eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| December 18 2025, Volume 23, Number 12 |
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Summit Farm scene, barns and farmhouse visible in the distance.
Nearly 24 Acres of Farmland Protected in New Braintree
This fall, the East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) acquired Summit Farm, a 23.96-acre property located in the heart of New Braintree. The land is entirely open and has been actively managed as hay fields and pasture within the past five years. A 15,000-square-foot farm pond lies near the center of the property and drains to the south. The property also includes two barns and a large farmhouse—a remnant of its history as a working dairy farm—which offers significant space and flexibility for future agricultural operations. EQLT’s goal is to permanently conserve Summit Farm while ensuring its continued use for agriculture. Applications for a farmer or farm entity to steward the land closed on November 28, 2025.
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If you are an MLTC Member and would like to see your completed conservation project featured in our next eNews, contact Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org.
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| I enjoyed a snowy walk at Black Pond Bog in Norwell, The Nature Conservancy's first preserve in Massachusetts. Sending best wishes of the season, and gratitude, to all of you in the Massachusetts land conservation community! #OurMassLandTrusts |
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| Accepting Applications: Executive Director rolling
As Robb Johnson prepares for retirement in June, MLTC has launched the search for our next executive director. This expanded full-time position is well-suited to a leader with a strong vision and drive to build and sustain an effective non-profit organization, with a natural ability to engage people and treat diverse stakeholders with collegiality and respect. A strong grasp of the land conservation field, especially in Massachusetts, is essential. As fundraising is a requirement of the position, the successful candidate will have had experience and success with fundraising. Please help us spread the word by sharing this posting broadly with your networks and feel free to forward it specifically to folks you think would be good candidates. Preferred start date is mid-June 2026. A search committee will begin reviewing applicants in mid-January 2026. MLTC Executive Director Prospectus.
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| Land Protection Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday January 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Anyone who works in a land protection function is welcome to attend. This quarter's call will focus on issues around land surveying, and discussing creative workarounds. Bring your examples and questions to share. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required. |
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| Small Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday January 14, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via Zoom
Are you trying to work more efficiently and effectively with your Board? This quarter's topic will focus on working together with your board: job descriptions, committees, what works, what doesn't. It's a broad discussion, so come to ask your questions and share your experiences. Open to anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small staffed land trust. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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| Stewardship Short Course Tuesdays (Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10), 4:00 - 5:30 pm, via Zoom
This four-part series, co-hosted with the Land Trust Alliance, will explore key fundamentals of land stewardship. The course will cover stewardship of both fee lands and conservation restrictions, highlight best practices, and provide a collaborative space to discuss common challenges. One registration covers all participants within your organization for all four weeks. Cost: $50 for members of either MLTC or LTA, $75 non-members.
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NEW! Land Trust Finance Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday February 5, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Finance staff, board treasurers, and others with fiscal responsibilities -- join us for a networking call to share resources, ask questions, and learn from each other. This month's call will focus on approaches for accounting for land projects in your annual budget planning, and how land holdings (including CRs) are carried on your balance sheet. Time permitting, participants may be able to raise questions on other issues too. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but advance registration required.
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NEW! Agriculture Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday February 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
This new quarterly networking group is intended as a forum for land conservation staff and Board members who are interested in the preservation and viability of agricultural lands to share experiences and learn from peers. This month's call will focus on making your conserved lands available for farming. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but advance registration required.
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NEW! February 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday February 27, 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. The meeting will not be recorded. |
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| Save the Date: 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 13, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst. Registration opens in January! Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor!
A variety of sponsorship levels provide visibility for your organization before a live audience of over 550 – plus thousands more who see Conference publicity. Show your organization's commitment to protecting our environment, habitats, and climate, and your support of a great learning opportunity for the conservation community. Exhibitor-only options are also available. View the details.
