eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| February 20 2025, Volume 23, Number 2 |
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56 Acres of Falmouth Woodlands to be Preserved by 2026
The 300 Committee Land Trust (T3C) and the Falmouth Conservation Commission are collaborating on a two-phase Falmouth Woodland Acquisition Project to permanently preserve key woodlands in North Falmouth. Covering 56 acres, the project includes 48 acres of priority woodlands and 7 acres (including an existing house, barn and garage) designated for development of 14 affordable homes. This initiative addresses two critical needs in Falmouth: conserving natural spaces and expanding housing opportunities. Once acquired, T3C plans to establish trails for public access while protecting sensitive ecosystems. The project will also provide educational opportunities for local schools. Purchase of the woodland parcel was completed in January 2025. Closing on the housing parcel, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, is expected by January 2026. Learn more.
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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 breaking trail on a morning walk at Hilltown Land Trust's Bradley Property in Williamsburg.
#OurMassLandTrusts |
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Seminars Presented by Our Sponsors March 4 - March 18
These one-hour, online seminars by some of our lead conference sponsors are open to everyone, even if you’re not attending the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 21.
Beyond the “Illusion of Preservation” MassWoods | Tuesday March 4, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register. Freshwater Resilience: Adding Rivers and Streams into your Land Conservation
TNC in Massachusetts | Tuesday March 11, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register.
Discussion of Mass Audubon’s 30x30 Catalyst Fund with Current and Potential Partners | Mass Audubon | Wednesday March 12, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register. Developing Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the Commonwealth
EOEEA | Tuesday March 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register.
Register for the 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference! Early bird registration deadline: Friday February 28, 11:59 pm
Lunch order deadline: Wednesday March 5, 11:59 pm Friday March 21, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst
This year’s conference will feature a keynote by Congressman Jim McGovern on The State of the Environment under a new Administration & Congress. This event draws nearly 500 attendees, including staff and volunteers from over 100 of the state’s land trusts, along with key partners from state, federal, and local government. The agenda features 22 workshops, covering a diverse range of land conservation topics such as farmland protection, land protection negotiating strategies, and alternatives to conservation restrictions that may be worth considering in certain situations. It's a great learning and networking opportunity for participants from all levels of experience, from students to seasoned professionals. See the Conference portal for details and registration.
Interested in Volunteering?
There are two volunteer spots left. Volunteers who contribute more than one hour of their time on Friday March 21 will receive free admission to the conference. Duties include assisting at the registration/info desk and ensuring workshops run smoothly. Sign-up sheet. If you cannot access the Google doc, please contact admin@massland.org.
Tax Benefits for Land Protection: A Primer for Land Trusts
Thursday February 27, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, via Zoom
Land protection staff need a good working knowledge of the potential tax benefits associated with various types of land transactions. We can’t give legal or tax advice, but can introduce landowners to these concepts and potential strategies. Most landowners want to preserve their property because they love it…but tax breaks are a great incentive to get them to follow through. This session will review potential tax savings at the local, state and federal levels, and provide an interactive tax worksheet as a takeaway for attendees to use on their own. Q. If you are a low income landowner with a high value property, what is the best way to donate it and maximize tax benefits? If you know how these tax benefits all work together, you will know the right answer. The workshop will be led by Rob Warren and Mark Robinson who have more than 80 years in combined experience working with hundreds of landowners. Register.
March 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday March 7, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, via Zoom
Land trust staff, board members, and conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, and announcements. Our featured topic in March will be the impact of executive orders and federal funding cuts on conservation, presented by Lori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations for the Land Trust Alliance. Learn more. Register.
The Big Night Amphibian Migration: Talk & Networking
Thursday March 20, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, in-person at Hitchcock Center for The Environment, 845 West St., Amherst MA
Join the Early Conservation Career Network for an evening of learning and networking before the annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference. Jeff Mazur, Environmental Educator for the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, will discuss Big Night amphibian migration and the natural history of the yellow-spotted salamander. Afterward, enjoy a short trail walk before gathering at Treehouse Brewing Company (optional, 6:00 - 7:30 pm) to socialize, dine, and enjoy beverages. Learn more and register.
