eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| July 24 2025, Volume 23, Number 7 |
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122 Acres of Farmland Preserved in Northampton
Through a collaborative effort led by Kestrel Land Trust, 122 acres of Vollinger Farm—a 217-acre, three-generation hayfield and pasture operation in Northampton, Massachusetts—has been permanently conserved. While it’s common to protect farmland in the Valley through the state’s APR program, this project was different. It’s the first time Kestrel Land Trust has held a federally funded conservation easement, made possible through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and Mass Audubon. Together, they protected 122 acres of the farm to ensure it stays in agricultural use and supports wildlife habitat. The project received $749,500 from the RCPP, plus another $100,000 from Mass Audubon’s Catalyst Fund. The land includes productive fields and forest that help feed the community and provide a home for native wildlife. This effort protects one of Northampton’s last large, undeveloped farm parcels. Farm owner Robert Vollinger's enrollment of an additional 80 acres in the state’s Farm Viability Program has supported renovation of one of his barns. Kestrel hopes to permanently conserve that land in the future. Read 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 a summer walk with Nantucket Conservation Foundation's President & CEO Cormac Collier at their Squam Swamp conservation area, assembled over many years with assistance from the Nantucket Land and Water Council. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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FY26 Board Transitions: Thank You, Rita and Kristen — Welcome New Trustees!
As we begin the new fiscal year, we thank outgoing board members Rita Gibes Grossman and Kristen Sykes for their outstanding service. Rita concludes nearly 15 years—the longest board tenure in MLTC history—while Kristen has contributed greatly since joining in 2019. We are deeply grateful to both for their hard work and lasting impact on MLTC, and pleased they've agreed to serve on our Conservation Advisory Council.
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Pictured: Rita Grossman (left) and Kristen Sykes (right) |
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We’re excited to welcome Laura Johnson, Colin Novick, Kathy Sferra, and Rob Warren as the newest members of our Board of Trustees. With deep experience in conservation across the non-profit and public sectors, they are well-equipped to help advance our mission.
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Pictured left to right: Laura Johnson, Colin Novick, Kathy Sferra, and Rob Warren |
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Field Trip: Community Based Urban Agriculture
Friday August 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, in-person, Boston MA Capacity: 12, only 2 spots available!
Led by Vidya Tikku, The Trustees VP, Boston and Urban Outdoors, and Jordan Takvorian, The Trustees Boston Stewardship Manager, participants will tour a variety of unique growing spaces across historic Boston. The day will start at The Trustees' native plant nursery that grows 200+ species of native eastern United States flora in the heart of Mattapan Square, and will include a visit to partner organization Urban Farming Institute's (URI) Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, which showcases how UFI promotes and develops urban farming as a way to build community. Next will be visits to two Trustees' community gardens in different neighborhoods -- Nightingale and Beverly -- where growing methods and crops reflect the diversity of cultures in Boston. Throughout the tour, attendees will learn about The Trustees' partnership with the City of Boston, and strategies used to permanently protect the city's open spaces. Register.
NEW! Massachusetts State Gathering at Rally
Friday September 5, 6:30 - 7:30+ pm, The Great Room, Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower (1360 West Mall Drive)
Attending Rally in Cleveland this year? Anyone with Massachusetts connections is invited to join our traditional Massachusetts State Gathering. This year we're opting for an informal get-together, where drinks, appetizers and small plates will be available a la carte on separate bills in a section of the hotel's Great Room. Ask the host to point you to the Massachusetts gathering. The venue is right by the conference center, so stop by for a drink or more and say hello! Please register here (free), so we have an idea of how many people to expect.
NEW! Development Quarterly Networking Zoom
Wednesday September 10, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, via Zoom
Open to anyone with development responsibilities, this quarter's call will focus on building business partnership programs and how to engage business sponsors. Join us to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. Newcomers welcome. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. The call will not be recorded. Free, but registration required.
ECCN Fall Migration Bird Walk in Dartmouth
Wednesday September 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, in-person, Dartmouth Natural Resources' Trust Smith Farm, Dartmouth MA
Join ECCN for a fall migration bird walk led by Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust’s Land Manager, Linda Vanderveer, at DNRT’S Smith Farm. The 140-acre Reserve contains a variety of habitats – agricultural farmland, meadows, upland forest, freshwater wetland, wetland forest, ponds, streams and salt marsh – and presents the opportunity to observe a variety of birds. Learn more and register.
