Land Conservation Conference

Jen Plowden, Karen Grey

Collateral:  Presentation (PDF)

Board recruitment is essential for the sustainability of any organization. In this session, we’ll cover effective strategies to build the board you need, including identifying gaps on your board, drafting clear roles and expectations for new board members, and establishing an onboarding process. This workshop will introduce these critical concepts and provide practical tools you can bring home.

Sponsored by: 
Little Green Light
 

Josh Rapp, Hayden Stebbins, and Alison Wright-Hunter

Presentation (video)

Forests provide many benefits, including their ability to help mitigate climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it for decades or centuries. However, their ability to do so is undermined by the impacts of climate change. Thoughtful forest management can help forests adapt to climate change, leading to better carbon outcomes over time while supporting many of the other values and benefits forests provide. Through a series of case studies we will show how climate-smart practices that support biodiversity, carbon storage and/or forest resilience can be implemented. The session will highlight funding sources currently available for land trusts, woodland owners and municipalities, with a focus on New England Forestry Foundation’s Grow Resilience in Oak Hickory Forests (GROH) and Massachusetts DCR’s Climate Stewardship Incentive Program (C-SIP).

Sponsored by:
Davey Resource Group
New England Forestry Foundation

Dennis Murphy

In a nearly three year odyssey, Wildlands Trust and the Town of Middleborough succeeded in preserving a two hundred acre farm along a mile long stretch of the Nemasket River. I represented WLT in that endeavor, which involved the Town assigning the right of first refusal to purchase part of the farm, a critical legal maneuver that caused the original buyer/developer to terminate its P&S with the seller. Together we managed to negotiate the Chapter 61A process, secure funding from various sources (APR, MVP, CPA, private foundation, etc.), and somehow keep the deal from going awry. It closed last summer and a new farmer now owns it. The aim of this workshop would be to share lessons learned from this case study in the hope it may help other MLTC member organizations be better prepared to deal with Chapter land opportunities for preservation.

Sponsored by: Buzzards Bay Coalition

Rachel Bruce and Amy Burt, Wildlands Trust

Collateral: Presentation (PDF)

Does your land trust want to serve urban communities but are unsure where to start? This workshop will share strategies used by Wildlands Trust in the city of Brockton to highlight how this regional land trust tailors the delivery of its mission to an urban, environmental justice community. Learn about the history of Wildlands’ work in Brockton, their approach to key funding and partnerships, and the many programs and initiatives that have budded from a 126-acre land protection project. From youth environmental education to a city park revitalization, hear about the challenges and lessons learned and spark new ideas for your organization’s mission delivery in urban areas.

Sponsored by:

Tom Lautzenheiser, John Sangermano, Jane Maloney

Collateral:

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

Invasive plant populations frequently jeopardize the ecological values conservation lands are intended to protect. This panel convenes representatives from all-volunteer, regional, and statewide land trusts to share philosophies, concepts, strategies, and techniques for engaging with this challenge. Bring your invasive management questions, as there will be plenty of time allotted for Q&A.

Sponsored by: 
Davey Resource Group
New England Forestry Foundation
Sudbury Valley Trustees

Laura Marx, Sebastian Gutwein, Sara Grady

Collateral: 

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)
Natural Climate Solutions Resources of interest to land trusts (PDF)

Nature-based solutions involve using nature to solve a problem. How are land trusts and landowners working with nature in Massachusetts to solve the biggest challenge our planet faces – climate change? In this workshop, with something for the beginner and expert practitioner alike, we’ll discuss why natural climate solutions are a critical part of fighting climate change. You’ll learn how much they can do but also why we can’t tree-plant our way out of the climate crisis, what types of actions have the biggest potential impact in Massachusetts and what funding sources support natural climate solutions, and hear case studies from coastal wetlands, farmlands, and forests.

Sponsored by:
New England Forestry Foundation
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation
Tighe & Bond

Pam Ellis, Kimberly Toney, Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr., and Jennifer Albertine

Note: This two-part workshop encompasses two conference sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend both.

For the past several years, three Nipmuc community members have collaborated with Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in central Massachusetts to inform and indigenize land stewardship strategies in the spirit of place-based healing and cultural revitalization. This workshop will highlight the challenges, successes and outcomes of this kind of collaborative work and strategies for moving in solidarity with individual Tribal members, Tribes and Tribal or Indigenous nonprofits. Participants will learn about Nipmuc history, Aboriginal rights and their centrality to Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, and best practices for supporting Native community partnerships, including several case studies.

