Attending Rally in Denver this year? In order for MLTC to gauge interest in a Massachusetts get-together, please fill out this 2-question survey by July 10 for venue planning purposes. Anyone with Massachusetts connections is invited to join this traditional gathering. 

The Cooper Hill Conservation Project will protect over 1,000 acres in the towns of Sheffield, MA and Salisbury, CT. Walk the fields and trails on the Massachusetts side and enjoy the vistas while learning how the Cooper Hill Conservation Alliance quickly formed to work with those who had farmed a large portion of this land for over two decades. Hear how this complex project was made possible not only through multiple conservation tools but, importantly, through trust and collaboration among many partners. After the tour, the hosts have offered to take participants on an additional 1.5-hour walk through hilly terrain to scenic backfield views. Nearby protected lands include Bartholomew’s Cobble and Hurlburt’s Hill.

Join the Early Conservation Career Network for an early summer foraging event with Russ Cohen, author of the book Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten. Participants will learn to identify more than 18 species of edible wild plants and gain practical knowledge about their edible parts, seasonal availability, and preparation methods. The tour will also cover key guidelines for safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible foraging.

Board members and senior (Director-level) staff are invited to attend this one-day seminar where, through interactive discussions, peer learning, and interactive discussion and activities, participants will explore practical strategies for navigating today’s leadership challenges, strengthening board–staff partnerships, and planning for smooth leadership transitions. This is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and build the tools needed for enduring impact.

Finance staff, board treasurers, and others with fiscal responsibilities -- join us for a networking call to share resources, ask questions, and learn from each other. This month's call will focus on approaches for project budgeting, including approaches for calculating fringe and indirect rates. Time permitting, participants may be able to raise questions on other issues too. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. Newcomers welcome! Free, but advance registration required.  

Join the Early Conservation Career Network for a mindful birding walk at Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve in Great Barrington. Educator and longtime birder Dave Edson will guide attendees in the practice of "mindful birding"—a more relaxed and intentional approach to the hobby of birding.

With the reduction in federal funding and the resulting increase in competition for private grant funding and donor support, having diverse revenue streams has never been more important. Entrepreneurial approaches to revenue may also deepen land trusts’ relationships with their communities and bring the conservation message to new audiences. Ole Amundsen, an experienced professional in fundraising, finance and strategic planning, will examine case studies from land trusts of varying capacity and staffing from across the country that use an entrepreneurial approach to generate revenue.

Learn more and apply. This seven month learning journey will introduce land conservation practitioners to the histories, contemporary realities, and futures of Indigenous peoples in the place now called Massachusetts. Across seven Modules and monthly Indigenous-led Zoom discussions, participants will build foundational knowledge of Indigenous history, consider relational approaches to engagement, examine political landscapes and organizational responsibilities, and learn about concrete Indigenizing practices in conservation spaces. The curriculum centers cultural humility, historical accountability, and Indigenous-led knowledge. Accepted applicants are expected to attend the monthly Indigenous-hosted Zoom discussion groups. Registration is capped at 60 people, with a maximum of three per organization.