The Foundation was gifted two forests in Tuusniemi in North Savo by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, Saunaniitty and Tappuranrinne, with a joint area of approximately nine hectares. The forests had already been made into conservation areas: Saunaniitty was protected by law in 1992, while Tappuranrinne was protected in 2005.

The gift was part of a will, with a clause stating that the owner of the forest property must ensure the survival of the protected aspen grove and wetlands for future generations. The wording of the original deed of gift stated: “The forest has not been felled in many generations, and the protected area has many rare species of plants and animals.” The Finnish Cultural Foundation decided that the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation was the ideal owner of the areas, and that they would be looked after as the maker of the will had intended.