eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| October 24 2024, Volume 22, Number 10 |
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Conservation restriction on Mount Toby donated to Kestrel Land Trust Landowners Gift Total of 36 Acres to Kestrel Land Trust
In 2023, three sets of landowners made contributions to Kestrel Land Trust by donating land or Conservation Restrictions. Scott Whitney inherited a 5-acre landlocked parcel in Shutesbury and was determined to keep it in its natural state. Upon discovering that Kestrel Land Trust had acquired the adjacent Ames Pond land, he decided to donate his parcel to the organization. Long-time board member of Rattlesnake Gutter Trust, Ken Kahn and his wife, who reside near Lake Wyola, donated 22 acres of pine and hemlock forest in Leverett. This forested area is valuable for buffering core habitats, and enhancing connectivity and resilience. It also supports a trail system connecting Leverett to Fiske Pond in Wendel. Lastly, Nancy Pick, a Kestrel board member and Town Conservation Commissioner from Sunderland, acted upon hearing about a 9-acre forest parcel on Mount Toby that was for sale. Recognizing its ecological importance, including its critical habitat for rare and endangered species and the presence of a hiking trail, she decided to purchase the land and donate the Conservation Restriction to Kestrel. 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 a fall morning walk at Bourne Conservation Trust's Red Brook Pond Conservation Area.
#OurMassLandTrusts |
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Thanks to nearly 100 of you for Attending the 2024 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat!
We were glad to welcome both new participants and long-time attendees at the Retreat hosted in-person at the Harvard Forest Fisher Museum in Petersham MA on Wednesday October 16 and Thursday October 17. Thank you to all our lightning round speakers for sharing their insights on topics such as forest reserves designation, landscape scale forest management, invasives managment, wetlands restoration and more. Stephanie Cooper (Undersecretary for Environment) and Emily Myron (The Nature Conservancy) led an engaging discussion on the Environmental Bond Bill and how to maximize its land conservation benefits. Bob Wilber (EOEEA) led a discussion on enhancements to the Conservation Restriction Model. The collective commitment to tackling conservation challenges was truly inspiring. Learn more.
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Quarterly Networking Call for All-Volunteer Land Trusts
Wednesday November 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, via Zoom
The topic this quarter will be "Database Tools & Management - What are you using and how happy are you with it? " Come prepared to share your experiences and ask questions so we can learn from each other. As the conversation is often fluid, other topics of mutual interest may be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program, this call will not be recorded. Register.
Nominate a Project for MLTC’s Excellence in Conservation Award
Nomination deadline: Saturday November 30
The Excellence in Conservation Award recognizes a specific project completed within the past two years which demonstrates excellence in any aspect of land conservation work, advances the cause of land conservation in a creative and substantive way, and/or serves as an inspiration for other conservation organizations in Massachusetts. Organizations may nominate themselves or others. The 2025 inaugural award will be presented during the plenary of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 21, 2025. Details. Nomination form.
December 2024 Conservation Partners Meeting
Friday December 13, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, 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 a featured topic. These meetings are convened by MLTC's Partner Engagement Committee: Kathy Orlando, Chair, Olivia Lukacic, Vice-Chair. Register.
Save The Date: 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst 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.
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! Platinum |
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MassDEP & Conservation Law Foundation Public Meeting Tuesday October 29, 6:00pm, via Zoom.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will host a public meeting in response to a petition from the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) that requests that MassDEP initiate one or more rulemaking processes to develop new and amended regulations aimed at implementing the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, and the 2022 Energy Law focused on clean energy and offshore wind initiatives. Read petition. Register.
Potential Passage of Climate Bill
On October 17th, State House leaders announced an agreement on the climate change bill that failed to pass before the formal legislative session ended on August 1st. Votes on the consensus bill are anticipated before October 25th. Its primary focus is to streamline the permitting process for clean energy infrastructure projects, including transmission lines, electric substations, and battery storage facilities. Senate sponsor Michael Barrett noted that the compromise also includes provisions to expand electric vehicle charging stations and enable the state to purchase nuclear power from Connecticut and New Hampshire. It does not include broader reforms that were in versions that had earlier passed in the House or Senate, such as an expansion of the state’s bottle redemption law.
Public Comments on Biodiversity Conservation Goals
More than 300 people attended the two public listening sessions held this summer, where 60 individuals shared three-minute testimonies outlining their priorities, concerns, and ideas for biodiversity conservation goals. These sessions were followed by a comment period where over 200 written comments were received from 89 individuals, 79 conservation and community organizations, and more than 20 municipalities or committee members. MLTC members were very well represented among those submitting comments. Read the public feedback.