Organizational Assessments & Implementation Grants: Virtual Information Session
Wednesday April 9, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Join the Land Trust Alliance and MLTC for an information session to learn how your land trust could be selected for a comprehensive organizational development package that includes an organizational assessment tailored to your specific needs and interests, a customized list of priority action items, and eligibility for an Implementation Grant to implement these initiatives. Participants will also gain ongoing support through quarterly coaching calls. The application period is April 14 – May 16, 2025. Join the info session to learn more about the types of assessments available, the application process, and requirements to participate. This session will give you all the necessary details with time for Q&A. Learn more. Register.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday May 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
The focus of this quarter's call will be on Volunteers: Recruiting, Engaging, and Retaining for development and fundraising purposes. Or the discussion may be broadened to volunteers in general. This call is part of MLTC's Stronger Together program. It will not be recorded. Register. Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Wednesday May 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via Zoom
The general topic for this quarter's call will be GIS. For discussion may be: which you use, sharing data & files, file naming conventions, remote access, templates for keeping MassGIS data up to date, staffing a GIS person, and likely more. This call is part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series. It will not be recorded. Register.
June 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting
Friday June 20, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, in-person at Brewster's Woods Wildlife Sanctuary, Concord MA, and via Zoom.
Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and a featured topic. These meetings are convened by MLTC's Partner Engagement Committee: Kathy Orlando, Chair, and Olivia Lukacic, Vice-Chair. Register (only if attending via Zoom).
Nominations Open for MLTC’s Board and Committees
Are you interested in being a volunteer leader working to advance land conservation across Massachusetts? MLTC is seeking nominations for volunteers to serve on its Board of Trustees, or as non-governing members of its Public Policy, Finance, Development, or Governance Committees. We’re looking for folks with time and energy to help advance MLTC’s Strategic Plan. Board members are elected to 3-year terms at MLTC’s annual meeting each June. Committee members can join at any point during the year, and are asked to make a one-year commitment. If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, please reach out to Robb Johnson at robb@massland.org.
Update on Conference Attendee Lists Being Offered for Sale
MLTC staff and a number of our contacts have recently received emails from multiple senders, offering to sell a list of Visitors/Attendees to the March 21 Mass. Land Conservation Conference being held at UMass Amherst. After talking with our computer consultant and security teams from our database and events registration platforms, we are confident that details of our contacts have not been leaked or hacked from those systems. Instead, we suspect that email contacts were collected in various other ways and used by bad actors in a phishing attempt to get people to click on dangerous links or hand over funds for a fake list of conference registrants. If you should get such an email, please ignore and delete it. We take our responsibility to protect our constituents’ contact information seriously, and thank you for your patience and understanding. See additional information on our findings here.
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Uncertainty re: Federal Funding and Executive Orders
In this period of on-going uncertainty, MLTC has posted some resources on our website for federal grantees and others seeking to protect themselves. As things continue to evolve, we'll do our best to share relevant updates on that page. Two upcoming meetings will also address this topic. On March 7th, Lori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations for the Land Trust Alliance, will join MLTC's Conservation Partners Meeting to share her latest perspective. At the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on March 21, Congressman Jim McGovern will deliver a keynote and take questions on The State of the Environment under a new Administration and Congress.
Ask Your State Legislators to Support Land Conservation
Please consider reaching out to your state legislators to ask them to co-sponsor MLTC's highest priority bills for the current legislative session: -
An Act providing nature for all, HD.2707 (sponsored by Rep. Blais and Rep. Montaño); SD.2776 (Sponsored by Sen. Feeney).
This bill would dedicate a portion of the existing state sales tax for conservation, restoration and improvement of lands and waters to benefit nature and people. See this fact sheet to learn more about the bill and its growing list of supporters.
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An Act increasing the conservation land tax credit SD.203, (sponsored by Sen. Tarr); HD.1347 (sponsored by Rep. Jones).
This bill would expand the annual cap on the state's conservation land tax credit program, resolving a long-standing waitlist for landowners willing to permanently conserve their environmentally significant properties. For more information, see this fact sheet and WBUR coverage from Martha Bebinger on the importance of expanding the tax credit.
Find you legislators here, and see this message template that you can personalize. Comments on Draft Regulations for the Open Space Act
MLTC coordinated submission of a group letter commenting on draft regulations to implement An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (the "Open Space Act", formerly known as PLPA). Over 400 pages of public comments were received and have been posted on the state's Open Space Act webpage. The letter submitted by MLTC can be viewed at pages 86-91.
