eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| December 18 2024, Volume 22, Number 12 |
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Drone image overlooking Westport Woods
150 Acres Preserved in the Westport River Watershed
The Sodom Road Conservation Project stands as one of the Westport Land Conservation Trust’s (WLCT) largest single acquisition efforts. This protected area includes farmland, forested land, and publicly accessible spaces, including miles of watershed leading to the Westport River. Recognized as a critical habitat by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, these lands are vital to Westport’s biodiversity. WLCT collaborated with numerous conservation partners and individual supporters to bring this project to fruition, with additional support from a grant provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The Trustees, a key conservation partner, will hold a restriction on the properties, ensuring their protection in perpetuity. In the coming months, WLCT will be evaluating the conserved land for new trails. Learn more.
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Consider supporting MLTC's efforts to inform, connect, and advocate for the Massachusetts land conservation community. Your donation of any amount is appreciated! |
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| I enjoyed an early winter walk at The Land Preservation Society of Norton's Woodward Forest. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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Thank You for Attending MLTC’s December Conservation Partners Meeting!
We were happy to see 103 virtual attendees at the Conservation Partners Meeting on Zoom, held Friday, December 13th. Thank you to Kurt Gaertner and Bob Wilber for providing updates on the Agriculture Preservation Restriction (APR) Program and Farmland Action Plan, as well as sharing a progress report on the CR review process and 2024 Conservation Land Tax Credit projects. We enjoyed hearing from Bob Wilber, Darya Mattes, and Tim Calabrese about next steps for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Grants awarded to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmnetal Affairs and Mass Audubon. Thanks to Emily Myron for presenting an overview of 2025-2026 legislative priorities. View materials from the meeting here.
Timely Policy Updates for New England Land Trusts Thursday January 9, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Join the Land Trust Alliance for a timely policy update addressing critical developments affecting land trusts. With a new Congress and administration, in addition to recent IRS updates to Treasury regulations, there's a lot to unpack. Hear the latest insights from Lori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations, and Diana Norris, Conservation Defense Network and Tax Manager, and get your questions answered. Register.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday January 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The focus of this quarter's call will be a look back on 2024 fundraising successes & challenges, and to share plans for 2025. We'll also confirm interest in meeting in person over lunch at the Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 21 at UMass Amherst. This call is part of MLTC's Stronger Together program. It will not be recorded. Register.
Climate-Informed Land Stewardship Series
Thursdays January 16 (4:00 - 5:00 pm), January 23 (3:30 - 4:30 pm), and January 30 (4:00 - 5:00 pm), via Zoom
This three-part series will provide information, tools, and peer support to help land trusts understand how they could manage lands under their direct stewardship in ways that mitigate and/or adapt to current and projected climate change impacts. The goal is to provide examples and tangible, manageable suggestions to build confidence to tackle the challenge. Cost for the whole series: $20 per organization for MLTC members, $35 per organization for non-members. Organizations may send multiple staff or board members for a single registration fee. Learn more. Register.
Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Zoom Wednesday January 29, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
The focus for the second meeting of this popular Land Protection networking group will be how organizations onboard and train new land conservation staff. This call is a forum for staff and Board members of land conservation organizations to learn from each other. Conversation is fluid, so other topics of mutual interest may also be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series. This call will not be recorded. Register.
Quarterly Zoom for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs) Thursday February 20, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The focus topic of this call will be "Stewardship Management & Recordkeeping Tools". Share your experiences and/or bring questions for your AVLT colleagues. Last quarter's call on Databases was especially engaging, so join us this month for another "tech" talk. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Register.
Tax Benefits for Land Protection: A Primer for Land Trusts Thursday February 27, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Land protection staff should possess a good working knowledge of the various potential tax benefits associated with various types of land acquisitions. We cannot give legal or tax advice, but we can introduce landowners to these concepts and potential strategies. Most landowners want to preserve their property because they love it…but tax breaks are a great incentive to get them to follow through. In this one-hour Zoom session we will touch on potential tax savings at the local, state and federal levels. We will also provide an interactive tax worksheet as a takeaway for attendees to use on their own. Q. If you are a low income landowner with a high value property, what is the best way to donate it and maximize tax benefits? If you know how these tax benefits all work together, you will know the right answer. The workshop will be led by Rob Warren and Mark Robinson who have more than 80 years in combined experience working with hundreds of landowners. Register.