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Members Announce New Leadership
New England Forestry Foundation has announced that Ryan Owens will succeed the retiring Bob Perschell as its next Executive Director. Ryan has served as Executive Director of New Hampshire’s Monadnock Conservancy since 2008. North County Land Trust announced Faith Salter as their new Executive Director. Faith brings over two decades of experience from the Appalachian Mountain Club, where she most recently served as Vice President of Learning and Volunteer Engagement. Wareham Land Trust named Alexandra Zollo as its new Executive Director. Alexandra brings seven years of experience with The 300 Committee Land Trust, and extensive experience with municipal conservation commissions. Congrats Bob and welcome Ryan, Faith and Alex!
Land Trusts among Coastal Resilience Grantees
On October 16, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.2 million in Coastal Resilience Grants to support 16 innovative projects in Massachusetts coastal communities to address climate change impacts. The Nature Conservancy received $265,928 to collaborate with coastal municipalities and other partners to launch a coastwide peer learning network, develop a resource database, and host public engagement events to identify best practices and barriers to proactive, community-led managed retreat. Wareham Land Trust received $85,000 to evaluate present and future vulnerabilities of North Water Street Beach and associated infrastructure, and develop a suite of feasible alternatives to improve the long-term resilience of the site.
Society of American Foresters Awards Paul Catanzaro
UMass Extension professor and former MLTC board member, Paul Catanzaro, received the prestigious Technology Transfers Award from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). This award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional skill in disseminating technological advancements and research findings to forestry professionals and landowners. Congratulations Paul! Read more.
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| Remembering George Wislocki (1935-2024)
We’re sad to share that George Wislocki, founder and longtime President of Berkshire Natural Resources Council, died on September 21 after a long illness. His accomplishments in conservation, and the manner in which he achieved them, are illustrious. For two excellent remembrances, see this from Tad Ames (BNRC President from 2001-2017) and this from The Berkshire Eagle. George, thanks for all you did for Massachusetts!
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NEW! Boldly Mapping: Leveraging NASA Missions in ArcGIS for Invasive Species Challenges Wednesday October 29, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Join ESRI and the Natural Areas Association for an informative webinar focused on utilizing satellite and sensor data for effective invasive species management. Participants will discover how to harness this data within ArcGIS to access, analyze, and apply valuable insights to tackle invasive species challenges. Learn more and register.
Conservation GIS Workshop Series Thursdays (October 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 four virtual workshops for beginner to intermediate GIS users interested in building their conservation GIS skills. Topics will include GIS data and Cartography, Georeferencing & Data Creation, and Conservation & Climate Data Sources. Basic GIS skills and an active ArcGIS license are required for this workshop. Limited to 15 attendees. Apply. Learn more.
Conserving Mature and Old-growth Forests in a Changing Climate Thursdays October 31 - December 5 (except 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.
NEW! Beavers - Natural Allies in Water Quality & Restoring Wetlands
Dates: November 12, 14, 19, and 21, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Encouraging beavers in watersheds can lead to numerous conservation benefits including improving water quality, creating wetland habitats for other species and increasing floodwater storage capacity to help mitigate the effects of climate change. During these online sessions, national experts will cover various methods and considerations for incorporating beavers into land trusts’ restoration activities. Learn more and register.
Conservation Restriction Baselines 101 Tuesday November 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions will host this virtual webinar on the basics of Baseline Documentation Reports for Conservation Restrictions. It will cover a step-by-step process on everything from fieldwork, report contents, and document storage. Learn more and register. NEW! Spotted Lanternfly Quarterly Update
Wednesday November 13, 10:00 - 11:15 am
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) hosts this quarterly update on invasive spotted lanternflies. MDAR’s Spotted Lanternfly Survey Team will share insights on the current status of known infestations in Massachusetts and a summary of management actions that were completed over the spring and summer. Register.
NEW! Intertidal Biodiversity Monitoring
Wednesday November 13, 4:00 pm Registration info TBD
The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) is hosting a webinar to present a comprehensive intertidal biodiversity monitoring framework developed to support future climate adaptation and restoration efforts for the Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park. Learn more. NEW! Supporting Farming & Food Access in BIPOC Communities
Thursday November 14, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Join Jazmin Leath (Carolina Farm Stewardship Association) and Nayla Jimenez Cabezas (Washington Farmland Trust) to learn about two successful organizations that go beyond traditional agricultural conservation to support the success of farmers who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), thereby increasing food access for their communities. Justin Merrifield (Land Trust Alliance) will also share connections for NRCS funding opportunities. Learn more and register.