NEW! Joint Land Protection / Stewardship Quarterly Call
Thursday September 11, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, via Zoom
Land Protection and Stewardship functions overlap in certain aspects. This quarter's call will offer a forum for both roles to ask questions, voice concerns, and offer insights as to how to work together more efficiently. The focus topic will be: "Communication and coordination between Land Protection and Stewardship functions in the course of land protection projects". Anyone is welcome to attend who holds these positions or oversees them. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Free, but registration required.
September 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting
Friday September 12, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, in-person at MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough 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, Olivia Lukacic, Vice-Chair. A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants. Register (only if attending via Zoom).
Apply for the 2025-2026 ECCN Mentorship Program Mentee and Mentor application deadline: Friday September 12
To foster opportunities for continued learning, building connections, and professional development in the land conservation field, MLTC’s Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) is welcoming applications for the ECCN Mentorship Program. This is not an internship, but rather an informal and organic mentorship opportunity designed to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders in their field. Through this opportunity, 5-7 mentor and mentee matches will be established. Review guidelines and email Olivia Barksdale at obarksdale@acton-ma.gov and Thomas Patti at Tpatti@wildlandstrust.org with questions. Apply for the program here: Mentee Application & Mentor Application.
ECCN Lunch & Learn: Using GIS to Identify and Prioritize Land Protection Projects Thursday September 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, via Zoom
Abby Hardy-Moss (Vice President of Stewardship, Planning, and Technology) and Becca Smalley (GIS Specialist) from the Essex County Greenbelt Association will review various data layers that can be used to help identify parcels of interest and gain a better understanding of their conservation values. An overview of Greenbelt’s Conservation Prioritization GIS analysis project will be provided, including a case study of how Greenbelt identifies and prioritizes potential land protection projects. Learn more and register.
Field Trip: Cold Brook-Eco Restoration Project Friday September 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Harwich MA
Experience the freshly restored Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in Harwich Port during a guided walk led by Harwich Conservation Trust Board President Tom Evans. Tour the new half-mile All Persons Trail which crosses two bridges with views of Cold Brook flowing freely through the 66-acre Preserve for the first time in over a century. Learn how this project, recognized with MLTC’s 2025 Excellence in Conservation Award, enhanced the health of the land and water for the benefit of people and wildlife. Register.
NEW! Land Trust Finance Peer Networking Group
Thursday September 25, 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 tracking grants, including systems used and best practices for managing restrictions, reporting and compliance. Time permitting, participants may be able to raise questions on other issues too. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. Free, but registration required.
Field Trip: Nature-based Solutions in Devens Friday September 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Devens MA
Nature-based solutions provide many co-benefits, such as increasing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, soil health, air/water quality, and much more. Join a bus tour of Devens for a first-hand view of some of the nature-based solutions that have been implemented. Tour stops will include low-impact development (LID) stormwater systems, pocket forests, stream daylighting and restoration and pollinator meadow installations. Neil Angus and Beth Suedmeyer from the Devens Enterprise Commission will offer tips on collaboration, incentives for mitigation and restoration, and examples of successful nature-based climate resilience projects. Register.
NEW! Submit a Conference Workshop Proposal
Proposals due: Tuesday September 30 Workshops take place Friday, March 13, 10:00 am - 3:40 pm at UMass Amherst.
With a new one-hour time slot in addition to two traditional 75-minute periods, and a later start time (10 a.m. vs. 9:30 a.m.), we've tried to accommodate a broader range of schedules and interests. View details and submit a proposal. NEW! Save the Dates: Land Trust / State Agency Retreat
Wednesday October 8 (full day) and Thursday October 9 (half day). Both days in-person only, with optional overnight.
This year's Retreat will include timely discussions on topics of mutual interest to land trusts and the State, with more opportunity for participants to share their comments than in recent years. Topics will include possible shifts in State grant funding and the State's comprehensive land use plan, plus other themes still in the works. And no Retreat is complete without Russ Cohen's Conservation Trivia, which we look forward to again this year. The Retreat agenda will be posted on the Retreat webpage after August 1st.
