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

The ECCN mentorship program aims to foster opportunities for professional development and network-building in the Massachusetts land conservation field through regular, structured meetings between new and experienced professionals. The program was revamped in Fall 2024, when 5-7 mentor-mentee pairs were matched based on interest areas, mentorship needs, location, and other factors. 

2025/2026 program
Guidelines
The deadline for the 2025/2026 year has passed. Thanks to all who submitted an application. We're looking forward to another great cohort!
For questions, contact Olivia Barksdale or Thomas Patti.

Upcoming Events

  • Oct16

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    ECCN: Fall Foliage Hike in the Berkshires

    Basin Pond Reserve, Lee MA Meeting place provided to registrants

    Join the Early Conservation Career Network for a casual hike among the beautiful fall colors that bring thousands of tourists to the Berkshires every year. We'll start by meeting in downtown Lee and eating our meals (sandwiches or salads from Loeb's Foodtown) at the nearby park. Then, we'll head to Basin Pond Reserve, owned by Berkshire Natural Resources Council, for a hike around its 2.5-mile loop trail through boulder fields and under beautiful mixed forest canopy. A viewing platform offers a scenic vista of the pond, beaver lodges and dams, and a historic (human-made) dam.

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