Picone Farm

Picone Farm. Photograph by Jerry Monkman of EcoPhotography, courtesy of Wildlands Trust.

Strengthening Land Trusts. Advancing Land Conservation.

mcgovern at podium w audience in foreground

Congressman Jim McGovern speaking to the audience of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference, Fridady, March 21, 2025

Keynote Presentation Available Online

More than 500 staff and volunteers from Massachusetts land trusts, conservation partners, students, and friends of conservation gathered at the annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference held at UMass Amherst on Friday, March 21. Congressman Jim McGovern's keynote presentation is now online. Click here to hear his viewpoints on the state of affairs in D.C., how the situation may impact the land conservation community, and what we can do about it.

Calendar

  • May8

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    Info Session for Land Protection Tools & Techniques Course

    via Zoom

    This course is for anyone interested in pursuing land protection as a career, whether or not they're currently in the field or enrolled in an academic program. Faculty and sponsors of the course will explain what the course will cover, and the application process.

  • May8

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    Nature for Massachusetts Campaign Launch

    Room 428, Massachusetts State House

    A large and diverse coalition of environmental, conservation, and community organizations is seeking to pass An Act Providing Nature for All (H.901/S.597), to create a dedicated, annual revenue stream to conserve land, water, urban greenspace, and outdoor recreation access in Massachusetts. This campaign launch event will feature remarks from coalition members and lead sponsors Senator Feeney and Representatives Blais and Montaño. Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to join colleagues in speaking directly with legislators about the importance of this bill. If you've never participated in an advocacy day before - no worries! Materials and training will be available for anyone who wants to participate. Read more about the bill here.

  • May16

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    Field Trip: Cuttyhunk Conservation Land Stewardship

    in-person on Cuttyhunk

    Between 2018-2022, the Buzzards Bay Coalition led an effort that brought together federal, state and local agencies and hundreds of individual donors to raise $6.2 million to purchase 68-acres of rare island habitats to prevent resort development and ensure that the island would be open for public access. That bold action then inspired a private landowner gift of a 230-acre conservation restriction, leading to an island today that is nearly 70% conserved. On this trip, we will cruise across the Bay to enjoy a hiking tour of the island’s trails and vistas and learn about the Coalition’s active grassland and shorebird management projects. Attendees will gather at the ferry at 8:30, travel together to and from the island, returning at 4 p.m. Parking & ferry fee are the responsibility of each attendee.

  • May16

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    2025 Land Protection Tools & Techniques Course

    8 Sept. Thursdays online, and 2 in-person meetings: Saturday, Sept. 6 and weekend of Nov. 7 - 9

    The application deadline is Friday, May 16. This 10-week course (8-weeks online and 2 in-person gatherings) is targeted toward anyone at any career level (including upper-level college students) interested in learning the nuts and bolts of land conservation transactions for professional application in order to advance their careers, grow the conservation workforce, and increase the pace of conservation across the Commonwealth. Land conservation professionals employ a combination of skills that are not bundled into any conventional course of study. A goal of this course is to provide participants the skills, tools and understanding of land protection to better equip them for a career in land protection. 

Updates

  • April 22, 2025

    Support Increased State Funding for the Environment

    In the face of federal challenges, preserving state investment in critical environmental programs is essential. On April 28th, the House will begin debate on its version of the FY26 State Operating Budget. Please contact your State Representative by April 28 to request co-sponsorship of six important amendments...