Share your Input on Forest Reserves
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has identified the ambitious goal of designating 300,000 acres of forest reserves across Massachusetts by 2030. In support of this goal, EEA is seeking to
understand how non-profit, municipal and private forest owners manage their lands, and learn more about how they might support forest owners seeking to implement passive management
strategies. If you haven't already submitted a response, please consider assisting the EEA in gaining a better understanding of your forested lands by completing the survey. |
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Funding Awarded to Restore 520 Acres of Wildlife Habitat
The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $325,000 in grants to restore 520 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. MassWildlife awarded funds to six land trusts through the Habitat Management Grant Program, which supports private and municipal landowners in enhancing wildlife habitat, preserving biodiversity, improving climate resiliency, and promoting public recreation. Grant recipients include The Nature Conservancy, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Island Land Bank, Sheffield Land Trust, Sheriff's Meadow Foundation, and Sudbury Valley Trustees. Learn more.
Over $300,000 Awarded to Support Destination Mountain Biking Trails
In December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $300,000 in Destination Mountain Biking Development Grants through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). In collaboration with the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), three organizations were awarded grants to build and maintain destination mountain biking trail systems that feature accessibility, scenic routes, and support rural economic growth. The grant recipients were Shaker Ridge Trails, Purple Valley Trails, and Spaulding Rehabilitation. Learn more.
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NEW! Protecting Your Legacy Through Conservation-based Estate Planning
Tuesdays (February 25, March 25, and April 22), 6:30 - 8:00 pm
This free three-part series hosted by UMass Extension’s MassWoods program explores how to shape the future of your land and create a conservation-focused estate plan that aligns with your personal and financial goals. Download Protecting Your Legacy for more insights into conservation-based estate planning. Participants have the option to register for a single session. Learn more and register.
NEW! Spring 2025 Speaker Series on Data-Driven Urban Forestry
Tuesdays (February 25 - April 8), 10:30 - 11:30 am
In this free seminar series hosted by the Hixon Center, urban forestry experts will share how they leverage data to address management challenges and measure the efficacy of different solutions. Drawing from diverse experience across government, research, and nonprofit sectors, the speakers will offer valuable insights to guide decision-making for more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient cities. Participants have the option to register for a single session. Learn more. Register.
NEW! Networking Event: Supporting Drought Resilience in Local Communities
Wednesday February 26, 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) is hosting a networking event aimed at understanding and preparing for drought conditions to enhance local climate resilience. This event will offer a chance to connect, share insights, and explore collaborative efforts. Register. NEW! Making Organizations Inclusive: Stories of Deaf Gain in the Outdoors
Thursday February 27, 10:00 - 11:15 am
Hosted by American Trails, this webinar will provide participants with key tools, insights, and resources to effectively support members, participants, or co-workers from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Learn more. Register.
NEW! Food & Farming: How Farming Impacts Our Water, Wildlife, Climate, Health & Economy
Thursdays (February 27 - March 27), 12:00 - 1:30 pm or 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Hosted by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, this online course examines the impact of farming on freshwater resources, wildlife, climate change, public health, and the economy. The goal of Food & Farming is to critically assess and challenge unsustainable agricultural practices, while exploring strategies for adopting more sustainable farming methods. Participants have the option to register for a single session. Learn more. Register.
Tax Benefits for Land Protection: A Primer for Land Trusts Thursday February 27, 4:00 - 5:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
NEW! Using Native Plants To Support Northeastern Birds Thursday February 27, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Presented by The Native Plant Trust, this program will cover practical plant selection and maintenance tips designed to support birds in the Northeast. Though the class will focus on smaller landscapes, the strategies shared are applicable to spaces of any size. Learn more. Register.
NEW! Citizen & Community Science: Designing Projects for Research & Engagement
Sundays (March 2 - April 13), asynchronous, live session times vary, $999 course fee
This University of New Hampshire 36-hour, non-credit course offers a comprehensive understanding of citizen and community science. Students will gain skills in designing projects targeted at specific audiences, gathering meaningful data, and engaging and educating project participants and volunteers. The course will be led by Malin Clyde and Alyson Eberhardt, who bring decades of experience in working with volunteers in scientific research. Learn more.
NEW! The How-To of Ash Seed Preservation from Collection to Propagation
Thursday March 6, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
This webinar, hosted by the Forest Stewards Guild, will explore methods for harvesting, processing, and storing ash seed. Presenters will share their insights and offer practical solutions to foster a community of practice around ash seed collection. After the presentations, participants will break into smaller groups, led by program partners, to discuss strategies for planning their own ash seed collection season. Learn more and register.