2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst, Amherst MA Registration opens January
The annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference draws staff and volunteers from over 100 land trusts in the state, along with key partners from government, business and allied non-profit organizations, making it one of the largest conferences of its kind in the nation. The conference agenda features a keynote plenary session and 27 workshops, covering a diverse range of land conservation topics—from timely guidance on land stewardship to strategies for identifying and conserving climate-resilient landscapes. It's a unique opportunity for participants from all levels of experience, from students to seasoned professionals. Learn more.
Still Time to 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.
Nominations Open for MLTC’s Board and Committees
Are you interested in being a volunteer leader working to advance land conservation across Massachusetts? MLTC is seeking nominations for volunteers to serve on its Board of Trustees, or as non-governing members of its Public Policy, Finance, Development, or Governance Committees. We’re looking for folks with skills, experience, time and energy to help advance MLTC’s Strategic Plan. Board members are elected to 3-year terms at MLTC’s annual meeting each June. Committee members can join at any point during the year, and are asked to make a minimum of a one-year commitment. If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, please reach out to Robb Johnson at robb@massland.org.
MLTC's Annual Report
We released our FY24 annual report, including a summary of our financial statements and list of supporters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful year! Help Us Help You
If you’ve enjoyed our programs or utilized our online resources this year, please consider making a year-end gift today to support our efforts for the coming year.
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Open Space Act (“PLPA”) Implementation
EEA has posted draft regulations to govern implementation of An Act to preserve open space in the Commonwealth (commonly referred to as the Public Lands Preservation Act, or "PLPA"). Comments are due by 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Click here to access the draft regulations and find additional information about the Open Space Act. EEA maintains a website with information of importance to any community facing proposed diversion of public parks and conservation land to another use. It includes Guidance, Frequently Asked Questions, and a Portal for submission of materials related to proposed conversions of protected open space and a Tracker that provides much-needed transparency regarding the status of pending Article 97 actions.
Economic Development Bill
On November 20, Governor Healey signed H.4804, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts' economic leadership. Among many other economic development provisions, it includes transformative investments in climate tech, through a ten-year initiative to catalyze the development of technology to address the climate crisis. It also includes new authorization allowing the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to directly acquire farmland for preservation. While details of how this will be implemented are pending, this should expand MDAR’s ability to protect farmland through strategies such as “Buy - Protect - Sell”, whereby the state could acquire threatened farmland and sell it to a new farmer subject to an Agricultural Preservation Restriction. Our colleagues at MACC advise all Conservation Commissions to be aware that the bill also includes provisions on Line 4509, allowing new 2-year extensions on permits issued from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2025. DEP is reportedly in the process of developing clarifying guidance, but in the meantime additional information is provided in this summary by Nathaniel Stevens, Esq. from McGregor Legere & Stevens PC.
Support the Extension of the Farm Bill
Congress is currently debating an extension to the Farm Bill that may include disaster relief for producers affected by hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters, as well as economic assistance to farmers. There is bipartisan support for incorporating the remaining Farm Bill conservation title Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding into this extension. Totaling approximately $13 billion, this money would help protect funding while also increasing baseline funding going forward. MLTC encourages you to reach out to your Congressional Representatives ASAP and ask that they urge leadership to include the remaining conservation funding from the IRA in any extension of the Farm Bill. Please also consider leaving a comment on this matter to Senator Elizabeth Warren here and Senator Ed Markey here.
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Key Changes for Massachusetts Nonprofits
The economic development bill signed by Governor Healey on November 20 included two provisions of relevance to all Massachusetts non-profit organizations. The first raised thresholds for required annual filings. Now, organizations that have gross support and revenue of more than $500,000 in a fiscal year (compared to $200,000 previously) must submit financial statements to the state that have been reviewed by an independent certified public accountant (CPA). Meanwhile, organizations with gross support and revenue that exceeds $1,000,0000 (compared to $500,000 previously) must submit financial statements that have been audited by an independent CPA. Under a separate provision, nonprofit board members may now receive a stipend up to $500 for their time and efforts related to board service without losing state statutory civil liability protections. Previously, if a nonprofit board member received compensation, they would not be entitled to the personal civil liability protections afforded by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 231 Section 85W. Read more.
