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 ~ Julia Fitzpatrick, Greenbelt (bio), ECCN Vice President ~ Thomas Patti, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (bio), ECCN Communications Coordinator ~ Robin Beckham, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (bio) ~ Olivia Houde, Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (bio) ~ Johnny Robinson, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bio) ~ Sam Rogers, Sudbury Valley Trustees (bio) ~ Amy Burt, Wildlands Trust (bio) ~ John Turvey, Greenbelt (bio)
Resources for Early Conservation Career Folks
Explore these training opportunities to build your skills, expand your network, and grow your career in conservation.
Upcoming Events
We're planning more outings and events - stay tuned!
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.
The 2026/2027 application deadline has passed. The program has begun, and runs from October 2026 through October 2027. Next year's application will be posted in late summer 2027.