eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community

June 19 2024, Volume 22, Number 6

Member Spotlight

EQLT's Patrill Hollow Preserve, Hardwick MA

East Quabbin Land Trust's Expanded Preserves

This year, East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) received substantial conservation contributions from dedicated landowners, with support from the Conservation Land Tax Credit. These contributions have enabled EQLT to expand three of their preserves in Hardwick. The Moose Brook Preserve, originally a gift of land from Jerry and Liz Reilly in 1999, has increased by twenty-two acres thanks to an additional gift from the Reillys. The preserve now stands at 147 acres of white pine woods, winding streams, and boulder fields. This expansion also protects the west side of the Moose Brook Preserve from future construction happening on a nearby road Intersection. Just South of Hardwick Center lies the Patrill Hollow Preserve, entrusted to EQLT by Hans and Ginna Thoma in 2006. The Preserve supports a variety of habitats including oak, white pine, red maple, and hemlock forest. A vernal pool is found along the Preserve’s northern boundary and a perennial stream flows through its red maple swamp. Thanks to Brett Russ and the Conservation Land Tax Credit Program, the parcel has expanded by 90 acres, bringing it to a total of 226 acres. Finally, Night Pasture is set to expand by 56 acres thanks to a conservation donation made by Lucinda Childs and Eric Vollheim. The addition will be known as the Upper Danforth Preserve, and features swamps interconnected with Danforth Brook, an off-site coldwater fisheries stream. The Upper Danforth Preserve will become official later this year. Unlike the Moose Brooke and Patrill Hollow preserves, this parcel will not feature walkable trails; it will solely be enjoyed by wildlife for decades to come. Learn more about East Quabbin Land Trust’s preserves here.

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MLTC News and Programs

I enjoyed a beautiful summer walk at Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust's Wilderness Conservation Area.

#OurMassLandTrusts

Thank You for Coming to MLTC’s June Conservation Partners Meeting!

We were happy to see 40 in-person and 50 virtual attendees at the Conservation Partners Meeting on Friday June 14th. Thank you to Tom O’Shea from the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game for reporting how the Commonwealth's biodiveristy goals can be further progressed by land trust efforts across Massachusetts. Thank you to Kurt Gaertner and Bob Wilber for presenting an update on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' initiatives and programs including the APR and Farmland Action Plan. Additionally, we enjoyed hearing from Jen Plowden on the successes of Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Programs and exciting LTA developments. View the agenda and materials from the meeting here.

Farmland Protection Tools in Massachusetts

Thursday June 20, 12:00 - 1:00 pm via Zoom (Date change - was June 19)

Massachusetts is losing farmland faster than we can save it, and land trusts can play a part in ensuring land remains available for future generations of farmers. There are many programs (and lots of funding) available to help protect farmland. Topics will include the case for protecting farmland in Massachusetts, MDAR Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, USDA-NRCS ACEP-ALE, general info about other resources for farmers (grants and programs offered by AFT, MDAR, USDA, and others), and opportunities for land trusts/conservation agencies to get involved in farmland protection. Sponsored by MLTC and free of charge. Register.

Small Staffed Land Trusts: Capacity Building and Staffing Challenges

Tuesday July 9, 1:00 - 2:00 pm via Zoom

Discussions may include: What does Capacity Building actually mean? Only in Operations, or also Stewardship, Land Acquisition, other? How are you solving the problem? Bring questions, Insights and suggestions to share with colleagues. Conversation in these calls has been fluid, so other topics of mutual interest may also be raised. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series for land trust staff and Board members. This call will not be recorded. Register.

Early Conservation Career Network Cold Brook Preserve Tour

Wednesday July 24, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Join the Early Conservation Career Network to tour a complex cranberry bog wetland system eco-restoration underway at the 66-acre Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in Harwich Port. The Harwich Conservation Trust and its municipal, state, and federal partners are restoring nearly a mile of stream and over 44 acres of adjacent wetland habitat, aiming to improve fish passage, habitat diversity, wetland function, water quality, and ecological resilience. The project will also provide enhanced visitor access, including a half-mile wheelchair accessible trail loop. After the tour there will be a social hour at Devil's Purse Brewing Co., South Dennis. Register.