Sponsored by: 
The Conservation Fund
Kestrel Land Trust
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation
USDA/NRCS

Elizabeth Wroblicka, Mark Robinson

Fee land acquisitions funded through the Community Preservation Act, Land Bank, or various state grant programs generally require a Conservation Restriction (CR) as an overlay on land ownership by a land trust, so called "double-layering of protection". For projects where a CR is not required, not necessary, or not possible, other legal mechanisms offer a degree of protection that both the landowner and your land trust may find acceptable, and that can be implemented without the lengthy state CR review process. Presenters will share examples of CR alternatives to increase the pace of land conservation to meet climate resilience goals. Topics addressed, with their potential benefits and limitations, will include deed restrictions, charitable trusts, private Agricultural Preservation Restrictions, life estates, and the land trust holding fee land interest in accordance with their charitable purpose.

Sponsored by: Sudbury Valley Trustees

Pam Ellis, Kimberly Toney, Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr., and Jennifer Albertine

Note: This two-part workshop encompasses two conference sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend both.

For the past several years, three Nipmuc community members have collaborated with Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in central Massachusetts to inform and indigenize land stewardship strategies in the spirit of place-based healing and cultural revitalization. This workshop will highlight the challenges, successes and outcomes of this kind of collaborative work and strategies for moving in solidarity with individual Tribal members, Tribes and Tribal or Indigenous nonprofits. Participants will learn about Nipmuc history, Aboriginal rights and their centrality to Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, and best practices for supporting Native community partnerships, including several case studies.

Sponsored by: 
The Conservation Fund 
Kestrel Land Trust
USDA/NRCS

Vanessa Farny, Melissa Cryan

Workshop will provide a brief overview of DCS grant programs focused on land protection and/or recreation [Drinking Water Supply Protection, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities, Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity, Conservation Partnership, Landscape Partnership, Assistance for Small Communities]. 

Sponsored by: 
Buzzards Bay Coalition
The Conservation Fund 

Jodi Valenta, Margaret Owens, Taj Schottland 

This session will highlight how Trust for Public Land (TPL), Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD), and the Barr Foundation are working to create greener, more resilient, and equitable communities in the Boston region. Many EJ neighborhoods in Boston lack access to high-quality parks and open space and are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. This workshop will shed light on how GIS mapping tools were used to guide land acquisition that transferred property from one public agency to another to increase climate resiliency and provide access to the outdoors. Presenters will highlight a variety of decision support tools and funding opportunities that practitioners can use to advance their own strategic climate and equity-focused land conservation efforts. The recently opened Chittick Elementary Community Schoolyard will be utilized as an example.

Sponsored by:

Isabel Bronson, Julia Rogers 

Follow the Forest (followtheforest.org) is a shared vision that integrates predictive modeling with local knowledge inspiring conservation action and philanthropy. Our northeast regional approach to enhancing climate resilience is readily practical, strategic, scalable, and actionable in protecting the places we love. Our work supports and advances that of local conservation organizations and regional conservation partnerships such as the Staying Connected Initiative, Berkshire-Taconic Regional Conservation Partnership, and Northern Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership. In this session, we will discuss the Follow the Initiative's impact, focusing on our community science tool that galvanizes local support and drives conservation action. 

Sponsored by: 
Kestrel Land Trust
Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities, and Harvard Forest

Rob Warren, David Santomenna

Presentation (video)

Bring your negotiation challenges for collective troubleshooting! The presenters will provide an overview of negotiation basics, common deal obstacles, and a framework for responding. Most of the session however will be time for participants to get input from the presenters and other participants on your difficult negotiations. Distrustful landowner? Dueling appraisals? Feuding family members? We will discuss whatever challenges you are facing.

Sponsored by:

Naomi Valentine, Hilary Domino, Lori Johnson

Collateral: 

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

SWCA and the EEA are working together to identify high-priority sites for riparian restoration across the Commonwealth. The project team is identifying sites by evaluating where under-vegetated riparian zones overlap with key high-priority ecological and social criteria. The project includes GIS analyses, property owner outreach, on-site evaluation, planning and permitting, the creation and implementation of restoration plans, and operations and maintenance planning and support. The goal is to increase resilience to climate change through the improvement of the quality, form, and function of our riverine and riparian habitats across both rural and urban landscapes. All restoration is being implemented through nature-based solutions and encourages conservation. We will further discuss our methodology, goals, funding sources, and the level of support available to any interested parties (small or large) with viable project sites.