NEW! Out on the Land: How Land Trusts Can Engage with the LGBTQ+ Community
Tuesday March 11, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Bold Bison is sponsoring this talk by Emilee Martell, reprising her workshop from September's Land Trust Alliance Rally conference. This session will also include time for discussion on how the Trump administration's most recent announcements are affecting LGBTQ+ communities and work across the country. Register.
March 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday March 7, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, via Zoom
See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Preserving Ash for the Future
Friday March 14, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Hosted by Vermont Land Trust and featuring Paul Catanzaro from UMass Amherst, this webinar will explore strategies that landowners, foresters, conservationists, and community leaders can employ to mitigate the loss of ash trees and promote well-adapted forests. Learn more and register. Organizational Assessments & Implementation Grants: Virtual Information Session Wednesday April 9, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. Statewide Local Working Group Meeting
Tuesday April 15, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm; registration link forthcoming
This meeting provides a platform to actively shape the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs and funding allocations, while simultaneously forging collaborations with fellow agricultural producers and conservation advocates. Email Mariana Lachiusa at Mariana.LachiusaMACD@gmail.com for more information.
NEW! Acquisition and Stewardship Peer Group for Land Trusts
Every three weeks from Tuesday May 6 until November 2026, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
This peer learning experience hosted by the Land Trust Alliance is tailored for land trust professionals focused on the acquisition, stewardship and management of land and conservation easements. This 18 month-program will offer a variety of opportunities to engage with others—through training sessions, networking events, and roundtable discussions that cover different facets of acquisition and stewardship. Fill out an online application to apply, estimated to take five to ten minutes. Learn more. Apply.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday May 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
See details under MLTC News, above. Land Protection Staff Topical Networking
Wednesday May 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
June 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday June 20, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, hybrid See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Conservation Easements: Legal Principles, Valuation, and Applications
Self-paced course
In this self-paced course developed by the Lincoln Land Institute of Land Policy, participants will explore principles, applications, controversies, and broader implications of easements. The modules will cover case studies, legal frameworks, valuation techniques, and federal tax provisions related to this land policy instrument. Learn more.
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! MDAR’s Agricultural Resource Fair
Friday February 21, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Essex North Shore Agricultural School, Danvers MA
Non-profit agricultural stakeholders and service providers, including MDAR’s Federal-State Partners, will provide the Massachusetts agricultural community with up-to-date, timely information on available resources. The materials presented will cover services, funding opportunities, and technical assistance programs, offering attendees a comprehensive "One-Stop Shop" for all their needs. Register.
Farm Succession School Wednesday February 24 and March 17, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton MA
Land For Good is hosting a three-day intensive course for farmers that want to start the farm transfer and succession process, and either have an identified successor or are looking for one. Learn more. Register.
MACC 2025 Annual Environmental Conference Saturday March 1, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA
Join nearly 800 conservation commissioners and agents, environmental officials, consultants, attorneys, students, activists, and others at the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commission’s Annual Environmental Conference (AEC). Learn more. Register.
The Big Night Amphibian Migration: Talk & Networking
Thursday March 20, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, in-person at Hitchcock Center for The Environment, 845 West St., Amherst MA See details under MLTC News, above.
2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, in-person at UMass Amherst, Amherst MA See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Build a Birdhouse Workshop
Saturday March 29, 12:30 - 3:30 pm, Wildlands Trust’s Stewardship Training Center, 549 Mast Rd, Plymouth MA
Join Wildlands Trust and Manomet Conservation Sciences for a hands-on workshop where you can learn carpentry skills while building birdhouses for local wildlife in Southeast MA. Participants will be guided through the process of constructing homes designed for tree swallows and bluebirds. Learn more and register.
Save The Date: Mass ECAN Conference Thursday May 1, time TBD, Clark University, Worcester MA
The theme for the 2025 Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) Conference is Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions. Check the website for updates.
June 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday June 20, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, hybrid See details under MLTC News, above. |
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
Peregrine Accelerator for Conservation Impact Deadline extended to: Friday February 28
Do you have an idea for a project that will deliver impact for nature and people? Would you benefit from not only funding, but tailored training, mentorship, and peer learning, to put that idea into action? The Peregrine Accelerator is accepting proposals from project teams who want to advance biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing in North Atlantic Canada and the U.S. Learn more. Apply.
Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants Application deadline: Thursday February 27, 11:59 pm
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is providing up to $20 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support fish passage projects and tribal capacity building. This funding will support U.S. federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and tribal organizations. Selected projects may also provide community and economic benefits, such as enhancing climate resilience by removing or improving aging infrastructure. Learn more and apply.
2025 Biodiversity Conservation Grant LOI deadline: Saturday March 1; Application deadline: Thursday May 1
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has announced $200,000 in grant funding to support pollinator habitat enhancement projects on America’s Public Lands. Habitat enhancement projects should directly support the creation, restoration, remediation, improvement, and/or protection of habitats for important pollinator species. Learn more and apply.
Cornell Land Trust Small Grants Application deadline: Saturday March 1, 11:59 pm
The Cornell Lab's Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative supports and amplifies bird conservation and land stewardship on private lands through its annual grant program. Approximately $260,000 total funding will be available to support up to 14 projects. Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $25,000. Email Sara Barker at sb65@cornell.edu with questions. Learn more and apply.
Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program Application deadline: Friday March 7, 3:00 pm
These grants provide financial assistance for the purchase of land in existing Mass. Department of Environmental Protection approved drinking water supply protection areas, or land in estimated protection areas of identified and planned future water supply wells or reservoirs. Grants of up to $350,000 are available this grant round. Learn more and apply.
Environmental Justice for New England Grants Deadline extended to: Friday March 7, 5:00 pm Environmental Justice for New England is awarding a total of $48 million to New England community-based organizations, environmental justice organizations, nonprofits, Tribal
governments (both federally and state recognized), and other entities. The funds will support projects that address local environmental and public health challenges. Learn more and apply. NEW! Farmland Partnership Program
Info session: Tuesday March 11, 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Register.
Monday March 31, 10:00 - 11:30 am. Register.
Application deadline: Monday May 19, 5:00 pm
Offered by The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) this grant program will support the implementation of the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan. It will fund networks dedicated to protecting farmland, enhance farm viability, and ensure access to farmland. The program prioritizes allocating funds to these networks rather than directly to individual farmers. All proposed activities must be clearly tied to a specific task(s) in the Farmland Action Plan Implementation Matrix. Learn more and apply.
Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program Application deadline: Thursday March 13
The Massachusetts Departure of Agricultural Resources’ Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program conserves agricultural land by compensating landowners for the difference between its "fair market value" and "agricultural value." In exchange, landowners agree to a permanent deed restriction preventing uses that harm its agricultural potential. Eligibility requires at least five acres of land with suitable soils in agricultural production for the last two years. Learn more. Apply.
Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Application deadline: Friday March 14
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) is offering funding to municipalities and nonprofits to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, historical structure reporting, construction and restoration activities, and acquisition projects. This is a 50% reimbursable matching grant program. Applicants must be able to document a 75% share of the project cost in order to cover temporary cash flow. Learn more and apply.
Landscape Partnership Grants Application deadline: Thursday April 3, 3:00 pm
These grants support efforts to protect large areas of conservation land. Maximum grant award is $1.25 million. Awarded applicants must document the use of funds, or contributions from other sources comprising at least 50% of total project cost. Nonprofits and local, state and federal government agencies can use this grant to work together to protect properties that meet the minimum acreage required, which varies by county. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Electric Solicitation Grant
Application deadline: Monday April 7, 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is awarding $3.66 million in funding for projects focused on reducing diesel emissions from vehicles and equipment. Learn more and apply. Land Conservation Assistance Program Application deadline: Friday April 11
This 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.
Farm-Pass: Farm Transfer Planning Assistance Program
Application deadline: rolling, but must be received by Tuesday April 15th for a June start date. Note: Please do not apply through CommBuys, but click “file attachments” to get the application. Completed applications must be mailed to MDAR.
MDAR’s new Farm-Pass program will provide direct assistance to help Massachusetts farm owners pass their farm on to the next generation. This service is targeted to owners who have already identified a successor – either within the family or not – who is interested in owning and managing a commercial farm business on the farm property in the near future. This is a year-long, no-cost opportunity for farm owners, family members, and the identified successor to work one-on-one with an experienced, dedicated planner to create a customized farm transfer plan. Learn more and apply. Email Melissa Adams at Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov or Laura Barley at Laura.Barley@mass.gov with questions.