Reports of Conference Attendee Lists Being Sold

MLTC has learned that some of you received an email offering to sell a list of Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference attendees. We have not yet confirmed whether this is a legitimate offer or a phishing scam, but assure you MTLC did not authorize distribution of the list. Unfortunately, upon researching the issue we have learned that Eventbrite, the registration vendor we used for the event, has fine print in their user agreement that may give them the right to distribute such lists. We sincerely apologize if your contact information was released in this way, and have decided we will no longer use Eventbrite for future events. We are in the process of confirming that our new registration vendor, QGiv, will not sell or distribute lists.

MLTC New and Improved Video Library

Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or an aspiring environmentalist, our Video Library serves as a gateway to a diverse array of land conservation topics, organized into playlists with titles including: “Land Protection Practices”, “Habitat Management”, “Landowner Outreach and Negotiation”, “Land Trusts and Climate Change”, and more.

Help Us Expand Our Service Provider Directory

In conjunction with the launch of our new website we are looking to expand our Service Provider Directory. If you are interested in being listed on our website in order to promote your services, we encourage you to fill out the Self-Submission Form. If you know someone that might be interested, please forward this link so they can consider signing themselves up for the directory. An improved and comprehensive service provider directory helps us to better serve you!

Get Ready to Renew your Membership with MLTC!

MLTC is launching its FY25 membership appeal soon. Keep an eye on your mailbox for a notice about what your next membership contribution will do for us in the next fiscal year!

Connect With Us on Social Media!

Policy

Urge Your Legislators to Expand the Conservation Land Trust Credit

MLTC’s top legislative priority is expanding the conservation land tax credit (CLTC). Though a bill that would do this was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Revenue, it will need a groundswell of support to pass before the two-year session ends July 31. Our best chance may be to pass it as part of FY25 State Operating Budget. The House supported CLTC expansion in its version of the budget, but the Senate did not, so the issue is among those being negotiated in a conference committee. MLTC joined many partners in a June 10th letter to the Conference Committee urging that they include it in the final budget. On May 24, WBUR ran an excellent radio story on the need for this legislation, which we encourage you to forward to your state legislators with a request that they support passage of this bill – via the budget or otherwise – before the end of this session.

Forests as Climate Solutions Work Plan

On June 10, the Healey-Driscoll administration released a work plan outlining strategies and a timeline to protect and manage forest lands while striving to address climate change impacts. The plan is in response to the recommendations of EEA’s Climate Forestry Committee (CFC) that were released earlier this year. Highlights include a plan to dedicate 10% of state forest land to permanent forest reserves by 2030, up from the current 3.5%. An expanded Forest Reserves Science Advisory Committee will now have oversight of reserves on state drinking water supply and MassWildlife lands in addition to DCR land. Going forward, the state will rely primarily on passive forest management, with less than 1% of state-owned forest land actively managed each year. The state will be more selective in actively managing invasive pests and diseases, allowing many areas to simply die, creating more snags and coarse woody debris. The plan does not include a conclusive response to the CFC’s recommendation to reduce MassWildlfe’s active management to create early successional habitat, instead promising to examine a number of strategies for effectiveness and cost. The moratorium on timber harvesting on state-owned forests that had been in place for 18 months has been lifted. Of the 66 timber harvests on state forests paused during the moratorium, 29 can now proceed as planned, 18 can proceed with changes, 10 remain on hold pending new salvage logging guidelines and 9 will be canceled.

State Expanding Tree Planting in Environmental Justice Communities

On April 26, Governor Healey announced a new Cool Corridors program that will support municipalities, non-profits, and other organizations in tree-planting initiatives. The program will specifically target walking routes in areas that suffer from extreme heat, such as urban heat islands and hotspots, within environmental justice neighborhoods, and is available beyond the 26 communities eligible for the existing Greening the Gateway Cities tree-planting program. See the "Grants" section below for more information.

News

Welcome Southwick Land Trust!

We're happy to welcome Southwick Land Trust to the Massachusetts conservation community. This all-volunteer land trust was established in 2024 by a group of Southwick town residents. Learn more about Southwick Land Trust’s goals and initiatives for the coming year here.

State Awards Soil Health Grants

On June 18, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the award of $1 million in Healthy Soils Plan Implementation Grants to promote and protect soil health. The 15 grantees will support the implementation of strategies outlined in EEA’s 2023 Healthy Soils Action Plan.

