ore.

Transporting MagnumStone blocks is relatively easier. With 40% less concrete, they are lighter and would therefore be transported to site using flatbed trucks as opposed to barges that would have been used to transport the solid blocks. 

Fewer trips were to be made to transport the blocks, reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation machinery, which is good for the coastal Poplar area.

Smaller equipment and less labor were required during the transportation and construction phases of the project since the blocks were lightweight. The overall costs of the project went significantly down while the impact of the project on the shore of Chesapeake Bay was tremendously reduced.

A Unified Look and Design

The MagnumStone blocks used to build the four retaining walls blended seamlessly with the concrete culverts, providing an overall beautiful look and natural feel on the island.

The light-colored blocks used for Spillway 17 and Spillway 19 are celebrated by marine life. Just as the vacationing presidents once did, fish and turtles find it fulfilling passing through these smooth concrete culverts.

Conclusion

Regions bordering the ocean are often exposed to very harsh conditions. Conditions such as fluctuating tides are likely to cause severe erosion on the coastal ocean frontage, and just as was the case in Poplar Island, the landmass in such regions gets washed away and the land begins to deteriorate.

Thanks to eco-friendly MagnumStone retaining walls, Poplar Island was saved from what was seen as its end. It now boasts of over 1,000 acres of wildlife. Several species of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl now use it as a resting and nesting ground. Several species of fish, turtles, and insects can now proudly call Poplar Island home again.

With all these efforts put in to restore the island, Poplar Island serves as a good example of effective island restoration.

Why Restrictive Covenants on Land for Conservation Are Important

Restrictive covenants on land are private agreements between landowners where one party restricts the use of their land for the benefit of the other party. But why are they so important for conservation?

There are a number of reasons why a restrictive covenant might be used. They can prohibit certain businesses or trades from taking place on a piece of land, they can restrict the use of the land, or entirely forbid building works and alterations.

Importantly, restrictive covenants can also be used to encourage conservation on pieces of protected land. This means that land which should be left untouched, or undisturbed, can remain exactly that, without the risk of it becoming desecrated by building works.

But, why is a restrictive covenant such an important agreement for conservation, especially in urban environments such as New York? We’ll be answering that very question in the following post. Be sure to read on to find out more!

Why are Restrictive Covenants Important for Limiting Development?

In densely populated areas, such as New York, many residential properties and plots of land contain mentions of restrictive covenants. These covenants will all relate to the property or land in question, but the general themes of these covenants will be to prevent certain changes from being made.

Restrictive covenants are specifically designed to uphold certain standards which can, in turn, foster a sense of conservation. If a piece of land has historical significance, or is an area with notable natural features, restrictive covenants prevent anyone. Even the future owner of the land themselves is prevented from being able to make any changes that would be deemed detrimental.

This is because restrictive covenants continue to have an effect when the land is sold on, and even if they were made many years ago and could otherwise be considered obsolete.

Are Restrictive Covenants Enforceable?

Under normal circumstances, restrictive covenants are always enforceable. This means, anyone found to be in breach of such a covenant would be made to stop any work they’re carrying out and return the land to its original condition.

This is another reason why they have been found to be an effective way of encouraging conservation, especially in urban areas where development is so frequent.

If the current owner of a piece of land wants to make changes that are in breach of the covenant, they will have to seek permission to have it removed. This will involve approaching the party that originally put it in place. 

If that isn’t possible, or the person refuses to provide permission, then it would be necessary to make an application for the covenant to be removed entirely. This can often prove to be a costly and time-consuming process, which is why many people don’t go through the hassle.

Do Restrictive Covenants Also Apply to Properties?

Yes. Restrictive covenants can also be applied to the appearance and structure of both residential and commercial properties. It is now usually the case that a housing developer or property management company will add a restrictive covenant. This prevents owners from carrying out any work which would negatively impact the surrounding neighbourhood and undermine ‘uniformity’.

As you might imagine, buildings with historical or cultural significance often come attached with restrictive covenants so that they cannot be altered in any way. 

What Happens if Someone Chooses to Ignore a Restrictive Covenant?

If someone is fully aware that this is in place, and they choose to ignore its terms, then the consequences could be dramatic!

It will be requested that any work carried out should be stopped, and the original condition of the land or property should be restored. If this request is ignored, then this restoration could be carried out by force.

The party that is found to be guilty of breaching the restrictive covenant will also run the risk of facing a financial penalty. This can often run into thousands of dollars, and subsequent legal action may ensue.

There are very specific exceptions to this. For instance, if someone has made changes that breach a restrictive covenant for over a year and then decide to sell the piece of land or property, they can take out restrictive covenant insurance to protect what they have done.

What Are Conservation Easements, and Do They Differ from Restrictive Covenants?

Conservation easements are very similar to restrictive covenants. Conservation easements are voluntary, legal agreements which permanently limit the use of land. Sound familiar?

The main difference between a restrictive covenant and conservation easements are that the latter’s primary aim is to protect a piece of land’s conservation values. 

Conservation easements, which are a feature of US legislation, are held between landowners and a government agency or land trust, with the landowner maintaining ownership. The easement is recorded in the property’s deed and is transferred to all future landowners.

The aims of each conservation easement are tailored to the specific characteristics of the area of land, and are usually designed to meet a number of different conservation objectives. In New York State, there are various conservation easements currently in place which cover restrictions on everything ranging rom protecting endangered species to conserving a scenic area.

Do You Need Any More Advice About Restrictive Covenants?

In this post, we’ve covered everything you might need to know about restrictive covenants and why they’re important for conservation. 

Have you got any more general questions about restrictive covenants and how they might apply in New York? Feel free to leave a comment below so we can keep the discussion going!