NEW! Conservationists of Color: Strategic Plan Implementation
Tuesday November 19, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
BIPOC attendees will learn more about the Conservationists of Color’s (CoC) strategic plan and its key initiatives. Engage in discussions, share your ideas, and find out how you can play an active role in supporting the CoC’s mission and goals. Register. Quarterly Networking for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs) Wednesday November 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. December 2024 Conservation Partners Meeting
Friday December 13, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
NEW! Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast Wednesday December 18, 4:00 pm
Registration info TBD
The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) is hosting a webinar to discuss research on how climate change is contributing to the spread of invasive freshwater aquatic species. These invasive species pose a serious threat to biodiversity and could have significant implications for the global economy. Learn more.
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. The course aims to guide participants 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.
NEW! 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. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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2024 MassTrails Conference
Saturday October 26, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, DCU Center, 50 Foster St, Worcester MA
This event - hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB) - will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of trail development and maintenance in Massachusetts. Participate in workshops related to best practices, funding opportunities, and innovative approaches to trail management. Learn more and register.
NEW! Massachusetts Food System Forum
Registration deadline: Friday November 1 Tuesday December 17, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester MA
At the Forum, partners across the local food system will learn, share, and network. The day will include breakout sessions that will consider intersections between the food system and public health, regional planning, climate change, and education as well as sessions on food waste, community engagement, and agriculture. Learn more and register.
NEW! Tidal Assessment Protocols Training
Online session: Tuesday November 5, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Field session: Saturday November 9, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) is hosting this training session designed to strengthen regional habitat restoration efforts and improve tidal flow connectivity. Led by Professor Scott Jackson from UMass Amherst, this workshop will train participants in standardized methods for assessing tidal barriers and effective data collection techniques. Register. Email Matt Dyer at MDyer@ocpcrpa.org for more information.
NEW! DCR Forest Soils Workshop
Thursday November 7, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Athol Public Library, Athol MA
Forestry and natural resource professionals are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Massachusetts Forest Soils Workshop, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Massachusetts Forest Alliance (MFA), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Forest Service, and Massachusetts Woodlands Institute (MWI). The workshop will consist of morning presentations at the Athol Public Library, a provided boxed lunch, and an afternoon field tour at Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol. Learn more and register. Email Mike Downey at michael.downey@mass.gov with questions.
NEW! Grassland Bird Habitat Management Workshop
Thursday November 7, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Drumlin Farm, 208 S Great Rd, Lincoln MA
Grassland birds, like the bobolink and eastern meadowlark, are in rapid decline, especially in the northeast. They need properly maintained grasslands for breeding and migration. The Metrowest Conservation Alliance, along with Mass Audubon and the Bobolink Project, will host a workshop on grassland bird habitat management. Participants will walk the fields with Flavio Sutti, MAS Wildlife Program Coordinator at Drumlin Farm, then Hyla Howe, Grassland Bird Biologist, will provide a presentation about the Bobolink Project. Learn more and register. Email Mike Perrin at mperrin@svtweb.org with any questions.
Quinapoxet Dam Removal Project Tour Tuesday November 12, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, West Boylston MA
Join Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) for a tour of the Quinapoxet Dam removal site. Learn about West Boylston's innovative climate resilience planning, and explore the benefits of this project, including enhancements to fisheries, improved flood resilience, and better water quality and management for the Wachusett Reservoir. Register.
NEW! Southern Pine Beetle Tour
Wednesday November 13, 9:30 am - 3:15 pm, event address TBD, Woodshole MA
The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) has been active on Martha’s Vineyard for two years. Adam Moore, a licensed forester and President of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, will discuss the impact on land trusts and other properties. Additionally, Nicole Keleher, Forest Health Director at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, will discuss how to identify SPB infestations. 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.
Wildlands & Woodlands: A Unified Vision for the Future of New England’s Forests
Thursday November 14, 5:15 - 7:30 pm, at McClennen and Fish LLP, Boston MA
Join the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) and Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) to hear how an expanded network of wildland reserves and innovative forestry approaches can position forests to combat climate change, safeguard native species, and fuel a thriving bioeconomy. Learn about collaborative projects between NEFF and NEWT to protect and preserve forest ecosystems, and how you can take action to protect your local forests. Learn more and register.
NEW! Open Space Conference
Saturday December 7, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, 565 Maple Street, Danvers MA
Essex County Greenbelt is hosting the 2024 Open Space Conference. This event offers a variety of workshops for municipal staff, board and committee members, and others who are engaged in land conservation and management. Workshop topics range from conservation and housing to trail building. 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, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
NEW! Healthy Soils Action Plan (Challenge Grants) Application opens: Friday November 1
Application deadline: Tuesday November 19, 3:00 pm
These challenge grants support projects that implement recommendations from The Healthy Soils Action Plan (HSAP). Public and private organizations, research institutions, and community groups are invited to submit proposals for projects that aim to promote and implement innovative solutions for improving soil health and sustainable land management practices. Funded through the State Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water & Related Resources, the Division of Conservation Services and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs. Find the application on the Commbuys website. Email Thomas Anderson at thomas.anderson@mass.gov with questions.
