eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community

August 20 2024, Volume 22, Number 8

Member Spotlight

Lavallee land seen across from Peter Pond

Dudley Conservation Land Trust Expands by 56 Acres

This spring the Dudley Conservation Land Trust (DCLT) expanded its protected lands by acquiring a 56-acre parcel from Richard Lavallee. This pristine, heavily wooded area adjoins existing DCLT properties and features over 1,900 feet of largely undeveloped frontage along Peter Pond. The DCLT intends to leave the land in its natural condition with a trail leading to the pond. With this new addition, the DCLT has conserved more than 200 acres in the Slater Woods area, a state-designated Priority Core Habitat within the towns of Dudley and Oxford. When combined with the adjacent 150 acres managed by Mass Audubon, the total protected land in Slater Woods exceeds 350 acres. “We are grateful to the legacies of Chet Kulisa and Nancy Vajcovec for making this acquisition possible, and to the Lavallee family for providing the opportunity. It's an honor to give folks a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a scale that can’t be found in any other part of our community," said Keith Kirkland, DCLT President. In 2025, DCLT anticipates conserving an additional 230 acres within Slater woods. Learn more about Dudley Conservation Land Trust here.

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MLTC News and Programs

I enjoyed an evening walk to see Art on the Trails 2024 at Southborough Open Land Foundation’s Beals Preserve.

#OurMassLandTrusts

Quarterly Networking Call for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs)

Tuesday August 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, via Zoom

Two entwined topics for discussion at this quarter's call include organizational transition and sustainability, and recruiting and accommodating new Board members from younger generations. This call is a forum for AVLTs to learn from each other and tackle their unique challenges. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Register.

Early Conservation Career Network Social Coffee and Hike

Friday August 23, 9:00 - 10:30 am, location: Kestrel Land Trust, 37 Bay Rd, Amherst MA.

Join conservation colleagues for coffee/tea, a light breakfast, and a short hike. Enjoy casual conversation with other professionals in the land conservation community while sipping a morning beverage and taking in the view at Kestrel Land Trust's beautiful headquarters in South Amherst. Then, weather permitting, take a short hike together around the Plum Brook Pond and Sweet Alice Conservation Area. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Register.

Development Staff Quarterly Networking Call

Wednesday September 11, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, via Zoom

This call’s focus will be best practices for year-end fundraising. As discussions often branch out to related topics, bring questions for your development colleagues, and feel free to share your successful programs. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Register.

Land Trusts and the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan

Wednesday September 18, 12:00 – 1:30 pm, via Zoom

MLTC and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) host this online discussion with land trusts about the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan. The 2023 Plan is a long-range strategic initiative to ensure that farmland and farming are available and viable for current and future generations. Implementation is shared among many partners, including many outside state government, and land trusts are a key partner! A short overview of the plan focusing on sections relevant for land trusts will be followed by facilitated discussion for land trusts to explore how they can be involved. Register here. This call will be recorded. For more information, contact Katharine Otto Katharine.s.otto@mass.gov.

MLTC Conservation Partners Meeting

Friday September 20, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, In-person at MassWildlife headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, and via Zoom.

Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and this month’s featured topic: Article 97 and implementation of the Public Lands Protection Act. A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants. Register (only if attending virtually).

Massachusetts State Dinner at Rally

Friday September 27, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain Street, Providence RI.

Whether or not you're attending the Land Trust Alliance Rally in Providence, anyone with Massachusetts land conservation connections is invited to join our traditional Massachusetts State Dinner at Rally. We'll have a private room with a cash bar and buffet dinner. Our venue is right by the conference center, so even if you can't join us for dinner, stop by for a drink and say hello! Learn more and purchase tickets.

2024 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat

Wednesday October 16 (in person at Harvard Forest (HF), Fisher Museum, Petersham, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm)

Thursday October 17 (in person at Harvard Forest, Fisher Museum, Petersham AND via Zoom, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm). If attending via Zoom, pre-registration is required here.