Sponsored by: 
Buzzards Bay Coalition
Davey Resource Group
Tighe & Bond

Jenny Hansell

Collateral: 
Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

What kind of fundraising event is best for your Land Trust? From "friend-raising" cocktail parties to lavish galas, each kind of event has its place and purpose. Learn how to evaluate your goals and needs, understand your capacity (and the opportunity cost) for planning an event, set the right goals, and make sure that the work you and your team puts into planning the event is worth the results. You’ll leave the workshop with a draft of an event plan that includes logistics, a budget, a program, and the beginnings of your planning team.

Sponsored by: Little Green Light

Nancy Cowan, Tom Dodd, Olivia Lukacic, Michael Madole

Many land trusts in Massachusetts have started using Landscape software to manage and monitor holdings as well as track potential acquisition projects. In this session, participants will describe how they are using Landscape and problem solve issues with the group. Those not currently using Landscape are welcome to sit in and listen.

Sponsored by: 
Little Green Light

Lucille (Lucy) Gertz, Liz Stetson, Stephen Hutchinson

Collateral: 

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

Mass Audubon has been designing and operating award-winning, nationally-recognized All Persons Trails (APTs) since 2007. We currently operate 18 APTs, with a goal of reaching 25 within the next two years. Our statewide team develops fund-raising materials, works with trail designers and contractors, goes through the permitting requirements, oversees construction, designs and installs signage, multi-use seating, and navigational supports, and creates a self-guided interpretive tour in multiple formats with input from expert-users. There is ongoing maintenance needed to keep APTs in good condition. Our team will share what we have learned in planning, operating, and maintaining APTs at our various locations that include sites with staffed nature centers and sites without any buildings or staff. 

Sponsored by: 
Kestrel Land Trust

Kathleen Doherty, John Chester, Nick Pitel

Collateral: 
Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF) (Note: these slides reflect the brand-new guidance on Private APR released on March 25, 2025.)
Private APR Guidance March 2025

Massachusetts is losing farmland faster than we can save it, but your land trust can be part of the solution. This workshop will showcase tools and programs available for farmland protection and will highlight success stories from two regional land trusts. Come to learn, stay to feel inspired! Topics will include: unique considerations and best practices for farmland protection; ins and outs of funding programs; innovative tools for farmland protection; and case studies from Buzzards Bay Coalition and Berkshire Natural Resources Council. This presentation will feature a special focus on Private APR, a powerful yet underutilized tool that allows more flexibility than a "traditional" APR or CR. Take-home resources will be provided, and after the workshop, your land trust can sign up to receive individual assistance with your thorniest farmland protection questions.

Sponsored by:
USDA/NRCS
Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities, and Harvard Forest

Michael Campinell, Kristin O'Brien, Lauren Karam

In 2024 through Sudbury Valley Trustees v. Iron Horse Equestrian, et al., the Massachusetts Land Court handed down a significant win for conservation restriction interpretation and enforcement, requiring the complete removal of an impermissible structure and the restoration of damaged resource areas and wetlands protected by the conservation restriction. In light of this decision, this presentation will discuss the history of the case, lessons learned, and how it will influence future conservation restriction litigation. We’ll also provide an overview of how to assess the strength of your case and prepare for potential litigation, and what to expect. You’ll walk away with a basic litigation lessons toolbox that can help your organization enforce your conservation restriction and continue to protect Massachusetts’ natural resources and open land. 

Sponsored by: Sudbury Valley Trustees

Janet Milkman, Karen Grey

Collateral:  Presentation (PDF)

As more open space is protected, it is important to implement proper care for these lands and, when appropriate, establish access for safe public use and enjoyment. However, many small land trusts and towns lack the capacity to steward their conservation lands, often resulting in situations where communities never fully benefit from investments made in open space protection. This workshop provides two examples of land trusts, one larger, one small, that have grown their capacity to provide land stewardship services to peer organizations, including towns, state agencies and conservation organizations. Wildlands Trust will share their experience building capacity to serve towns and other land holding organizations throughout the southeast region of the State. Barnstable Land Trust will discuss its new fee-for-service and "free for service" programs, based on the Wildlands model. Benefits include: building stewardship capacity efficiently for the regional conservation community, building relationships with new partners, staff expansion and retention, among others.  

Sponsored by:

Jenny Hansell, Emma Ellsworth

Collateral: Presentation (PDF)

Land Trusts across Massachusetts and the country have been grappling with how to address Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access and Belonging since the summer of 2020, many for much longer than that. DEI (or DEIAB) can mean many things: many of us have tried some or all of these: educating ourselves about bias and systemic racism; developing programming aimed at diverse communities; translating materials in Spanish or other languages; recruiting more diverse staff and board members; changing internal policies and practices, and a host of other strategies around shifting organizational culture. Hear from two land trusts who have immersed themselves in DEI at every level - where they started, what they tried, what's worked and not worked, where they are now, and what they have planned going forward.  

