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...
Open to anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small-staffed land trust, this quarter's topic will focus on record keeping policy, procedures & best practices, and may include other interests, like cyber security insurance. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome!
Finance staff, board treasurers, and others with fiscal responsibilities -- join us for this inaugural meeting to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other. Topics like restricted funds, budgeting, audits, internal controls, QuickBooks, and more are open for discussion. We'll also use this first meeting to see what the group's interests are, and how we'd like to proceed going forward. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program.
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.
To learn more about the project, click the title of this item.
8 Sept. Thursdays online, and 2 in-person meetings: Saturday, Sept. 6 and weekend of Nov. 7 - 9
The application deadline has passed; waitlisted applicants will be notified if space opens.
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.
This tour will visit the Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (PFWS) in Lowell, MA. PFWS is a collaboration between Lowell Parks & Conservation, Mass Audubon, and Mill City Grows. Participants will get to walk the 22-acre former Christmas tree farm and see the implementation of community-based visioning and planning, including recently completed All Persons Trail and an outdoor classroom under construction.
Nature-based Solutions provide many co-benefits, such as increasing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, soil health, air/water quality, and much more. This field trip will include a bus tour of Devens to see first-hand some of the nature-based solutions that have been implemented. Tour stops will include low-impact development (LID) stormwater systems, pocket forests, stream daylighting and restoration, and pollinator meadow installations. This tour will be useful for community and land trust representatives to learn tips for collaboration, incentives for mitigation and restoration projects, and examples of successful nature-based climate resilience projects.
When a truly “special” landscape comes along, it can feel like both an outstanding opportunity and a daunting challenge. In 2021, such a place was gifted to Kestrel by an artist and psychiatrist who spent 40 years stewarding 150 acres - including a 900-foot traverse of a gorgeous bog -, establishing recreational trails and installing sculptures near his house. Come explore this special place with Kestrel's leadership staff to discuss the “how’s” of converting private trails to public use while retaining the distinctive personal imprint that makes a place feel exceptional.