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| Check Out Our Annual Report
We recently released our FY25 annual report, including a summary of our financial statements and list of supporters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful year! |
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Your Support, Doubled! If you’ve benefited from our programs or online resources this year, please consider making a year-end gift to support our work. Members of our Board and Advisory Council have generously offered to match every year-end gift -- doubling your impact! |
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Connect With Us on Social Media! |
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| Follow us on social media for more frequent updates on upcoming programs and latest developments! |
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
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Nature for Massachusetts Campaign Moves Forward
While legislation that would dedicate a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods and recreational vehicles to funding for conservation is pending, a broad coalition—including MLTC— has mounted a parallel effort to take the matter directly to voters. On December 1, supporters submitted well over the required minimum of 75,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary will in turn file the ballot petition with the Legislature, giving them a chance to pass it into law. If they fail to do so by the end of June, proponents must submit 12,429 additional certified signatures by July 1, 2026, to place the proposed law on the November 2026 ballot. To add your organization's name to the ballot coalition, fill out this form. See this page to learn about ways to volunteer to help during the campaign.
Environmental Bond Bill Inches Forward
Every five years or so, the legislature passes a bond bill to authorize future capital spending for a wide range of state programs essential to land conservation and other environmental programs. A variety of policy changes are attached as ‘outside sections’ and become law when the bill passes. The Governor filed her long awaited version of the bill in June, and hearings were held in July. Written testimony was submitted by MLTC and also by a large Coalition of which MLTC is a part. On December 1, the bill was reported favorably – without amendments -- by the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The bill is now before the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets. Next it will go before the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and then to the Senate floor, where debate is expected early in 2026. As discussed at MLTC’s Conservation Partners Meeting on December 12, MLTC is preparing to advocate for adjustments to the Governor’s proposed policy changes related to Rights of First Refusal when landowners propose changes in use for property enrolled in Ch. 61, 61A or 61B. See slides shared at the meeting for more information.
Regulatory Changes for Energy Facilities Siting
State agencies are working fast to meet a spring 2026 deadline to finalize a complex set of regulations to implement the 2024 Climate Act. Comments on a series of guidance documents and draft regulations were collected in the fall of 2025, and additional hearings and comment windows continue. The array of proposed changes is significant and multi-faceted, and includes new provisions for assessing site suitability, providing community benefits, and offering grants to help under-resourced community groups get involved during the permitting process. See this page for a complete overview, including a schedule of in-person and hybrid information sessions and public hearings. Among MLTC’s partners, detailed comments have been submitted by Mass Audubon, The Nature Conservancy and the Environmental League of Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, on September 12, 2025, updated draft emergency regulations took effect for the SMART 3.0 program, which governs state incentives available for the development of certain solar energy facilities. The regulations include a new approach to scoring parcels hosting eligible ground-mount projects, using environmental/land use/electric grid criteria and a system for mitigation fees. A series of guidelines and materials released on a rolling basis since September provide details on program implementation. Learn more.
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$1.9 Million Awarded to Protect Farmland in Massachusetts
On December 18, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $1.9 million in Massachusetts Farmland Partnership Program grants to seven organizations. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), the funding will support 29 projects advancing the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan by protecting farmland, strengthening farm viability, and expanding land access for current and aspiring farmers. In partnership with American Farmland Trust, MLTC was awarded funding to increase the pool of appraisers, surveyors and attorneys available to support farmland conservation projects across the state. Read more.
Franklin County Receives Nearly $513K for Conservation and Recreation Projects
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs awarded more than $500,000 in grants to Franklin County for conservation and recreation projects. Charlemont and Heath received $100,000 and $16,500, respectively, to improve existing recreational facilities. Rowe’s Open Space and Recreation Committee will use its $173,173 grant to acquire 179 acres of forest, creating a vital link between the Monroe and Mohawk Trail state forests while safeguarding Steele Brook, a coldwater fishery within a MassWildlife–designated Critical Natural Landscape. Franklin Land Trust will apply its $223,095 in funding toward the purchase of a 47-acre parcel adjacent to the Crowningshield Conservation Area in Heath, protecting 19 acres of forest and 18 acres of prime farmland. Read more.