Sponsored by:

Marianne Iarossi, Kathy Orlando, Jay Rosa

The Cooper Hill Conservation Project will protect over 1,000 acres in the Towns of Sheffield, MA and Salisbury, CT. Pulling partners together from eight conservation organizations in MA and CT, the Cooper Hill Conservation Alliance quickly formed to work with the farmers who farmed a large portion of this land for over two decades. The trust and collaboration between all the partners makes this complex project possible. From private and public Agricultural Preservation Restrictions, to fee acquisitions and Conservation Restrictions - this project involves multiple conservation tools. Come hear from three of the partners (the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, Sheffield Land Trust, and The Trustees) about how partnerships and varied funding resources enabled the project to come together, and learn of the most recent closings.

Sponsored by:

Evan Abramson, Jason Steiding

Presentation (video)

Landscape Designer and Planner Evan Abramson, Principal of Landscape Interactions, will present a series of case studies from project sites across Massachusetts, guiding audience members step by step through the process of transforming sites into biodiverse habitat to support threatened pollinator species. Jason Steiding will discuss the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's collaboration with Landscape Interactions on their green infrastructure project Biodiversity in the First Light, where a series of mugwort-infested stormwater basins were converted into habitat for at-risk native pollinators in Cape Cod, featuring plants of cultural significance to the Tribe.

Sponsored by:

Paul Catanzaro, Professor and State Extension Forester

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)
Webpage, including link to original publication "Beyond the Illusion of Preservation"
Other Resources:
Hilltown Land Trust “Closing the Loop” (video)
Passive Forest Management (webinar)

New England touts a strong conservation ethic, but we suffer from a considerable shortfall in production of forest products compared to our enormously high rates of consumption and our capacity for sustainable production. Given New England's favorable climate and abundant, productive forests, as well as New Englanders' strong capacity to apply strict environmental oversight, few places on earth should be better poised to be a leader in advancing forest protection and the sustainable harvesting of forest products while upholding ecological and social values. This webinar will discuss an ambitious vision for 2060 to protect forests, reduce consumption, and expand ecological forestry that would not only remedy these production and consumption imbalances but also dramatically enhance protection of our forests and propel us toward meeting urgent climate and biodiversity goals.

Publication upon which this talk is based: Beyond the "Illusion of Preservation" (PDF)

Sponsored by:
Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities, and Harvard Forest

Mark Anderson, Barbara Charry, Arlene Olivero 

Presentation (video)

Under a changing climate, the protection and restoration of water resources has become a top priority for many agencies and conservation organizations. Many land trusts already conserve freshwater features but how do we identify climate-resilient freshwater systems, and what are the strategies needed to conserve and restore these systems. This 60-minute session will introduce the concepts of freshwater resilience and demonstrate how you can evaluate your projects for their freshwater potential using TNC’s new Resilient River Explorer web tool. We will hear how Massachusetts TNC is leading their land protection conservation work through prioritizing freshwater using strategies such as assessing the condition of streams and watersheds, identifying the most critical dams for removal, and evaluating the conservation status of the headwaters. The tool is being used by TNC to identify key places for conservation and restoration, and to coordinate efforts towards sustaining resilient freshwater systems.

Sponsored by: Tighe & Bond

Jocelyn Forbush, David Santomenna

Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

Join Jocelyn Forbush and David Santomenna for a discussion of Mass Audubon’s 30 x 30 Catalyst Fund. The $75 million fund was created to accelerate the pace of land protection in Massachusetts as we work toward the goal of protecting 30% of the Massachusetts landscape by 2030, and 40% by 2050, by providing strategic funding to land trusts and municipalities. This session, which is designed for potential users of the fund, will address the inspiration for the fund, share the criteria applied to potential Catalyst Fund projects, and profile completed and pending Fund projects.

Jennifer Ryan, Eve Schlüter

Collateral: 
Presentation (video)
Presentation (PDF)

Executive Order No. 618, signed by Governor Healey, calls for the Department of Fish & Game to develop nation-leading biodiversity conservation goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050. DFG Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Ryan and Mass Wildlife Deputy Director Dr. Eve Schlüter will present on progress, next steps, and key priorities for a whole-of-government approach to biodiversity conservation. The presentation will highlight the crucial role of local land trusts and conservation partners in the success of this initiative with time for discussion on how we can come together to achieve the goals.