Hosted by MLTC and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, this annual event provides an opportunity to brainstorm and strategize on timely land conservation issues while strengthening relations among conservation partners. Who should attend? Those willing to dig into discussion on this year's topics, which include:

- Coordinating Land & Habitat Management Across Sectors
- Long-Term Funding for Conservation
- Possible Improvements to State CR and Grant Programs.

When considering who from your organization will attend, please be mindful that our Wednesday venue has a maximum capacity of 90. Wednesday attendees are welcome to join Russ Cohen’s always-popular Conservation Trivia and early evening social time with overnighters. This meeting will not be recorded. Overnight lodging is available for up to 23 people, primarily in shared accommodation with two to three people per room. A few singles are available at an increased cost. Agenda. Register.

ECCN Overnight at Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center

Friday October 18, 4:30 pm - Saturday October 19, 12:00 pm, 549 Mast Road Plymouth, MA

This event is an opportunity to join other early conservation career professionals for networking and fun! Overnight lodging options include tent camping or staying in bunk rooms in the Stewardship Center. Camping will cost $10 per person, and the bunk room will cost $30 per person. ECCN will cover the costs of Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to earlyconservationcareernetwork@gmail.com. Learn more and register.

Apply for the ECCN Mentorship Pilot Program

To foster opportunities for continued learning, building connections, and professional development in the land conservation field, the Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) Committee of the Mass Land Trust Coalition is welcoming applications for the ECCN Mentorship Pilot Program! This is not an internship, but rather an informal and organic mentorship opportunity designed to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders in their field. Through this opportunity, 5-7 mentor and mentee matches will be established. Apply for the program here: Mentee Survey & Mentor Survey.

Save The Date: 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference

Friday March 21, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst

Call For Proposals (Workshops and Field Trips)

Applications due: Friday October 11

Workshops take place Friday, March 21, 9:30 am - 3:40 pm

Field trips take place Fridays or Saturdays April - October 2025, anywhere in Massachusetts.

View details and submit a proposal.

Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor!

A variety of sponsorship levels provide visibility for your organization to a live audience of nearly 500 – plus thousands more who see Conference publicity. Join us to show your organization's commitment to protecting our environment, habitats, and climate, and to support a great learning opportunity for the conservation community. View details.

New MLTC Grants Database

A new Grants Database is now live on MLTC’s website! This searchable resource provides information on grants available for various aspects of land conservation work in Massachusetts, including land acquisition, habitat management, education and outreach, and capacity building for organizations. Explore the database.

Renew Your Membership with MLTC!

Our FY25 membership drive is underway – thanks so much to many who have already responded! Consider renewing by September 15 to maximize the impact of your membership.

Connect With Us on Social Media!

Policy

FY25 State Operating Budget Adopted

On July 29, Governor Healey signed the $57.78 state operating budget for FY25. After some $11 million in line item vetoes, final funding for work under the Executive Office and Energy and Environmental Affairs totals just over $555 million, a bit under 1% of the overall budget. Despite the best efforts of many of you, MLTC’s top legislative priority – expanding the Conservation Land Tax Credit – was not part of the consensus budget that the legislature sent to the Governor. Details of the final enacted budget can be found by clicking through links on this page.

Session Ends with Unfinished Business

After a marathon 23-hour session, the two-year state legislative session came to a formal close on August 1st without action on several important bills, including a much anticipated climate bill addressing recommendations from Governor Healey’s Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting. Though House and Senate versions of the climate bill both include provisions to streamline the process for siting and permitting clean energy projects to help the state to meet its emissions reduction goals, significant differences in other provisions were not reconciled before the end of the session. While it is still possible for some laws to pass in informal sessions between now and the end of the year, this is a perilous path for controversial legislation given that passage can be stopped by an objection from any single legislator present. Bills requiring a roll call vote, including bond bills, can only be passed in formal sessions. The Governor has urged lawmakers to reconvene in a special formal session to pass the climate bill, as well as an Economic Development Bond Bill that failed to make it across the finish line. Lawmakers say that work on priority bills is ongoing and that they are interested in convening a special session, but details are thus far unknown.

