Early Conservation Career Network

The Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) (formerly Young Land Professionals) is an interest group of MLTC. ECCN was formed in 2017 to provide networking and training opportunities for those in their first 10 years of a career in land conservation. Currently, ECCN has over 150 members from a wide range of land trusts and state agencies. An organizing committee works to move initiatives forward.

We hope you'll join ECCN! You’ll be added to our email list where you’ll receive information about upcoming events and opportunities. Please email admin@massland.org to sign up.

Organizing Committee Members:
Mariah Fogg (bio), Land Trust Alliance, ECCN President  ~  Olivia Barksdale, Town of Acton (bio), ECCN Vice President  ~  Thomas Patti, Wildlands Trust (bio), ECCN Communications Coordinator ~  Alex Bates, Town of Eastham  ~  Robin Beckham (nee Austin), Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (bio)  ~  Mary Doucette, Buzzards Bay Coalition (bio)  ~  Julia Fitzpatrick, Greenbelt (bio)  ~  Jane Maloney, Sudbury Valley Trustees (bio)  ~  Johnny Robinson, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bio)

Mentorship Opportunity for Mentees and Mentors

ECCN piloted a revamped mentorship program in Fall 2024, which aimed to foster opportunities for professional development and network-building in the Massachusetts land conservation field through regular, structured meetings between new and experienced professionals. For the 2024-2025 pilot year, program coordinators matched 5-7 mentor-mentee pairs based on interest areas, mentorship needs, location, and other factors. Guidelines. FAQs. Apply for the program here: Mentee survey & Mentor survey. The 2025/2026 application and deadline has not yet been determined. For questions, contact Olivia Barksdale or Thomas Patti.

Upcoming Events

  • Jun27

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    Bog & Beach Field Trip (ECCN)

    Meet at the 300 Committee’s office Falmouth

    After a picnic lunch at the 300 Committee's new headquarters in Falmouth, we'll head to the Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail, which loops around a restored cranberry bog - now a wetland habitat - where Betsy Gladfelter, a member of Falmouth’s Conservation Commission, will tell us how the restoration project developed. We'll then make a trip to Woodneck Beach for beach activities, and to learn about the 300 Committee's erosion control efforts from Will Poirier, Director of Stewardship. Both the 300 Committee office and the trails at the Lower Coonamessett Restoration area are accessible for all. Limited to 20 people. Registration is required so we can order lunch in advance.  

    Register

We're planning more outings and events - stay tuned!

View Previous ECCN Events >>