# Natural Features > Natural Features means elements present or created by nature including geology, vegetation, climate, wildlife and non-human made attractions **Term:** Natural Features **Last updated:** 2026-07-29 ## Definition ## What Natural Features Means in a Contract Natural Features is a defined term used to describe physical or environmental characteristics of a site, property, or region that occur naturally rather than being built, installed, or altered by people. This typically includes geology such as rock formations and soil composition, vegetation such as trees and native plant life, climate conditions, wildlife populations and habitats, and scenic or topographical attractions like rivers, cliffs, or caves that were not created through human effort. The term draws a clear boundary between what nature has produced and what has been engineered or manufactured. Contracts use this term when the presence, condition, or preservation of these elements matters to the deal. For example, a lease might reference Natural Features to describe amenities on a property, while a construction agreement might use it to flag areas that must be avoided or protected during development. In each case, the definition helps the parties agree on exactly what falls inside or outside the scope of obligations tied to the land. ## How Natural Features Is Defined or Measured Because Natural Features covers a broad category, contracts usually list illustrative examples rather than attempting an exhaustive inventory. A definition clause might state that Natural Features includes, without limitation, geological formations, flora and fauna, water courses, and climate-related conditions present on a site. This non-exhaustive approach gives flexibility while still anchoring the term to a recognizable category of things. Measurement or verification of Natural Features often depends on the contract's purpose. In a real estate transaction, a survey or environmental report might document existing vegetation, wildlife habitats, or geological hazards. In a construction or [mining](https://www.genieai.co/industry/mining) context, baseline studies may record pre-existing conditions so that any change caused by the project can later be identified and assessed against the original state described in the contract. - Geological characteristics, including soil, rock, and terrain - Vegetation and ecosystems present without human planting or maintenance - Climate and weather patterns affecting the site - Wildlife and natural habitats - Non-man-made scenic or physical attractions ## Where Natural Features Appears in Agreements This term shows up most often in property and land-related contracts, including real estate purchase agreements, leases, and easements, where the natural condition of a site affects value, use, or restrictions. It also appears in construction and development contracts, where builders must account for or avoid disturbing certain natural elements during site preparation and building work, particularly in the [construction](https://www.genieai.co/industry/construction) industry. Natural Features clauses are common in agreements tied to environmental protection, conservation easements, and land use permits, where preserving specific elements is a condition of the deal. They also surface in tourism, hospitality, and [sport and entertainment](https://www.genieai.co/industry/sport-and-entertainment) agreements, where a property's natural attractions form part of the commercial appeal being sold or licensed, such as access to a lake, forest, or scenic overlook. ## Why the Exact Wording Matters Vague or overly broad language around Natural Features can create disputes about what is protected, what can be altered, and who bears responsibility if conditions change. If a contract references preserving Natural Features without specifying which ones, a party might unintentionally commit to protecting elements that were never intended to be covered, or conversely fail to protect something the other party assumed was included. Precise wording also matters for liability allocation. If a natural event, such as flooding or wildlife encroachment, affects a project, the contract's description of Natural Features and any related risk allocation clauses will determine whether that event is treated as foreseeable and manageable or as an exceptional circumstance outside a party's control. Clear drafting reduces the chance that a dispute over these terms escalates to a claim under the law governing the contract. ## Drafting Considerations When drafting a Natural Features clause, parties should decide whether to use an open-ended definition with illustrative examples or a closed list tailored to the specific site or transaction. An open-ended approach offers flexibility but can create uncertainty, while a closed list offers clarity but may omit relevant elements discovered later. Drafters should also consider linking the definition to supporting documentation, such as surveys, environmental assessments, or site plans, so that the term has an objective reference point. It is worth coordinating this clause with related provisions covering environmental compliance, indemnities, and force majeure, since natural events often intersect with these areas. Teams handling [real estate](https://www.genieai.co/industry/real-estate) transactions or land-based projects benefit from reviewing how Natural Features definitions interact with broader risk and compliance frameworks before finalizing the agreement. ## Context ### Relevant circumstances - Purchase or lease of land - Environmental conservation activities - Mining activities - Construction plans ### Relevant sectors - Mining - Construction ## Relevant contract types - [Real Estate Purchase Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/real-estate-purchase-agreement) - [Real Estate Contract](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/real-estate-contract) - [Real Estate Sale Contract](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/real-estate-sale-contract) --- This is the Markdown representation of [https://www.genieai.co/en-us/define/natural-features](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/define/natural-features), provided for AI agents and crawlers. The HTML page is canonical. 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