News

MVP Grants Announced

On August 2nd, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $52.4 million in Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grants to advance climate resilience across Massachusetts. A total of 71 projects have been awarded grants, including 62 for municipalities, seven for regional planning agencies, and two for tribes. Grants supporting land acquisition included $3 million to the Town of Bridgewater, which is working with Wildlands Trust to preserve agricultural use of Hanson Farm; $1.8 million to the Town of Harwich, which is working with Harwich Conservation Trust to protection 8 acres at the headwaters of the Red River, improving the resilience of critical drinking water resources; and $1.62 million to the Town of Kingston, which is working with Wildlands Trust and Jones River Watershed Association to acquire a cranberry bog property in the Jones River floodplain. Read more.

2024 Conservation Restriction Stewardship Manual

The 2024 Massachusetts Conservation Restriction Stewardship Manual has been released by Mass Audubon. This essential handbook for land trusts and conservation commissions is a revised version of the 2006 edition. The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition was pleased to collaborate with the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions to support this update. The manual and supporting materials can be viewed and downloaded from the MLTC resource library.

DFG Releases 5-Year Strategic Plan

On August 16th, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) released a strategic plan to guide the agency’s work from 2025-2030. The plan establishes a unifying vision for the Department, focusing on solutions at the intersection of biodiversity, climate change, and environmental justice while advancing the priorities of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). Priorities include doubling the pace of land protection to an average of 6,000 acres per year; protecting, restoring and/or reconnecting 3,000 acres of floodplain habitat; designating 10-15% of DFG upland forests as forest reserves; and providing new public recreation opportunities near underserved and environmental justice communities. To explore the plan and timeline for implementation, see mass.gov/DFG-strategicplan.

Woodlands Partnership Grants Awarded

On August 2nd, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $550,000 in grants to towns and nonprofit organizations to support conservation and sustainable management of forest in Western Massachusetts through the Woodlands Partnership Program. Franklin Land Trust, New England Forestry Foundation and The Connecticut River Conservancy were among organizations receiving funding. Read more.

Webinars and eLearning

Quarterly Networking Call for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs)

Tuesday August 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, via Zoom

See details under MLTC News, above

MCAN’s Environmental Justice Speaker Series: Rev. Vernon Walker

Wednesday August 21, 7:00 pm

The Massachusetts Climate Action Network hosts this virtual event with Rev. Vernon K. Walker, Climate Justice Program Director at Clean Water Action Massachusetts. Rev. Walker’s social justice work has appeared in publications such as the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Bay State Banner, Commonwealth Magazine, and he has appeared on televised networks such as Fox 25, New England Cable News, CBS Boston, and more. Register.

The OpenStreetMap US Trails Stewardship Initiative

Thursday August 22, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

This webinar introduces the OpenStreetMap US Trail Stewardship Initiative, a collaboration of government, volunteer, and private sector stakeholders working to address issues in trail mapping, outdoor recreation, and public land management. Attend to hear the challenges, efforts, and successes of this new tool and the community collaboration behind it. Learn more and register.

NEW! Teaching Forest Owners about Carbon Incentives - Training Series

Registration deadline: Monday August 26

Mondays and Wednesdays August 26 - September 25, 8:30 - 9:30 am

The Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education program, a collaboration of 13 state extension offices and three USDA Climate Hubs, is offering this ten-part webinar series that will cover various aspects of climate change and education for those that work with forest landowners, including foresters and land trusts. Free of charge; $100 for those seeking forestry continuing education credits. Learn more and register.

NEW! Conserving Mature and Old-growth Forests in a Changing Climate

Thursdays August 29 - December 5 (except September 19, October 17, and November 28), 12:00 - 1:00 pm

The Yale Forest Forum and the Society of American Foresters are offering this webinar series for federal agency staff, private foresters, forestry researchers, and forest advocacy organizations. It aims to showcase diverse approaches and strategies for advancing discussions on mature and old-growth forest management. Attendees will learn from Agency leadership, experts representing Tribal Nations, university researchers, and non-profits exploring core challenges to this effort. Learn more and register.