Thank you Jen Plowden!
Jennifer Plowden, New England Senior Program Manager at the Land Trust Alliance, will be leaving her post on December 19. During her tenure, Jen elevated the role in every sense—becoming a trusted resource and a true friend to many conservation organizations across the region. She brought warmth, generosity, and a deep commitment to building lasting relationships. As a partner on the Alliance’s Advancing Conservation Excellence initiative, MLTC has been fortunate to work alongside Jen on many initiatives, including our upcoming Stewardship Short Course, and past programs such as Leadership Training for Executive Directors and Organizational Assessment and Implementation Grants for land trusts.
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| Remembering Dave Rothstein (1968-2025)
MLTC was saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Dave Rothstein, Land Protection Specialist at Mass Audubon. Dave was part of a dedicated team working across the state to advance Mass Audubon’s bold and ambitious goal of partnering with public and private organizations to protect 100,000 biodiverse and carbon-rich acres by 2030. Beyond his conservation work, Dave was known for his creativity and joy for life—from carving intricate designs into fresh snow in his driveway to pursuing audacious goals, such as attempting to break a world record by rowing 40 miles on the Connecticut River inside a giant pumpkin. See touching remembrances here and here. A celebration of life, including an exhibit of Dave’s artwork, is planned for January 31st, to coincide with Northampton’s Ice Art Festival.
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| Land Protection Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday January 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Small Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday January 14, 2:00 - 3:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Basic Risk Management: Insurance 101 Thursday January 8, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance's 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. Free to all. |
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NEW! Landowner Webinar Series: Protecting Your Legacy Tuesdays (Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24), 6:30 - 8:00 pm, attend one, some, or all Join UMass Extension and guest speakers for a four-part webinar series about planning the future of your land. Each session will feature relevant professionals to provide information topics ranging from family goal-setting to using wills to permanent land protection tools. The final webinar will help heirs and new landowners understand landownership. |
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NEW! Citizen & Community Science: Designing Projects for Research & Engagement Friday January 16 - Sunday March 1, asynchronous This University of New Hampshire course provides a concise, practice-focused introduction to participatory science. Participants will learn to design projects for specific audiences, collect meaningful data, and effectively engage and educate volunteers. The course will be taught by experienced practitioners Malin Clyde and Alyson Eberhardt. |
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Improving Habitat Through Invasives Management Wednesday January 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
GrowNative Massachusetts is offering a free webinar on invasive-species management, designed for professionals responsible for large properties, public spaces, conservation lands, and similar landscapes. The session will be led by Kristen O’Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager for the Sudbury Valley Trustees. Learn more.
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NEW! Nonprofit Tech Roundtable 2026 Wednesday January 21, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Community IT is hosting a webinar panel of experts to answer your questions about the technology that will shape the nonprofit sector in 2026. From AI and cybersecurity to the ongoing Google Workspace vs. Microsoft Office debate, the panel will explore the tools and decisions nonprofits are grappling with today. Learn more.
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| Caught Holding the Bucket — Navigating a Complex Encroachment Issue Thursday January 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance's and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Alex Metzger, Stewardship Director at the Monadnock Conservancy in southwest New Hampshire, will share the steps taken and lessons learned in resolving what began as a seemingly minor third-party encroachment, but ultimately became a complex, multi-year remediation effort involving litigation. Free to all. |
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NEW! 2026 Adaptation Planning and Practices Online Training Training sessions: Monday January 26 - Monday March 16, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Discussion sessions: Tuesdays (Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 24, March 3, March 10), 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS), in partnership with the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub, is offering this free eight-week online training for forest and natural resource managers in New England and New York. During the course, participants will develop project-specific, climate-informed adaptation plans using the Adaptation Workbook, supported by structured weekly webinars, group discussions, and individualized coaching and feedback from NIACS staff. Learn more.