Webinars and eLearning

Dam Busters 101: Monthly Lunchtime Webinar Series

First Wednesday of each month through September, noon - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by DER, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and CRWA, each webinar focuses on a dam removal topic, features an expert, and offers 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. Attend one or all. Register. View previous sessions.

Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the Commonwealth

Wednesday June 26, 11:00 am

In 2023, Governor Healey made history by signing Executive Order No. 618 which directs the MA Department of Fish & Game to develop nation-leading biodiversity conservation goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050. The department just released a new webpage to highlight their ongoing work to conserve species and habitats as well as build resilience to climate change. Join the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance and the Dept. of Fish & Game for an update on efforts to develop a whole-of-government approach to biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts. Register.

NEW! Busting Housing Myths in Franklin County

Wednesday June 26, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments invites all local officials and residents to attend their “Busting Housing Myths for Franklin County” workshop. This workshop will provide a better understanding of the common issues and concerns regarding the topics of housing development and affordable housing. Join representatives from the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), who will discuss why more affordable housing is beneficial to Franklin County. Learn more. Register.

NEW! Trying Times: Conservation Easements and Federal Tax Law Webinar

Wednesday July 31, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Registration fee: $45 (students complimentary)

The University of Utah hosts this four-hour virtual program on the latest case law and IRS guidance impacting conservation easements. Experts will offer practical advice to land trust staff and board members, government employees, attorneys, appraisers, and landowners. Attendees will hear the IRS’s perspective and ask questions of a diverse group of panelists who collectively have almost 200 years of experience with conservation easements and tax incentives. Learn more and register.

Build Your Skills in Conservation GIS
The Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center is partnering with Essex County Greenbelt to host a series of virtual workshops in the fall of 2024 for those interested in learning about how GIS is used in the field of land conservation. Please fill out this form if interested.

In-Person Events and Outings

Massachusetts DCR Forest Health Program

Fridays June 21 and 28, 9:00 - 11:00 am, multiple locations

The Forest Health Program is responsible for monitoring and assessing the factors that influence the health of Massachusetts’ state forests. Join DCR foresters at this walk and talk series to learn more about the health of local forests, latest invasive species concerns, and common insects and disease in Massachusetts. Enjoy a hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to talk one-on-one with forest health experts. Free and open to all. Learn more and register.

MACC Fall Conference (Call for Presenters)

Workshop proposals due: Monday June 24, 5:00 pm

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

The Annual Environmental Conference hosted by the MACC is a great opportunity to network with people who are working to protect wetlands, open space, and biological diversity across the state. MACC is specifically looking for workshop proposals related to stormwater management, green infrastructure, floodplains & flooding, water quality issues, stream crossings, community engagement, and environmental justice. Learn more and submit presenter proposals. You can also email workshop proposal ideas to Dorothy Mcglincy at dorothy.mcglincy@maccweb.org.

NEW! Maple Silviculture Workshop

Friday June 28, 9:00 am - noon, South Face Farm, 755 Watson Spruce Corner Rd, Ashfield, MA

(RSVP highly encouraged, cost free)

This workshop hosted by Yale’s Forest School and South Face Farm will introduce new and experienced sugarmakers to sustainable maple extraction practices that can increase sugar production and ensure forest health. Tom McCrumm has managed South Face Farm as an 1,800-tap sugarbush for nearly 40 years. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to assess how different management approaches have shaped the forest trajectory over time. Joseph Orefice and Yale Forests staff will teach attendees how to assess the density and health of their maple stands to inform silvicultural decisions. RSVP to shaylyn.austin@yale.edu. Learn more.

Land Trust Rally Coming to Providence RI

Scholarship application deadline: Friday June 28

Early bird registration deadline: Monday August 12

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

Rally is an amazing opportunity for land conservationists to gather to 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 is hosted around the country to highlight the diverse landscapes that land trusts work tirelessly to protect. 2024 Rally Schedule and registration info. Individual stipends and organizational scholarships are available from the Land Trust Alliance. Learn more and apply.

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.

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.

Grants

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG)

Application deadline: Friday June 21

This US Fish and Wildlife Service program provides eligible State agencies with grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to their WSFR Regional Office point of contact for any clarifications on eligibility. Learn more and apply.