Development Staff Quarterly Networking Call

Wednesday September 11, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, via Zoom

See details under MLTC News, above

Dam Busters 101: Monthly Lunchtime Webinar Series

Wednesday, September 11, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by DER, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and CRWA, this webinar will feature a dam expert and offer time for questions and discussion. The goal is to give municipal and non-profit dam removal project managers the knowledge they need to successfully manage and carry out a dam removal project. Register. View previous sessions.

NEW! Identifying Invasive Species Range Shifts: A Collaborative Tool Talk

Wednesday September 11, 4:00 pm, via Zoom

The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (NE RISCC) host this webinar, featuring panelists with experience creating or using conservation tools and frameworks analyzing invasive species range shifts across the region. The aim is to help attendees gain a clearer understanding of available tools, build connections in the climate adaptation science community, and shape future research and outreach activities. Learn more and register.

Land Trusts and the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan

Wednesday September 18, 12:00 – 1:30 pm, via Zoom

See details under MLTC News, above.

NEW! Conservation GIS Workshop Series

Thursdays (October 10 and 31, November 21, December 12), 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Wildlands Stewardship Training Center is partnering with Essex County Greenbelt to host a series of 4 virtual workshops in the fall of 2024 for those interested in building their conservation GIS skills. This workshop series is intended for beginner to intermediate GIS users who are looking to increase their skills. Topics will include GIS data and Cartography, Georeferencing & Data Creation, and Conservation & Climate Data Sources. Basic GIS skills are required for this workshop as well as an active ArcGIS license. This workshop series will be limited to 15 attendees. Apply. Learn more.

In-Person Events and Outings

Early Conservation Career Network Social Coffee and Hike

Friday August 23, 9:00 - 10:30 am, location: Kestrel Land Trust, 37 Bay Rd, Amherst MA.

See details under MLTC News, above.

Mass ECAN Easthampton Field Trip

Thursday September 5, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (rain date Thursday September 12)

Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network’s 2024 field trip series focuses on actions and nature-based solutions in response to inland flooding. Join this trip to explore green infrastructure projects in a residential setting and learn about community engagement and maintenance. Stay for an optional snack/networking time from 12:00-1:00 pm. Register.

NEW! Women’s Woodworking Workshop

Saturday September 14, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Stewardship Training Center, 549 Mast Road Plymouth MA.

Wildlands Trust’s Stewardship Programs Manager Zoë Smiarowski and volunteer Lenna Matthews are co-leading a training in carpentry skills, organized specifically for women and non-binary individuals. The goal of this class is to break down barriers and increase participants' comfort handling tools and using tools. Limited to 10 participants. Learn more and register.

NEW! Dam Busters 101: In-person Site Visit

Wednesday September 18, 12:00 -1:00 pm, 10 Plain St, Braintree MA.

This event is inspired by the content taught in the webinar series “Dam Busters 101” over the past year. The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration staff will guide you through the Monatiquot River and Armstrong Dam, providing a comprehensive overview of the dam removal process and river restoration efforts. Space is limited to 30 people. Learn more and register.

MLTC Conservation Partners Meeting

Friday September 20, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, In-person at MassWildlife headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, and via Zoom.

See details under MLTC News, above.

NEW! MACC 2025 Annual Environmental Conference

Workshop proposal deadline: Friday September 20, 11:59 pm

Saturday March 1, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA

The MACC is requesting workshop proposals for their 2025 Environmental Conference that are relevant to conservation commissions, environmental consultants, engineers, environmental advocates, etc. Learn more. Submit workshop proposal. Email Michele Girard at michele.girard@maccweb.org with questions.

