The Conservation and Preservation of Natural Science Collections Project was established by NIC as a collaborative effort with the Association of Systematics Collections (ASC) and the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC). The goal of the project has been to improve the care of natural science research collections. This report reflects the overall views of the many project participants and our effort to integrate their ideas into a plan of action. We hope it will serve as a catalyst for further discussion and a stimulus for collections care initiatives in natural history institutions and in funding organizations.