State Awards Over $5 Million for the Protection of Forest Reserves
On December 5, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5 million in grants that will support conservation of 1,424 acres. Eight land trusts were awarded grants through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) new Acquisitions for Forest Reserves Grant Program. The grant program was created in conjunction with the Commonwealth’s Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative, which aims to designate 10 percent of Massachusetts forests as reserves, where active management is limited and natural processes are allowed to play out. Land trusts awarded funding under the program include: Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Bourne Conservation Trust, Hilltown Land Trust, Kestrel Land Trust, Mass Audubon, Metacomet Land Trust, Native Land Conservancy, and Trustees of Reservations. Read more.
Updates to the Massachusetts Endangered Species List
MassWildlife has updated the list of plants and animals protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) following a review process. This year, 22 species were added to the list, one plant was delisted, and the status of two plants was revised. View latest MESA list changes. |
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NEW! OpenStreetMap Trail Mapping for Responsible Recreation Thursday December 19, 1:00 - 2:00 pm This webinar, hosted by American Trails, will explore the technical aspects of the Trails Stewardship Initiative. Participants will gain insight into user-friendly tools that can help keep trails updated in popular recreation apps. Learn more and register.
Timely Policy Updates for New England Land Trusts Thursday January 9, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. Basic Risk Management: Insurance 101
Thursday January 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Meghan Mullee, first vice president of Alliant Insurance Services, will provide a crash course on the basics of insurance coverage. Learn practical pointers on how to get the most out of your insurance coverage. Learn more and register.
NEW! Staying Accredited: A Renewal of Accreditation Primer, East
Monday January 13, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Sarah Naperala, consultant, will provide a primer for land trusts on renewing their LTA accreditation After guiding her land trust through applying for both first time and renewal of accreditation, Sarah now helps others succeed in doing so. Learn more and register. Farm Business Planning Course Tuesdays January 14 - March 4, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
This beginner-friendly eight-week course is hosted by Tufts University in partnership with USDA and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. Participants will be guided on how to develop a written farm business plan that covers all the essential elements—from setting a vision and budget to crafting a marketing strategy and growth timeline. The course will also cover topics such as USDA resources and programs, operations and risk management, land access, and more. Learn more and register. Email Ben Zoba at benjamin.zoba@tufts.edu with questions.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday January 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Celebrate Trails Day: An Overview of the Celebration and Ways to Engage
Thursday January 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Rails to Trails (RTC) will provide an overview of Celebrate Trails Day, discuss ways to get involved, highlight the tools and resources RTC offers to support planning, promotion, and participation in the celebration, and address any questions. Learn more and register. Climate-Informed Land Stewardship Series
Thursdays January 16 (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.), January 23 (3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.), and January 30 (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. Conservation in Action Certificate Program Tuesdays January 21- April 8, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Mass Audubon has introduced a new Conservation in Action Certificate Program, which offers insights into local land protection and habitat restoration initiatives. Participants will explore conservation challenges and learn effective strategies for advancing conservation policy. Learn more and register. NEW! Expert Tips on Current Trends: Nonprofit Tech Round Table
Wednesday January 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Join senior experts from Community IT for a discussion of all things nonprofit tech for 2025. This presentation is appropriate for an audience of varied IT experience. Community IT is proudly vendor-agnostic and their webinars are never a sales pitch. Learn more and register. Advanced Risk Management: Land Division Legal Challenges Thursday January 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This talk is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Mike Okma, manager of easement stewardship at the accredited Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and Sarah Sheeran, stewardship director at the accredited Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, will share strategies for addressing and resolving easement violations. Learn more and register.
Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Zoom Wednesday January 29, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. Quarterly Zoom for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs)
Thursday February 20, 2:00 - 3:30 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
Tax Benefits for Land Protection: A Primer for Land Trusts Thursday February 27, 4:00 - 5:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2025 Wednesday January 1, 6:45 am - 3:00 pm, Various locations across Cape Cod
Hosted by Barnstable Land Trust and supported by fifteen local conservation organizations, First Day Hikes Cape Cod is designed to encourage people to get outdoors with free guided walks and activities to explore the region's parks, trails, and natural resources. There are multiple events throughout the day including sunrise hikes, nature walks, educational programs, a photography excursion, a geocaching training course, bonfires, family events, and more. Learn more.