NEW! AVLT (All-Volunteer Land Trust) Quarterly Networking Call
Wednesday October 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm via Zoom
This month's focus topic is "Partnering with your town's organizations". It's a broad topic, and attendees' questions and experiences will mold the discussion. This call is a forum for AVLTs to learn from each other and tackle their unique challenges. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Free, but registration required here.
NEW! Save the Date: 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
Friday March 13, 2026, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst
Based on strong attendance at the 2025 Conference, the Conference Planning Committee has decided to once again hold the conference on a Friday at UMass. Staff continue to explore alternative conference venues in eastern and central Massachusetts, but to date have found none that match both our needs and budget. This year, workshops will start a half-hour later, at 10:00 am. Conference schedule (thus far).
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. Explore the details.
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Support MLTC with Your Membership!
Thanks so much to many who have already responded to our FY26 membership drive! Join MLTC to support everything we do. Display your MLTC membership on your website with our new membership badge! To request the image file, email Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org.
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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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Public Comments Due July 25 on Revised Solar Incentives
Virtual hearing: Thursday July 24, 6:00 pm. Register.
In-person hearing: Friday July 25, 1:00pm, Greenfield MA. Register. Public comments due: Friday July 25, 5:00 pm
The state has released draft regulations to update its Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which provides incentives to solar energy projects under five megawatts in size. Mass Audubon has provided a template to support those wishing to submit written comments encouraging the SMART program to advance solar energy goals in ways that also protect forests, farmlands, wetlands, and communities. Learn more.
Environmental Bond Bill Deliberation Begins Deadline for written testimony: Tuesday July 29th, 5:00 pm
On June 24, Governor Healey filed her long-awaited environmental bond bill as S.2542, An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities (also known as the Mass Ready Act.) Every five years or so, the legislature passes an environmental 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 often attached to bond bills as ‘outside sections’ and become law when the bill passes. On July 15th, the Joint Committee on the Environment held a hearing on the bill, which began with an hour of testimony by Lt. Governor Driscoll, EEA Secretary Tepper, Undersecretary Stephanie Cooper, and A&F Secretary Gorzkowicz. Robb Johnson represented MLTC on one of five panels organized by EEA that followed. Organizations represented on the panels included Mass Audubon, The Trustees, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and American Farmland Trust. Public testimony followed from others in the conservation community, including MassRivers, MACC, Conservation Law Foundation, Boston Harbor Now, and additional representatives from TNC, The Trustees, and Mass Audubon. A recording of the full hearing is available here. Submit written testimony by email to: JointCommittee.Environment@malegislature.gov. MLTC is part of a large coalition that will submit joint written testimony. As the bill works its way through the legislature, MLTC will work closely with our partners on potential amendments to strengthen it.
Committee Hearings on MLTC’s Top Legislative Priorities
On July 1st, the Joint Committee on the Environment held a hearing on S.597/H.901, An Act providing nature for all. 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. MLTC is part of the large and growing Nature for Massachusetts Coalition supporting this bill. Many Coalition members testified in favor of the bill. MLTC submitted written testimony and signed on to the Coalition’s joint written testimony as well.
On July 15th, the Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on S.2083/H.3147, An Act increasing the conservation land tax credit. 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. Mark Wamsley testified on behalf of Kestrel Land Trust and MLTC’s Policy Committee, alongside Zach Sheldon from The Nature Conservancy and landowner Edith Wislocki, who spoke about her experience donating a Conservation Restriction to Rehoboth Land Trust. View the panel's testimony, beginning at 1:12:40. Please consider submitting written testimony by email by Wednesday September 1st to: JointCommittee.Revenue@malegislature.gov and Anestis.Kalaitzidis@mahouse.gov. See MLTC's testimony here.