NEW! USDA-NRCS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Grant

Application deadline: Saturday June 29, 11:59 pm

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for conducting integrated pest management (IPM) evaluations on multiple private landowner properties across Massachusetts. Agreements will be used to provide training on IPM for NRCS staff and affiliates and technical assistance site visits for NRCS customers. NRCS seeks proposals for awards of $200,000 to $400,000 for no more than a five-year period. Learn more and apply. Email questions to Jessica Benavides-Paredes at Jessica.benavides-paredes@usda.gov and NFO.FPAC@USDA.GOV.

NEW! 2024 T-Mobile Hometown Grants

Application deadline: Monday July 1

T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Funding goes toward supporting community projects such as revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a public space. Elected officials, town employees, Tribal leaders, or nonprofit community leaders from towns with a population of 50,000 or less are eligible. Learn more and apply.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants

Application deadline: Tuesday July 2

USDA is making an unprecedented $1.5 billion available for partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Info session. RCCP Classic grant info. RCCP AFA grant info. Applications must be submitted through the RCCP Portal. Email Dylan Krupa at dylan.krupa@usda.gov with any questions.

NEW! AFT’s Brighter Future Fund

Application deadline: Monday July 8

Application opens in early July

American Farmland Trust's Brighter Future Fund expands on priorities established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and focuses its support on beginning, underserved, limited-resource, women, and veteran farmers and ranchers to support greater equity and opportunities for all in agriculture. Projects will be awarded up to $5,000. Learn more and apply.

NEW! Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program

Application deadline: Wednesday July 10 (first round), 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.

LAND and PARC Grant Programs

Application deadline: Thursday July 11, 3:00 pm

The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications to the FY 2025 LAND and PARC Grant Programs. The LAND Grant Program is for municipal conservation commissions looking to protect conservation land. The PARC Grant Program is for municipalities looking to acquire parkland, renovate an existing park, and develop a new park. DCS will hold two workshops for the PARC and LAND grants. Please email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov if you are interested in applying for a PARC grant. Please email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov if you are interested in applying for a LAND grant.

NEW! 2024 Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund

Application deadline: Thursday July 11, 11:59 pm

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Proposals should contribute to NFWF’s conservation goals for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands stated in the Northeast Watersheds Business Plan. Approximately $2 million is available in funding and projects are eligible throughout the program boundary which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. Learn more and apply.

NEW! 2024 Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities

Application deadline: Friday July 12, 11:59 pm

The National Forest Foundation’s new Collaborative Capacity Program awards will provide resources, invest in skills and tools, and support activities that make Tribal co-stewardship and collaboration for forest stewardship successful. Eligible collaborative efforts must describe how investments in collaboration will support a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship outcomes into the future. These outcomes must seek to benefit National Forest System lands. Learn more and apply.

Conservation Partnership Grants

Application deadline: Monday July 15, 3:00 pm

The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is soliciting applications for Conservation Partnership grants. These grants are for 501(c)(3) organizations looking for assistance in acquiring land in fee or a conservation restriction, as well as assistance with due diligence costs associated with gifts. Maximum awards have been increased to $300,000 in this grant round. Please email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov if you have questions. Apply.

NEW! Grants to Build Partner Capacity for Clean Water Act Programs

Application deadline: Wednesday July 17

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible entities to provide support for training and related activities to build the capacity of agricultural partners, state, territorial and Tribal officials and nongovernmental stakeholders in activities to be carried out to support the goals of the Clean Water Act. Learn more and apply.

NEW! Cool Corridors Grant

Application deadline: Friday August 2

Note: this is a reimbursement program

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) is awarding grants for community tree planting projects that target neighborhoods that face urban heat islands and hotspots. This grant program is intended to provide support for municipalities, non-profit 501(c) organizations, and other eligible entities to pursue impactful tree planting. The maximum award is $150,000. The minimum project budget to be eligible is $30,000. Applications must be emailed to Hillary Dimino at Hilary.M.Diminno@mass.gov. Learn more.