NEW! Monthly Tracking Meetup
Saturday January 11, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, locations vary throughout the western MA/capital region
Black and Wild hosts a free monthly tracking group for sharing and pooling knowledge about wildlife behavior, animal foot morphology, reading the landscape, and more. This space is intended for those that identify along the BIPOC spectrum and both BIPOC & non-BIPOC folks that identify along the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Learn more and register.
Basic Chainsaw Skills for Trails Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
This training, hosted by Wildlands Trust, will cover essential chainsaw safety, operation, and equipment maintenance. Participants will acquire foundational skills for managing tree-related challenges on trails. Day one will focus on Game of Logging Level 1, while day two will emphasize techniques for storm damage cleanup. Learn more and register.
NEW! Wilderness First Aid and CPR
Saturday February 8 and Sunday February 9, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Wildlands Trust is hosting SOLO School for a 2-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR course. The WFA course focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Participants who complete the course will receive a SOLO WFA and CPR certification, which is good for two years. Learn more and register.
MACC 2025 Annual Environmental Conference Saturday March 1, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA
Join conservation commissioners and agents, environmental officials, consultants, attorneys, students, activists, and others at Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commission’s Annual Environmental Conference. Learn more. 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, in-person at UMass Amherst, Amherst MA Registration opens January See details under MLTC News, above.
NEW! Save The Date: Mass ECAN Conference Thursday May 1, time TBD, Clark University, Worcester MA
The theme for the 2025 Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) Conference is Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions. Save the date and learn more. |
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
Walmart Spark Good Grants Application deadline: Tuesday December 31
These Walmart Foundation grants provide funding from $250 to $5,000 to support initiatives that address the specific needs of the communities served by Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers. Learn more and apply. T-Mobile Hometown Grants Application deadline: Tuesday December 31
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support communities with a population of less than 50,000. Hometown Grants fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds, or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding. Learn more and apply.
Cornell Land Trust Small Grants 2025 RFP opens first week of January
Application deadline: Saturday March 1, 11:59 pm
The Cornell Lab's Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative supports and amplifies bird conservation and land stewardship on private lands through its annual grant program. Approximately $260,000 total funding will be available to support up to 14 projects. Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $25,000. Email Sara Barker at sb65@cornell.edu with questions. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF)
Info sessions (registration not required): Monday January 7, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Link.
Thursday January 16, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Link.
Monday January 27, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Link. Application deadline: Friday March 14
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) is offering funding to municipalities and nonprofits to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, historical structure reporting, construction and restoration activities, and acquisition projects. This is a 50% reimbursable matching grant program. Applicants must be able to document a 75% share of the project cost in order to cover temporary cash flow. Learn more and apply.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (LWCF) Application deadline: Thursday January 9, 3:00 pm
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program provides financial assistance to municipalities and the state’s Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Grant amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $1,000,000. Eligible projects include the acquisition of parkland, the development of new parks, renovations to existing parks, the creation of trails within established conservation or recreation areas, and the acquisition of conservation land. Email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to RSVP to attend an info session. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program
Info session: Monday January 13, 1:00 pm Application Deadline: Friday March 7, 3:00 pm
These grants provide financial assistance for the purchase of land in existing Department of Environmental Protection approved drinking water supply protection areas, or land in estimated protection areas of identified and planned future water supply wells or reservoirs. Grants of up to $350,000 are available this grant round. Learn more and apply. Email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov by Friday, January 10 to register for the info session.
Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program Application deadline: Monday January 13, 2025
Three project types will be accepted: 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 project proposal 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.
Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program Application deadline: Monday January 13
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is allocating a total of $600,000 to Native American Tribes, local governments, and conservation non-profit organizations. This funding is intended for projects that protect forestland from deforestation while providing community benefits such as public recreation, environmental and economic advantages, and educational programs focused on forestry. Email Neal Bungard at neal.bungard@usda.gov with questions. Learn more.