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| Stewardship Short Course Tuesdays (Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10), 4:00 - 5:30 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Land Trust Finance Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday February 5, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| | Agriculture Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday February 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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NEW! Land Trust Leadership Lab Application deadline: Friday February 13
Training dates: Thursdays (April 16 - June 25), Friday July 7, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this new program is specifically designed for land trust staff in management roles. It is tailored for mid-career professionals—such as directors, managers, and vice presidents—who oversee teams and want to strengthen their leadership skills. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise in key areas, including staff supervision, financial management, fundraising, board relations, leadership styles, and navigating challenging conversations. Learn more.
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| February 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday February 27, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2026 Thursday January 1, 6:45 am – 3:00 pm, various locations across Cape Cod
Hosted by Barnstable Land Trust and supported by sixteen 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, and more. |
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| Annual New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit & Poster Session Thursday January 8, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, in-person, UMass Lowell, Lowell
The Environmental Business Council's (EBC) 7th Annual New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit and Poster Session will highlight innovative climate adaptation and resiliency policies, plans, and projects from across the region. The Poster Session invites students, professionals, and researchers to showcase their work and connect with leaders in the field. Learn more.
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| 2026 Conservation Finance Boot Camp Application deadline (regular decision): Wednesday January 21 Requisite virtual sessions: Tuesday May 12 and Thursday May 14, time TBD.
Course dates: Tuesday June 2 - Friday June 5, time TBD, in-person, Yale School of the Environment, New Haven CT
The Conservation Finance Network (CFN), in partnership with the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, is hosting its annual Boot Camp to equip early- and mid-career professionals with innovative financing strategies for durable, equitable, and climate-resilient natural resource conservation and restoration. Learn more.
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| Basic Chainsaw Training for Trails
Saturday January 24 and Sunday January 25, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth
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.
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NEW! Acquiring Land and Conservation Easements 2026 Registration deadline: Friday January 30
Course dates: Monday March 2 - Thursday March 5, times vary, in-person, Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this course provides 2.5+ days of immersive training on conservation easement and fee acquisition for early-career acquisition staff. It is also well suited for experienced staff seeking a refresher and board members involved in conservation transactions. Participants will join two post-course virtual sessions to deepen connections, explore new topics, and share challenges and successes.
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| NEW! 2026 Southeastern Massachusetts Land Trust Convocation
Saturday February 7, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, in-person, Upper Cape Technical High School, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne MA
Co-sponsored by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, the free event will convene land trusts, municipal and state agency staff, civic leaders, and conservation-minded community members from across the region. Through presentations, workshops, and discussions, the program will strengthen land trusts and the volunteers who will support their conservation work. Featured speaker Andrew Gottlieb of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will offer a call to action to accelerate open space protection in the region. RSVP to Mark Robinson at mark@thecompact.net.
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| Save the Date! 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 13 2026, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Application deadline: Friday December 26, 11:59 pm
The Department of Fish and Game is seeking proposals for projects that advance on-the-ground progress toward statewide Biodiversity Goals. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 will support efforts that conserve biodiversity and bring nature into local communities. Eligible project types include biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection and stewardship, river and wetland restoration, wildlife corridor enhancements, and the creation of pollinator or community gardens. Applications must be submitted to dfg.info@mass.gov.
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NEW! Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants
Application deadline: Thursday January 8, 3:00 pm
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs is offering funding of up to $1,000,000, requiring a 50% match, to support the acquisition of conservation land and the development or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities. Eligible projects include land acquisition, park creation or improvement, and trail development. Funding is available to municipalities with a current Open Space and Recreation Plan, state agencies, and federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts.
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NEW! Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants (MPPF)
Info sessions: Thursday January 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Zoom link.
Wednesday January 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Zoom link.