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants Application deadline: Wednesday April 16
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering up to $100 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support projects aimed at recovering threatened and endangered species, as well as protecting coastal communities and ecosystems from the effects of climate change. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities Application deadline: Monday May 12
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering up to $20 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Land Conservation Program Revolving Loan Fund
rolling, invitation only
The National Park Foundation (NPF) Revolving Loan Fund provides bridge loans to financially stable conservation organizations to facilitate land acquisitions for conservation or other National Park Service (NPS) purposes. Projects will be considered that require a loan of $1,000,000 or less for a nonprofit partner to acquire a vulnerable property from a willing seller. Interested applicants should contact lands@nationalparks.org to inquire whether the project is a good match for the NPF loan program. Once pre-approved, applicants will receive instructions via email on how to formally submit an application.
Agricultural Conservation Easement Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications year-round for ACEP Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE). The current ACEP priorities for Inflation Reduction Act funding remain unchanged from the previous fiscal year and are available in all states. Depending on the location, NRCS may also have state-specific priorities. This funding is in addition to the resources available through the Farm Bill. For more information, email Jasper Cowley at Jasper.Cowley@usda.gov. Learn more and apply.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted
This program serves as a catalyst for new, creative programs and projects within 45 communities of the Heritage Area. Reimbursable matching grants are offered in support of the goals and objectives outlined in the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Management Plan, summarized as: Inclusive Storytelling; Education, Interpretation & Curation; Community Planning & Resource Conservation; Historic Preservation; and Regional Cultural Events. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $7,500. Discussion of your proposal with a grant specialist before applying is highly recommended. Learn more here and here.
The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund
Applications accepted on a rolling basis; an inquiry must be submitted 60 days prior to submitting full proposal
The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund is a matching grant program administered by the National Office of Trout Unlimited (TU) along with the Land Conservancy Work Group. It provides grants for land protection projects that result in conservation easements or land trust or agency acquisition of important properties that protect salmon habitat. Funds will be awarded to TU Chapters and Councils in partnership with land trusts and conservation agencies. Applicants should contact the Land Conservancy Fund committee at landconservancy@tu.org 60 days prior to submitting an application. Learn more.
Solar Moonshot Program
This program helps non-profits afford the switch to clean energy. Grant priority is given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000, with amounts dependent on various factors. The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more and apply.
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Resources and Opportunities |
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Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
Application deadline: Saturday March 1
The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) provides technical assistance to locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies. Learn more. Apply.
NEW! Best Practices When Engaging Appraisers
The Land Trust Alliance has published a checklist emphasizing that accurate and timely appraisals by qualified professionals are essential for land conservation transactions. This checklist serves as a guide for land trust practitioners on how to effectively collaborate with appraisers on conservation projects and provide the necessary information to ensure a successful process. View the checklist.
NEW! MDAR’s Farmland Action Plan Implementation Matrix
The Farmland Action Plan implementation matrix outlines the goals, strategies, actions, and tasks from the 2023 Plan. It tracks progress and plans, with input from many partners in recent months and further updates expected in 2025. Learn more about the matrix on the Farmland Action Plan webpage, and propose edits or new items through the Matrix Feedback Portal. Read the matrix.
NEW! Community Land Trusts 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Fran Miller, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS), recently discussed the role of community land trusts (CLTs) in a webinar hosted by the USDA National Agricultural Library. CLTs, she explained, provide a model for preserving land in community ownership, enabling long-term stewardship and supporting local agricultural and food security initiatives. Other speakers included CLT attorney Kristin King-Reis, Matthew Wyman of the Florida Housing Coalition’s Community Land Trust Institute, and Heather Benham of Burlington Associates in Community Development. Watch the webinar.
NEW! Welcoming Communities to Trails Hub
American Trails has launched a new hub within its Resource Library: the Welcoming Communities to Trails Hub. This hub features websites, articles, videos, and other online resources that offer a comprehensive framework for fostering inclusive communities, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy trails. Explore the resource.
NEW! Timely Reminder: Independent Contractor or Employee?
It’s crucial for employers to correctly classify workers as either employees or independent contractors. Employers must withhold and deposit income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from employees’ wages, as well as pay the employer’s share of Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. For independent contractors, no tax withholding is required, but a Form 1099-NEC must be filed for any contractor paid over $600 in a calendar year. Land trusts, which often hire part-time, seasonal, or temporary workers, must ensure proper classification. Read the IRS guidelines.
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