Supporting Underserved and Small-Acreage Forest Landowner Participation

Application deadline: reviewed quarterly, with final 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! 2024 Merrimack Conservation Partnership Grants

Application deadline: Friday August 30, 5:00 pm

The Merrimack Conservation Partnership (MCP) released a request for proposals for its

two grant programs:

Land Conservation Grant Program: underwrites transaction costs—appraisals, surveys, title research, staff time, etc.—on 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 the following towns in order to apply. Email Brian Hotz at bhotz@forestrysociety.org if you have questions. Learn more and apply.

NEW! 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). PRES is designed to compensate farmers for their contributions to carbon sequestration and emissions reductions. It awards participants for their modeled emissions reductions associated with the implementation of agroforestry and conservation practices. Learn more and apply.

NEW! MassDEP’s Technical Assistance Grants

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 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! 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 ownership 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.

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

NEW! Play Bingo to Celebrate National Rivers Month

Deadline: Monday July 1

June is National Rivers Month! In celebration, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is encouraging people to take time to connect with their local rivers by participating in their "River Bingo'' initiative. Download a River Bingo card from their website and keep an eye out for various flora, fauna, and activities on or near your local river(s). Three winners will be selected to win Mass Rivers Swag. Explore rivers near you. Download a card.

NEW! Growing Wild Massachusetts Program

At the end of May, The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the fourth year of Growing Wild Massachusetts, a program dedicated to engaging residents in the important work of enhancing and preserving pollinator habitats. As part of Growing Wild Massachusetts, DCR, MDAR, and Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) have partnered with 17 local nurseries to offer free native pollinator garden starter kits. Pollinators, including bees, birds, bats, butterflies, and others, are essential to Massachusetts' agriculture, supporting over 45 percent of its commodities by aiding in crop pollination and food production. Read more.

NEW! The DOT Navigator Tool

The U.S. Department of Transportation's new DOT Navigator Tool is designed to simplify access to the department’s resources for applying to grants, transportation planning, project delivery, funding and financing, and implementation processes. Over the coming months, the site will be updated to improve the user interface, enable search functions, and provide additional helpful resources. The DOT Navigator does not provide technical assistance, but makes it easier to find available resources and contacts. Learn more.

NEW! DOR Issues Projection for Fall 2024 CPA Trust Fund Distribution

The Department of Revenue (DOR) has released updated guidance regarding the November 2024 CPA Trust Fund distribution. DOR is now projecting a 14.4% base match for all eligible CPA municipalities during the first round of the CPA Trust Fund distribution process. For an in-depth analysis of the different factors that have caused reduced collections for the CPA Trust Fund, the Financial Management Resource Bureau at DOR issued a full report on this topic in their April issue of City & Town newsletter (titled "The State of the Massachusetts Preservation Trust Fund"). Learn more.

NEW! Building Equitable and Sustainable Climate Change Funding for Massachusetts

Written by The Nature Conservancy (TNC-MA) and collaborating partners, this publication addresses the need for establishing fair and sustainable financial approaches to combat climate change within the Commonwealth. It shares insights for creating a financial structure that addresses climate challenges while promoting social justice and sustainability. Read the report.

NEW! Want to Learn More About the Health of Your Soil?

Get free soil health testing on your farm by participating in the New England Soil Health Survey. Free soil testing is available through this new program from AFT New England and the USDA ARS Food Systems Research Unit. Farms in Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are eligible to receive free soil health testing on up to three fields after completing a short survey. Learn more.

NEW! Safe Streets and Roads for All

AmericaWalks hosted presenters from the Safe Routes Partnership, the League of American Bicyclists, and Smart Growth America for a webinar on federal funding options for safer streets. This webinar discussed Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Transportation Alternatives (TAP/TASA), and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Programs. Read more and watch the recording.

Jobs

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

NEW! Executive Director - Wareham Land Trust

NEW! Finance Director - The Nature Conservancy

Director of Advancement - Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Development Manager (Part Time) - Hilltown Land Trust

NEW! Fundraising Director (Part Time) - Boston Farms Community Land Trust

NEW! Agricultural Technical Assistance Manager (Part Time) - Boston Farms Community Land Trust

NEW! Executive Assistant (Part Time) - Boston Farms Community Land Trust

NEW! Assistant Conservation Agent - Town of Chatham

NEW! Development and Administrative Assistant - Sudbury Valley Trustees

Administrative Assistant - Kestrel Land Trust