Monday January 26, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Zoom link.
Application deadline: Friday March 13
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) is accepting applications for Round 32 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants, a state-funded 50% reimbursement (match) program, with a maximum award of $100,000. The program supports preservation of historic properties, landscapes, and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations may apply for pre-development studies and for construction activities such as stabilization, restoration, and rehabilitation. Learn more.
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NEW! Accelerating Natural Climate Solutions Grants Letters of Interest (LOI) due: Thursday January 15
Application Deadline: Tuesday March 10
Allen Family Philanthropies is awarding grants to projects that develop, test, and apply practical science- and technology-based approaches to common natural climate solutions implementation challenges identified by Brumberg et al. (2025) and Kroeger et al. (2025). The foundation prioritizes projects led by diverse, multidisciplinary teams that integrate scientists, practitioners, and key stakeholders—such as community members, landowners, and state land managers—throughout the project lifecycle. A total of $10 million will be awarded to support 6–7 projects, each with a duration of up to three years. Learn more.
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| NEW! Agricultural Conservation and Land Easements Application deadline: Thursday January 15
Organizations seeking funding to acquire a Conservation Restriction (CR) or Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) on farmland may now apply for ACEP-ALE funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a batching deadline for the first funding round of several key conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA). This funding round also includes NRCS’s new Regenerative Pilot Program. Learn more.
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| Land Conservation Assistance Grants
Info session: Wednesday January 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Application deadline: Thursday April 30, 2026
These state grants offer 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. To attend the info session, RSVP to Darya Mattes at darya.mattes@mass.gov.
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| 2026 Resilient & Connected Appalachians Grants Informational webinar: Wednesday January 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Register.
Application deadline: Friday February 13, 11:59 pm
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is awarding grants to support land protection projects that contribute to landscape-scale conservation and connectivity within TNC’s Appalachians Program area. Awards of up to $100,000 are available to nonprofits, land trusts, municipalities, state agencies, and tribes for land acquisition or easements that strengthen climate resilience and ecological connectivity. Prior to submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with Rich Cavanagh at r.cavanaugh@TNC.ORG.
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NEW! Landscape Partnership Grants Info session: Thursday January 22, 1:30 pm
Application deadline: Thursday April 23, 2026, 3:00 pm
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is awarding Landscape Partnership Grants to support protection of large blocks of conservation land across Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Awards are available up to $1,250,000 with a 50% match. Contact Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to RSVP to the info session. Learn more.
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| NEW! MassTrails Grants
Application deadline: Monday February 2
The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), in partnership with Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, are offering MassTrails grants up to $100,000 (with a 20% match) to support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails and shared-use paths. Learn more.
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| Forest Reserves Grant
Application deadline: Friday February 6, 3:00 pm
This grant, offered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports expanding the state’s forest reserve network and preserving natural forest composition by protecting forested lands managed passively, allowing natural processes to unfold without active intervention. Eligible municipalities, 501(c) nonprofits, and conservation organizations may receive up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $425,000.
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| NEW! Riparian Zone Restoration Program
rolling
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs has launched the Riparian Zone Restoration Program to restore under-vegetated riparian corridors throughout Massachusetts, prioritizing sites with permanently protected land, cold-water fisheries, impervious surfaces, flood-storage potential, or extreme-heat conditions. The program covers some or all costs of restoration work, including plant materials, wildlife protection, permitting, and installation and maintenance. If you have a potential project site, please contact Hilary Dimino at Hilary.M.Dimino@mass.gov or Scott Fisher at SFisher@swca.com.
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| Massachusetts Nonprofit Collaboration Fund rolling
MassCollab has launched their Massachusetts Nonprofit Collaboration Fund, an initiative to strengthen the health, sustainability, and impact of the state’s nonprofit sector. The fund will provide nonprofits with funding, expert guidance, and practical tools to explore and implement long-term partnerships—such as joint programs, shared services, and mergers. Email Jennifer Segel at Jennie@masscollab.org with inquiries.
