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 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  ~  role open: ECCN Vice President  ~  Thomas Patti, Wildlands Trust, ECCN Communications Coordinator  ~  role open: ECCN Events Coordinator  ~  Robin Austin (bio), Lincoln Institute of Land Policy  ~  Olivia Barksdale, Town of Acton  ~  Alex Bates, Town of Eastham  ~  Mary Doucette, Buzzards Bay Coalition  ~  Rae Ettenger, Appalachian Mountain Club  ~  Rebecca Smalley, Essex County Greenbelt

Mentorship Opportunity for Mentees and Mentors

ECCN is piloting a revamped mentorship program in Fall 2024, which 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. For the 2024-2025 pilot year, program coordinators will match 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. Deadline for this year's cohort is Friday, September 20. For questions, contact Olivia Barksdale or Thomas Patti.

Upcoming Events

  • Oct18

    -

    ECCN Overnight at Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center

    Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center 549 Mast Road, Plymouth, MA

    This event is an opportunity to join other early conservation career professionals for networking and fun! Arrival time is between 4:30 - 5:30 pm on Friday, we will have dinner and other nighttime activities. Saturday will include breakfast at 9:00 am and a group hike from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Checkout time on Saturday is 12:00 pm.

    Overnight lodging options include tent camping or staying in bunk rooms in the Stewardship Center.