Governor Signs FY26 State Operating Budget
On July 4th, Governor Healey approved a $60.9 million operating budget for the fiscal year that began July 1st. The final budget reflects $130 million in vetoes from the version the Legislature sent her on June 30th. Reflecting growing concern about looming federal budget cuts, the final budget is more than $1 billion lower than the version the Governor herself filed in January. As a further indication of concerns over fiscal uncertainty, the Governor said she would extend a recently imposed hiring freeze, postpone a 2% raise for executive branch managers, and delay some earmark spending with the option to cancel it entirely if conditions worsen. Environmental programs were among those adversely impacted by the conservative mood. The Department of Ecological Restoration, EEA Admin and the Department of Public Utilities Admin each saw cuts ranging from 8.6 - 9.9% compared to last year’s funding levels, while the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity was cut by over $2.5 million – nearly 29% of its budget. On the positive side, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) State Parks and Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Admin each saw increases of just over 2% compared to last year. In conjunction with signing the budget, the Governor also filed a supplemental budget bill that asks the legislature to grant her special authority to further cut state spending midway through FY26 if revenue collections fall at least $400 million below projections or federal funding cuts exceed $400 million.
Decreased State Spending on Land Conservation Anticipated
On June 30th, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released its 5-year capital spending plan. The Plan includes over $3.2 billion in capital spending during FY26, with new growth focussed on housing and economic development. Unlike the operating budget, capital spending is substantially supported by borrowing, as authorized under various bond bills. Federal and other sources supplement what the state is able to spend in a given year. Compared to FY25, the State projects a $44 million (i.e. 10.6%) decrease in capital spending, including an 18% decrease in the capital line for the EEA, and a nearly 22% drop for the Department of Fish and Game, which is impacted by a $12.5 million drop in federal funding. Meanwhile, DCR is projected to see an $11 million increase (i.e. 8.4%) compared to FY25. See detail on planned spending for Energy and Environmental programs here. Read more about the overall plan here.
Draft 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan Available for Review and Comment Public comments due: Monday August 18
MassWildlife first introduced its State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) in 2005 and later updated it in 2015. Draft revisions for the 2025 SWAP are now available for public review and comment. For the first time, the entire plan is available online, offering improved access and transparency. The 2025 SWAP builds on the foundation of BioMap, an online tool that helps guide the strategic protection and management of lands and waters most critical to biodiversity conservation across Massachusetts. One of the major highlights of the update is the identification of 620 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), supported by an enhanced dashboard and detailed fact sheets. The plan also outlines 35 broad habitat categories, encompassing over 100 distinct natural communities that are vital to sustaining these species. In addition, it lays out key conservation and restoration actions necessary to protect SGCN. Comments can be submitted online via a designated form or sent by mail to: MassWildlife, Re: SWAP Public Comment, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
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Funding Nature’s Future: A Pathway to 30x30 in Massachusetts
On July 1st, Mass Audubon released a report titled Funding Nature’s Future: A Pathway to 30x30 in Massachusetts, outlining how the state can meet its goal of conserving 30% of land by 2030. To do so, the pace of land protection must double to 20,000 acres per year, requiring an estimated $350 million annually—far above current public investment levels. The report calls for a permanent, dedicated conservation fund, expanded public-private partnerships, and legally binding nature and climate targets. It also emphasizes inclusive, equitable planning and highlights the 30x30 Catalyst Fund, a private initiative helping to accelerate urgent land conservation across the state.
Nearly $46 Million in Federal Funding for Massachusetts Conservation Rescinded
On June 27th, Mass Audubon and the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the Trump Administration’s decision to cancel recently awarded multi-year USDA grants. The funding included a $20.8 million grant to EEA that would have protected farms, forests and wetlands across the state, and a separate $25 million grant to Mass Audubon intended to protect more than 10,000 of forests and wetlands in the Connecticut River Watershed, in partnership with Kestrel Land Trust, Mt. Grace Land Conservation Trust, Hilltown Land Trust, East Quabbin Land Trust, Connecticut River Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership. Mass Audubon is considering all its options to challenge the termination. Learn more here and here.
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Department of Conservation and Recreation Welcomes New Commissioner
On July 21, Nicole LaChapelle was named Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). She replaces Brian Arrigo, who had served in the role since April 2023. LaChapelle, who was mayor of Easthampton since 2018, is known for her focus on environmental stewardship and land preservation. She also has experience from several advisory roles, including the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Unlocking Housing Production Commission, the EPA’s Small Community Advisory Subcommittee, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. In 2024, she served as president of the Massachusetts Municipal Mayors Association.
