In this period of uncertainty regarding federal funding, there are some resources to help federal grantees with steps they can take to protect themselves.
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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...
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.
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.
This award recognizes the Harwich Conservation Trust’s Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in Harwich Port. This multiyear restoration project was undertaken in partnership with the Town of Harwich Community Preservation Committee, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The project successfully restored retired cranberry bogs to improve public access to the land and enhance nearly a mile of stream and over 44 acres of adjacent wetland habitat. The restoration included the addition of ponds, a salt marsh, and native plant species.
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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.
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.
This session on best practices for working with appraisers in land conservation is designed for land trust staff and board members involved in land protection. It will feature insights from experienced land protection practitioners, Land Trust Alliance staff, and seasoned appraisers on how to develop effective relationships with appraisers and improve conservation outcomes. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. Co-hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition.
Conversation on these calls is driven by current issues and concerns of those participating so this is a great place to bring questions for your peers. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series for land trust staff and Board members. This call will not be recorded. Contact Robb Johnson (robb@massland.org) for more information.
The focus of this quarter's call will be on Volunteers: Recruiting, Engaging, and Retaining. This could be targeted toward using volunteers for fundraising and development purposes.