Land Trust Rally in Providence RI

Conference dates: Wednesday September 25 - Saturday September 28, start times vary

Land Trust Alliance Rally is the national land conservation conference, providing an amazing opportunity for land conservationists to gather, learn, share ideas and inspire one another to build strong communities with open space, clean air and water, sustainable food sources and natural habitats. Rally moves around the country to highlight the diverse landscapes that land trusts work tirelessly to protect, and this year comes to our own backyard. 2024 Rally Schedule and registration info.

Massachusetts State Dinner at Rally

Friday September 27, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain Street, Providence RI.

See details under MLTC News, above.

NEW! Storm Damage Chainsaw Training

Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA.

Learn essential chainsaw techniques and felling principles to tackle storm damage. Bill Girard of Girard Hardwoods will teach everything from safety precautions to proper cutting methods. The first day will focus on the felling portion of Game of Logging's Level 1 course, and the second will focus on techniques for storm damage clean-up. Overnight lodging is available at the Stewardship Training Center in dorm-style bedrooms. Learn more and register.

Vermont Conservation Conference

Conference: Monday October 7, time TBD, location: Vermont State College, Randolph Campus

The conference aims to make space for the conservation community across Vermont to meet, share resources, and foster discussions regarding collaborative, strategic, and informed conservation work and planning. Topics will include: reconciliation, recognition, and restorative Justice for the Land, landscape-scale conservation, biodiversity, climate solutions, organizational capacity, communication & engagement, working lands, stewardship and restoration, and livable communities. Registration opens soon. Learn more.

2024 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat

Wednesday October 16 - Thursday, October 17, in person at Harvard Forest, Fisher Museum, Petersham AND via Zoom.

See details under MLTC News, above.

ECCN Overnight at Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center

Friday October 18, 4:30 pm - Saturday October 19, 12:00 pm, 549 Mast Road Plymouth, MA

See details under MLTC News, above.

Northeast Wildlife Trackers Annual Conference

Friday October 18 - Sunday October 20, start times vary, at Prindle Pond Conference Center, Charlton MA

The conference will consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts, all united by their enthusiastic interest in wildlife tracking. Attend to engage with students, hobbyists, and professionals from fields such as conservation, guiding, academic research, and education. Spend quality time with like-minded individuals, building and enriching a more cohesive Northeast wildlife tracking community. Learn more.

MACC Fall Conference

Registration opens in September

Saturday October 19, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Devens Common Center, Devens MA

MACC’s Annual Environmental Conference is a great opportunity to network with those working to protect wetlands, open space, and biological diversity across the state. Workshops will cover topics related to stormwater management, green infrastructure, floodplains & flooding, water quality issues, stream crossings, community engagement, and environmental justice. Learn more.

NEW! 2024 Massachusetts Town Forest Conference

Saturday October 19, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Stockbridge Town Offices, Stockbridge MA.

Cost free

The Town Forest Conference dates back to 1928 when the Massachusetts Forestry Association organized the first meeting of town forest committees in Boston. This annual gathering brings together a diverse group of foresters, planners, arborists, conservation commission members, land trusts, nonprofit organizations, forest landowners, and more. The conference highlights local efforts to enhance the climate resilience of our community forests and emphasizes the crucial role town forests and open spaces play in maintaining local ecosystems. Learn more. Register.

2024 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering

Thursday November 14, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, at UMass Amherst

This free, one-day conference will bring together conservation practitioners, professionals, and enthusiasts to support their work in advancing collaborative landscape conservation in the Northeast and beyond. The theme this year is Collaborating for Healthier Communities. To ensure everyone has a healthy future in which to thrive, discussions will include how conservation groups are meeting multiple objectives beyond natural resource protection and management – including public health and well-being, climate justice, and community resilience. Learn more.

Save The Date: 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference

Friday March 21, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst

See details under MLTC News, above.

Grants

For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.

Healthy Communities Grant Program

Info sessions:

Tuesday September 10, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Register

Wednesday October 2, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Register

Application deadline: Friday November 1, 11:59 pm

The Healthy Communities Grant Program is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s main grant program that works directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. The Program seeks proposals that assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks. EPA New England plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. Learn more and apply.