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NEW! People, Land, Policy: Social Ties for Climate Resilience Tuesday July 29, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Trust for Public Land is convening a discussion on the intersection of people, land, and policy in building climate-resilient communities. The conversation will highlight how grassroots leadership, land stewardship, and equitable policymaking can strengthen the social fabric—particularly in communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Learn more and register.
NEW! Increasing LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusivity & Competency in the Outdoors
Thursday July 31, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Hosted by American Trails, this webinar addresses the systemic barriers and cultural norms that continue to limit outdoor access for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Going beyond conversations about access, the session will explore how outdoor programs, camps, and recreation organizations can foster truly inclusive environments—places where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel not only welcome, but genuinely seen, valued, and supported. Learn more and register.
NEW! Spotted Lanternfly Summer Update Wednesday August 13, 10:00 - 11:15 am
Join the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) for its Summer Spotted Lanternfly Quarterly Update on Zoom. The session will feature Madeline E. Potter, Entomology and IPM Specialist from the University of Maryland Extension, discussing SLF management strategies in Maryland. MDAR’s Survey Team will also provide updates on current survey and treatment efforts across Massachusetts. Learn more and register.
NEW! How to Rally: Navigating the 2025 National Land Conservation Conference
Thursday August 14, 1:00 pm, or Friday August 22, 12:00 pm
Rally 2025 will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, from Wednesday September 3– Saturday September 6, and offers a robust schedule of training sessions and networking opportunities. First-time attendees—or those seeking a refresher—are encouraged to join an introductory webinar. These sessions will provide an overview of Rally programming, offer tips for making the most of the experience, and create an opportunity to connect with fellow participants from across the country. Learn more and register.
Development Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday September 10, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. Joint Land Protection / Stewardship Quarterly Call
Thursday September 11, 3:00 - 4:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
September 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday September 12, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, in-person at MassWildlife and via Zoom
See details under MLTC News, above. ECCN Lunch & Learn: Using GIS to Identify and Prioritize Land Protection Projects
Thursday September 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
NEW! Branding 101: The Importance of Finding Your Why Thursday September 18, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Hosted by American Trails, this webinar will explore the deeper meaning of branding beyond catchy slogans and visually appealing logos. Participants will be guided through key branding fundamentals and hands-on exercises used by industry professionals to uncover the foundational "why" behind a brand. The goal: to help organizations build an authentic identity that resonates with their audience—one that people are eager to support, trust, and champion. Learn more and register.
Land Trust Finance Peer Networking Group Thursday September 25, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. Conservation GIS Webinar Series
Wednesday October 8, 10:00 - 11:30 am
As part of the Wildlands Stewardship Training Center and Essex County Greenbelt’s free webinar series, this final 90-minute session in the three-part program will explore foundational GIS concepts using ArcGIS Pro. Learn more and register. AVLT (All-Volunteer Land Trust) Quarterly Networking Call Wednesday October 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! Second Annual Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Week Sunday August 10 - Saturday August 16, times and locations vary
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is hosting the second annual Urban Agriculture Week to recognize the vital contributions of urban agriculture organizations throughout the Commonwealth. At this event, urban farmers will host activities that educate the public, celebrate local food systems, and advocate for food production in Massachusetts’ urban communities. As part of the celebration, MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle will spotlight youth engagement in urban agriculture, highlighting programs that equip teens with essential skills in farming, marketing, and food production. To participate email Rose Arruda at rose.arruda@mass.gov.
Field Trip: Community Based Urban Agriculture Friday August 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Boston MA See details under MLTC News, above. Land Trust Rally in Cleveland OH
Wednesday September 3 - Saturday September 6, start times vary
Land Trust Alliance Rally is the national land conservation conference, providing an amazing opportunity for land conservationists to gather, learn, share ideas and inspire one another to build strong communities with open space, clean air and water, sustainable food sources and natural habitats. Rally moves around the country to highlight the diverse landscapes that land trusts work tirelessly to protect. Learn more and register.
Massachusetts State Gathering at Rally
Friday September 5, 6:30 - 7:30+ pm, The Great Room, Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower (1360 West Mall Drive) See details under MLTC News, above.
