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)  ~  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

  • Mar12

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    ECCN Annual Pre-Land Conservation Conference Gathering

    Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton MA

    Join fellow Early Conservation Career Network members for an evening of learning and networking before the 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference! At Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary attendees will hear Mark Wamsley, Conservation Director of Kestrel Land Trust, discuss an affordable housing and conservation project (more details to come). Afterward, there will be an opportunity to walk on the trails before gathering at Treehouse Brewing Company to network, eat, and enjoy beverages between. Pizza will be provided. Feel free to stop by for any portion of the event or attend in full!

    Register

  • Apr3

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    ECCN Eliminating Overwhelm Lunch & Learn

    Zoom

    Join ECCN for a virtual self-care lunch & learn focused on mindfulness and stress management for conservationists. The session will be facilitated by Dominique Daye Hunter—an Afro-Indigenous (Yesáh) storyteller, speaker, author, and environmental and social justice advocate—who weaves mindfulness and healing into her work. The program will include guided mindfulness, storytelling-based insights on preventing burnout and managing stress, and time for Q&A. We’re excited to offer this session and hope you’ll join us—if you register, please plan to attend so we can make the most of this opportunity together.

    Register

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

View Previous ECCN Events >>