Supporting Underserved and Small-Acreage Forest Landowner Participation

Application deadline: Wednesday August 21
These grants, funded by the US Forest Service, support the participation of underserved or small-acreage forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Learn more and apply.

NEW! Landscape Scale Restoration Grant

Info session: Thursday August 29, 2:00 - 3:30 pm Register

Submit draft proposal: Friday September 27

Application deadline: Friday November 15, 6:00 pm

The U.S. Forest Service’s Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) competitive grant program funds collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes, leverages public and private resources, and supports State Forest Action Plans. Program outcomes include: Improve fish and wildlife habitat; improve water quality and watershed function; mitigate invasive plants, insect infestation, and disease; reduce wildfire risk; improve forest ecosystem health; and measure ecological and economic benefits. Learn more.

2024 Merrimack Conservation Partnership Grants

Application deadline: Friday August 30, 5:00 pm

The Merrimack Conservation Partnership (MCP) offers two grant programs:

Land Conservation Grant Program: underwrites transaction costs—appraisals, surveys, title research, staff time, etc.— for conservation transactions that protect land identified as a priority in the Merrimack Valley Regional Conservation Plan.

Environmental Science, Education and Outreach Grant Program: provides funding for environmental science, education and outreach activities related directly to the Merrimack River or its watershed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Funds can be used for activities such as youth or public environmental educational activities, development of outreach and educational materials, river clean ups, water quality testing and monitoring activities, and other related activities.

Projects must be located in these towns. For info contact Brian Hotz at bhotz@forestrysociety.org. Learn more and apply.

Piloting Rewards for Ecosystem Services (PRES) Grants

Application deadline: Friday September 6

This new program is administered by American Farmland Trust’s Western New England Regenerative Agriculture RCPP Project in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The program will compensate farmers for their contributions to carbon sequestration and emissions reductions, based on modeled emissions reductions associated with implementing agroforestry and conservation practices. Learn more and apply.

MassDEP’s Technical Assistance Grant Program

Application deadline: Friday September 6

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) allow community and citizens' groups to obtain expert assistance, increase public participation, and provide public education about disposal site assessment and cleanup activities. MassDEP anticipates that grant awards will be a maximum of $20,000 per applicant, with total potential funding of up to $200,000. Learn more and apply.

NEW! The MOOR Inclusive and Accessible Events Grants Program

Application deadline: Friday September 13, 5:00 pm

The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) will award grants of up to $10,000 to assist grassroots, local, and regional organizations in developing or expanding outdoor recreation events throughout the state. The grant program aims to engage, include and welcome new, historically excluded, historically marginalized, under-represented, diverse, and disadvantaged audiences in outdoor recreation activities and spaces. This grant opportunity targets outdoor recreation events that will occur before June 30, 2025, but welcomes applications for future events. Funding for events after June 2025 will be dependent on available resources. Learn more and apply.

New England Grassroots Environmental Fund Grow Grants

Application deadline: Tuesday September 17

Grow Grants will award up to $4,000 in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The program is geared toward groups that have some experience implementing a project in their community, and grants will enable groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes. Learn more and apply.

NEW! National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grants

Application deadline: Monday September 23

These grants, also known as the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage Program (AOP), aim to improve local infrastructure while supporting ecological and conservation efforts. Grant amounts are upwards of $50 million for meaningful projects that improve culverts and weirs and have significant ecological benefits. Priority will be given to projects that benefit species listed under the Endangered Species Act or those that have the potential to be listed. Learn more and apply.

NEW! Land Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program

Application deadline: Friday September 27, 3:00 pm

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) has released a grant opportunity aimed at enhancing the protection of forested lands through passive management. This initiative seeks to expand the state's forest reserve network by supporting the acquisition of lands where natural processes can proceed without timber harvesting or intensive management. Grants are available to municipalities, non-profit 501(c) organizations, and other eligible conservation organizations. The maximum award is 50% of the total eligible project cost up to $2,000,000. Applications must be emailed to Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov. Learn more.