NEW! Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grants
Info session: Wednesday January 15, 12:00 - 1:30 pm. Register. Application deadline: Friday February 7
The Nature Conservancy is accepting applications for the FY25 Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program (RCAGP). This program offers funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, federally recognized Tribes, and other partners based in the Appalachian region, with a focus on protecting and conserving this area. Learn more and apply.
Farm-Pass: Farm Transfer Planning Assistance Program
Application deadline: rolling, but must be received by Wednesday January 15th for a March start date, or Tuesday April 15th for a June start date.
Note: Please do not apply through CommBuys, but 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 owning and managing 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.
Landscape Partnership Grants Info session: Tuesday January 28, 2:00 pm
Application deadline: Thursday April 3, 3:00 pm
These grants support efforts to protect large areas of conservation land. Maximum grant award is $1.25 million. Awarded applicants must document the use of funds, or contributions from other sources comprising at least 50% of total project cost. Local, state and federal government agencies, and non-profit groups can use this grant to work together to protect properties that meet the minimum acreage required based on county. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the info session. Learn more and apply. Email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to register for the info session.
NEW! MassTrails Grant Application deadline: Monday February 3
MassTrails provides grants to support recreational trail and shared-use pathway projects across the Commonwealth. The award maximum depends on the project type and needs and is generally $100,000 for recreational trails projects and up to $500,000 for shared-use path projects demonstrating critical network connections of regional or statewide significance. Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared-use pathways, and the amenities that support trails. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants
Application deadline: Monday February 10, 11:59 pm
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is providing up to $75 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support projects that reopen migratory pathways and restore access to healthy habitat for fish around the country. Selected projects will assist in sustaining our nation’s fisheries and contributing to the recovery of threatened and endangered species. They may also provide community and economic benefits, such as jobs and climate resilience. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants
Application deadline: Thursday February 27, 11:59 pm
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is providing up to $20 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support fish passage projects and tribal capacity building. This funding will support U.S. federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and tribal organizations. Selected projects may also provide community and economic benefits, such as enhancing climate resilience by removing or improving aging infrastructure. Learn more and apply.
Land Conservation Assistance Program Application deadline: Friday April 11
This new state grant program offers funding to assist with completing land protection projects, including preparing grant applications, completing land transaction tasks, developing or updating a municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan, or planning for the development or renovation of a park. Learn more and apply.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis 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, 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.
The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund
Applications accepted on a rolling basis; an inquiry must be submitted 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. Applicants should contact the Land Conservancy Fund committee at landconservancy@tu.org 60 days prior to submitting an application. Learn more.
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.
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Resources and Opportunities |
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NEW! Pesticide Board Open Seats
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking applications for three open seats on the Pesticide Board. The Pesticide Board is established under M.G.L.c. 132B, Section 3 and its role is to advise the MDAR Commissioner with respect to the implementation and administration of the Pesticide Program and approve any regulatory changes made to 333 CMR. During the meetings, MDAR provides updates on the pesticide program, the Pesticide Advisory Councils provide updates on topics of concern, and the members discuss and hear about issues related to pesticides. Learn more and apply. Email Taryn LaScola at taryn.lascola@mass.gov with questions.
NEW! The Power of Land Conservation to Address Climate Change
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) published a report, titled The Power of Land Conservation to Address Climate Change, which synthesizes research to highlight land conservation as a critical strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience to climate change. The report serves as a toolkit for NGOs, landowners, agencies, and municipalities to secure increased funding and drive policy to cultivate healthy and resilient communities. Read the report.
NEW! Humanity for Habitat: Residential Yards as an Opportunity for Biodiversity Conservation
This publication explores how private residential yards contribute to biodiversity conservation. The article emphasizes that urban and suburban residential spaces, often seen as isolated from natural ecosystems, can play a significant role in supporting wildlife and promoting environmental sustainability. Read the publication.
NEW! American Trails Webinar Archive
Visit the American Trails webinar archive to access past webinar recordings and stay informed about upcoming virtual events. Learn more.
NEW! Boldly Mapping: Leveraging NASA Missions in ArcGis for Invasive Species Challenges
ESRI and the Natural Areas Association hosted a webinar focused on utilizing satellite and sensor data for effective invasive species management. Watch the recording.
UAP’s Winter 2024-2025 Program Schedule
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities. The winter season runs November through March. View schedule. |
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