NEW! 2024 SNAPP Request for Proposals
Concept note deadline: Friday November 1 Application deadline: Tuesday December 3
The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) is offering a total of $1 million to support four to six teams tackling complex challenges related to food and water security, climate change, and energy. Eligible teams must be associated with academic institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, or nonprofit entities. Before developing a full proposal, SNAPP encourages applicants to submit a "concept note". Learn more.
NEW! Historic Preservation Matching Grant
Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Friday November 1 Application deadline: Friday February 21
Preservation Massachusetts and the 1772 Foundation will award funding to preservation projects through their Historic Preservation Matching Grant Program, which will match 1:1 up to $10,000 for exterior preservation projects on historic properties owned or leased by non-profit organizations such as exterior painting, finishes and surface restoration, fire detection/lightning protection/security systems, and more. Applicants must submit a letter of inquiry to be invited to submit a full proposal. Learn more and submit a LOI.
FY26 Municipality Vulnerability Program (MVP) Action Grants Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: Friday November 1 Application deadline: Spring 2025
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grants provide support for communities in Massachusetts to identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. Through this form, potential applicants should provide basic information about their project idea. MVP staff will then provide feedback prior to the Request for Responses (RFR) release date. Submitting an EOI is not required to submit a formal MVP Action Grant application in the Spring of 2025, but highly encouraged. Learn more and submit a form.
Healthy Communities Grant Program Application deadline: Friday November 1, 11:59 pm
This US Environmental Protection Agency grant program works directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. EPA New England plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000 to support projects that assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Community Impact Consultants Program
Application deadline: Thursday November 7, 5:00 pm
Highland Street Foundation is offering nonprofits a professional consultant for six months to help tackle a specific organizational need. Eligible applicants must be based in Massachusetts, hold 501(c)(3) status, and have operating budgets between $500,000 and $4 million. Learn more and apply. NEW! MassDEP’s Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Program
Application deadline: Friday November 15, 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Program has announced a new grant opportunity aimed at funding projects that will restore, replace, or acquire natural resources affected by the 2019 acid release at Barnhardt Manufacturing in Colrain, MA. Learn more and apply.
Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Application deadline: Friday November 15, 6:00 pm
These U.S. Forest Service’s grants fund collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes, leverages public and private resources, and supports State Forest Action Plans. Desired outcomes include: improving fish and wildlife habitat; improving water quality and watershed function; mitigating invasive plants, insect infestation, and disease; reducing wildfire risk; improving forest ecosystem health; and measuring ecological and economic benefits. 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, 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 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.
NEW! 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. The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program funds 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.
Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program Application deadline: Monday January 13, 2025
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.
NEW! Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
Application deadline: Monday January 13, 2025
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.
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, 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.
Land Conservation Assistance Program Application deadline: Friday April 11, 2025
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.
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! Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals Program
NOFA Organic Land Care (OLC) trains and acreddits land care professionals in principles and practices of organic land care, as defined by the NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care. The cornerstone of the NOFA OLC program is the credential of Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP). It is earned by individuals who demonstrate, through training and practice, an ongoing commitment to the organic land care defined by the program and the NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care.
NEW! NRCS and Indigenous Stewardship Methods
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published an article that discusses collaborative efforts between USDA and Indigenous groups to ensure integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into land management and conservation solutions. Read the article. NEW! Guidelines for Climate-Smart Invasive Species Management
The Northeast Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Management Network (Northeast RISCC) has published a research summary that serves as a guide for climate-smart invasive species management strategies. This resource provides invasive species practitioners in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada with methods they can incorporate into their work. Additionally, the guidelines identify areas where policy, funding, and research can enhance and support the implementation of these climate-smart management practices. Read the guidelines.
NEW! Green Centrification Risk Factors Report
"Great Parks Should Not Uproot Communities," published by The Trust for Public Land, examines the issue of green gentrification, and offers strategies for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to mitigate displacement. The report reviews existing literature on the subject and provides recommendations aimed at preserving community integrity while promoting green spaces. Read the report.
NEW! Massachusetts Native Plant Palette
The Department of Conservation and Recreation, in collaboration with Mass Rivers, the Ipswich Water Department, and other partners, have developed “The MA Native Plant Palette.” This innovative web application enables users to explore native plants and create customized lists, or "plant palettes," which they can take to local nurseries or garden centers. Explore the Plant Palette.
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