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| Nonprofit Brownfield Technical Assistance Program rolling
This program of Groundwork USA offers a free service aimed at helping nonprofit organizations revitalize underutilized and potentially contaminated sites, known as brownfields. Through this program, nonprofits receive support to transform these sites into valuable community assets such as parks, trails, urban farms, and more. Whether a nonprofit is just beginning the brownfield redevelopment process or seeking to enhance their existing efforts, this program provides tailored assistance to guide them every step of the way. Learn more.
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| The National Grassroots Organizing Program rolling
This program, funded by Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, provides two-year, unrestricted general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—typically averaging $20,000 annually—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories with annual budgets under $350,000. |
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| Seed Grants
rolling The Grassroots Fund is awarding Seed Grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to support groups that are either launching new projects or making significant shifts in the direction of existing ones. These grants are intended for initiatives that are less than a year old. |
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| 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. |
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Resources and Opportunities |
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NEW! Introduction to the Private APR Process for Protecting Farmland in Massachusetts
On November 14, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) hosted a webinar introduction to the new Private APR Guidance and related process for protecting farmland in Massachusetts. Watch the recording. Access presentation slides.
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NEW! Buy-Protect-Sell Guidebook
Jefferson Land Trust in Washington State drew on its experience selecting new farmers through community-based buy-protect-sell projects to create Selling Conserved Farmland and Advancing Viability: A Practical Guide to the Final Stage of Buy-Protect-Sell Projects. The guide recognizes that U.S. farmland ownership and transfer are shaped by historic and ongoing injustices and outlines a process for slowing the conventional real estate market—property by property—to prioritize viable farmers, especially those historically excluded from land access.
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NEW! Reforestation Guide: Tree Planting to Enrich, Restore, and Adapt Northern Forests
UMass MassWoods published a reforestation guide for foresters, landowners, and managers using tree planting as a forest management tool. Grounded in ecological and climate-informed science, it outlines planting objectives and provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning, implementing, and stewarding reforestation projects, with decision-support tools, timelines, vetted resources, and case studies. |
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NEW! Municipal Climate Resilience Playbook Now Live
Massachusetts municipalities play a critical role in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change. To support this work, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, has launched the Climate Resilience Playbook—a free, online resource designed to help municipalities and communities advance effective, locally driven climate solutions.
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NEW! Is Your House in Order?
The Land Trust Alliance has released a new fact sheet highlighting key resources to help organizations maintain compliance with their tax-exempt status. The topics addressed reflect areas the IRS has identified as higher risk and likely to receive increased scrutiny over time. |
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NEW! Improving Flood Resilience using Stream Simulation Crossings: A Case Study from Wisconsin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service published a study conducted in Wisconsin that evaluated stream simulation culverts. These culverts are designed to replicate natural stream channels, with the structure built around the channel rather than sized solely to meet minimum flood-flow requirements. Following historic flooding events, stream simulation crossings performed significantly better than traditional culverts.
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NEW! 2025 Massachusetts Food System Forum Slides and Notes Available
On November 25, the Massachusetts Food Systems Collaborative convened more than 300 food system advocates for its annual Food Systems Forum. Slides and session notes from the day are available. |
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NEW! Thoreau Foundation Scholarships Application deadline: Sunday February 1
The Henry David Thoreau Foundation is accepting applications for their Undergraduate Scholarship Program from top Massachusetts high school seniors who plan to study environmental issues in college. Selected students will receive a four-year scholarship up to $25,000, eligibility for an environmental internship stipend, and access to the scholar alumni network.
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NEW! Three Species Added to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plants List
The Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List was updated on December 8, 2025, to add three species: Alnus glutinosa, Miscanthus sinensis, and Rhodotypos scandens. Species on this list are prohibited from sale, and the ban extends to their purchase, importation, propagation, and related activities.
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