New England Farmer-to-Farmer Soil Health Cohort Program

Applications open in September

The New England Climate and Agriculture team at American Farmland Trust is offering several 1-year peer-to-peer soil health planning programs for farmers of a range of scales and operation types. Courses run September 2024-September 2025, with most activities concentrated in the winter. Participants should expect to spend 10 hours per month on project activities in the winter and approximately 5 hours per month during the growing season. Most classes will take place virtually on Zoom. Participants will receive $2000 in financial assistance. Learn more. For info contact Caro Roszell at croszell@farmland.org.

NEW! Regional Restoration Partnership Grants

Applications open in September

The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is awarding Regional Restoration Partnership grants to non-profit organizations and Regional Planning Agencies to increase their capacity. This program aims to support collaborations between regional and local partners to launch and oversee aquatic restoration activities. Learn more. Email DER.Partnerships@mass.gov with questions.

The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund

Applications accepted on a rolling basis, applicants must submit inquiry 60 days prior to submitting full proposal

The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund is a matching grant program administered by the National Office of Trout Unlimited (TU) along with the Land Conservancy Work Group. It provides grants for land protection projects that result in conservation easements or land trust or agency acquisition of important properties that protect salmon habitat. Funds will be awarded to TU Chapters and Councils in partnership with land trusts and conservation agencies for coldwater fisheries protection. Applicants should contact the Land Conservancy Fund committee at landconservancy@tu.org 60 days prior to submitting an application. Learn more.

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants

Applications accepted on a rolling basis starting Tuesday October 1 until funding is exhausted

This program serves as a catalyst for new, creative programs and projects within 45 communities of the Heritage Area. Reimbursable matching grants are offered in support of the goals and objectives outlined in the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Management Plan and summarized as: Inclusive Storytelling; Education, Interpretation & Curation; Community Planning & Resource Conservation; Historic Preservation; and Regional Cultural Events. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $7,500. Discussion of your proposal with a grant specialist before applying is highly recommended. Learn more here and here.

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

Awarded on a rolling basis through November 21, 2024, these U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants will award up to approximately $2 billion to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. Eligible applicants are partnerships between two community-based non-profit organizations, and partnerships between such organizations and local governments or higher education institutions. Learn more and apply.

Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program

Application deadline: Monday January 13, 2025 (second round)

The Massachusetts Forest Legacy Program is accepting project proposals for Inflation Reduction Act funding. The three project types that will be accepted are: Large Landscape Projects (maximum request $50 million), State-Tribal Partnership Projects (maximum request $50 million), and Strategic Small-Tract Projects (maximum request $1.5 million). Each of these project proposals must be for land held in a single ownership that meets the FLP core-criteria as well as the special emphasis criteria. View the IRA Project Scoring Guidance for specific requirements for each project type. Email Lindsay Nystrom at lindsay.nystrom@mass.gov with questions. Learn more and apply.

Farm-Pass: Farm Transfer Planning Assistance Program

Application deadline: applications accepted on a rolling basis, but must be received by Wednesday January 15th, 2025 for March 2025 start date, or Tuesday April 15th, 2025 for a June 2025 start date.

Note: Please do not apply through CommBuys, please click “file attachments” to get the application. Completed applications must be mailed to MDAR.

MDAR’s new Farm-Pass program will provide direct assistance to help Massachusetts farm owners pass their farm on to the next generation. This service is targeted to owners who have already identified a successor – either within the family or not – who is interested in transitioning to own and manage a commercial farm business on the farm property in the near future. This is a year long, no-cost opportunity for farm owners, family members, and the identified successor to work one-on-one with an experienced, dedicated planner to create a customized farm transfer plan. Learn more and apply. Email Melissa Adams at Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov or Laura Barley at Laura.Barley@mass.gov with questions.

Solar Moonshot Program

This program helps non-profits afford the switch to clean energy. Grant priority is given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000, with amounts dependent on various factors. The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, and grants are funded by generous philanthropists and foundations. Contact solarmoonshot@hcs.foundation with any questions. Learn more and apply.

List of Federal Funding Opportunities

Compiled by Land Trust Alliance (LTA), this list of current federal conservation program funding opportunities for land trusts is organized by deadline date. For a complete list of funding, visit grants.gov.

Resources and Opportunities

2025 Land Trust Accreditation Lottery

Deadline: Monday September 9

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission will select up to 10 first-time applicants by lottery, with pre-applications due January 30, 2025 and applications due May 8, 2025. Learn more and enter.

NEW! Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center’s New Homepage

The Wildlands Trust released a new homepage for their Stewardship Training Center. The homepage features: separate pages for program and rental opportunities; a calendar for all STC programs; videos from Wildlands staff, program instructors, and participants; and digital content of the facilities and grounds. Explore the new homepage.

NEW! MassDEP Water Grants Virtual Workshop (Slides)

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Bureau of Water Resources, recently hosted a virtual workshop that provided an overview of funding opportunities to support water-related projects. View slides.

NEW! DCR Forester Mentorship Program

DCR Service Forestry is building a forester mentorship program designed to address the need for foresters in Massachusetts. The program hosts several tiers of experience designed to meet students where they are and outline paths to a forestry career, including job shadows, unpaid and paid internships, and seasonal roles. DCR is looking for foresters interested in serving as mentors, and land trusts or other organizations that could provide work experience in paid or unpaid internships. Email Elaine Wood at elaine.wood@mass.gov if you are interested.

NEW! Adaptation Actions for Northern Hardwood Forests

The USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub has published a new guide to support climate adaptation in northern hardwood forests. This guide offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating forest vulnerability and outlines appropriate management strategies based on assessed climate risks. Additionally, it includes case studies, primarily from Vermont, showcasing how various organizations have implemented measures to mitigate climate vulnerabilities in these forests. Learn more.

NEW! Indigenous Placemaking Along Trails

The Federal Government of Canada has recently introduced its new tourism growth strategy, Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every Day. A central focus of this strategy is to collaborate with Indigenous tourism organizations and Indigenous-owned businesses to expand Indigenous tourism. Trails, in particular, offer a unique opportunity to enhance Indigenous tourism experiences. Learn how indigenous operators are leveraging trails to showcase traditional cultural practices, ancient canoe routes, traditional culinary experiences, indigenous storytelling, along with many more. Watch webinar recording.

NEW! Exploring the Impact of Land Trusts on Local and Urban Communities

Using data from the Land Trust Alliance, Stanford researchers found that land trusts had a greater likelihood of impacting justice, equity, and access if they protect land in urban areas and prioritize community work over regional conservation. Their research, published in Biological Conservation, showed how local governments have set policies that promote equitable access to nature. Learn more.

NEW! From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up is a new quarterly publication by the Wildlands Woodlands Farmlands and Communities (WWF&C). It invites conversations at the intersection of conservation, climate, and communities in New England. View the most recent issue. Subscribe.

NEW! Invasive Earthworm Primer

The Northern Forests Climate Hub of the USDA has recently published a primer on earthworms, addressing growing concerns over the invasive Asian Jumping Worms. These non-native worms are damaging forests throughout Massachusetts by consuming the critical litter and duff layer. This destruction of organic material impairs forest regeneration and threatens the health of these ecosystems. Read the primer.

Jobs

Post your job openings on the MLTC self-serve Job Board ! Add one anytime.

NEW! Executive Director - North County Land Trust

Executive Director - Wareham Land Trust

Land Use Director - Town of Lenox

Programs Director - Williamstown Land Trust

NEW! Director of Land Stewardship - Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust

Director of Education and Public Programming - The Norcross Wildlife Foundation

Director of Advancement - Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Assistant Conservation Director - Town of Lexington, Department of Land Use, Housing, and Development

Assistant Director for Land and Habitat Conservation - MassWildlife

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager - Friends of Herring River