ECCN Fall Migration Bird Walk in Dartmouth Wednesday September 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Dartmouth MA See details under MLTC News, above. September 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday September 12, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, in-person at MassWildlife and via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Northeastern Old Growth Conference Wednesday September 17 - Saturday September 20, times vary, in-person, Middlebury College, Ripton VT
This event will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, including Jerry Franklin, Tom Spies, Lynda Mapes, and Bob Leverett, who will share perspectives from the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and New England. The program will include a dynamic mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and field excursions, highlighting a broad range of voices and expertise from across the Northeast and beyond. Learn more and register.
Field Trip: Cold Brook-Eco Restoration Project Friday September 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Harwich MA See details under MLTC News, above. Field Trip: Nature-based Solutions in Devens
Friday September 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Devens MA See details under MLTC News, above.
Save the Dates! Land Trust / State Agency Retreat Wednesday October 8 - Thursday October 9, time and location TBD See details under MLTC News, above. MACC’s 2025 Fall Conference Saturday October 25, Time TBD, Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens, MA Registration will open in the fall
The theme of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions' (MACC) annual Fall Conference, At Home with Nature: Balancing the Needs of Housing, Energy, and Environmental Protection, will explore the intersection of sustainable development and environmental stewardship, offering attendees insights into how communities can grow while preserving natural resources. Learn more.
2025 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering Thursday November 6, Time TBD, in-person, UMass Amherst, Amherst MA
Hosted by the Highstead Foundation, this event brings together conservation practitioners, professionals, and allies to support and advance collaborative landscape conservation throughout the Northeast and beyond. The 2025 conference, titled A Home for Us All: Working Together for a Resilient Future, will focus on the vital intersection of housing, conservation, and justice. Learn more.
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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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
NEW! 2025 Water Stewardship Grassroots Grants Application deadline: Thursday July 31
Bell’s Brewery, located in Michigan, is offering grassroots grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that protect ecosystem health and biodiversity, improve water resource use to benefit public health and frontline communities, and promote resilience to climate-related water risks. Learn more and apply. NEW! Clif Family Foundation Grants Application deadline: Friday August 1
The Clif Family Foundation is accepting applications for its Operational Support grants program, which help cover daily operating costs and specific projects. Priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate strong community ties, operate within viable and clearly defined plans for positive change, and address two or more funding priorities at the same time: strengthening the food system, enhancing equitable community health outcomes, and safeguarding the environment and natural resources. Applicants must be based in the U.S. and be 501(c)(3) organizations, or have a fiscal sponsor with such status. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network Grants
Application deadline: Friday August 1, 5:00 pm
SNEP Network Community Assistance Grants will support community- and watershed-scale planning efforts that enhance local capacity, sustainable financing, and long-term climate resilience through improved stormwater management and ecological restoration. Priority will be given to projects that build capacity and leadership, foster partnerships, leverage existing efforts, and engage communities new to the SNEP Network. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities
Application deadline: Friday August 1 for Community Partner Applicants and Friday August 22 for Tribal Applicants
The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program provides funding to support collaborative efforts that enhance wildfire resilience, improve recreation opportunities, promote forest health, and strengthen rural economies. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate how their collaborative activities contribute to a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship goals and explain how these outcomes will benefit National Forest System lands. Standard grant awards range from $10,001 to $75,000. Learn more and apply.
AgEnhancement Grants Application deadlines: Friday August 1 or Monday December 1
Farm Credit East and CoBank are awarding grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support programs intended to assist all-size farms, promote diversity, and create opportunities for new entrants into agriculture. Applicants who demonstrate how their program, project, activity, or event will create a lasting positive impact on the agriculture, forest products, or commercial fishing industries within the eight-state Northeast region are eligible. Learn more and apply.
MassDEP Technical Assistance Grants - Waste Site Clean UP
Application deadline: Friday August 29
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is inviting proposals from community and municipal organizations to strengthen public involvement in the assessment and cleanup of oil and hazardous material disposal sites, including those in environmental justice (EJ) areas. Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) will be awarded to selected groups to obtain independent expert advice, review site assessment and cleanup plans, and promote public engagement in the cleanup process. Learn more and apply.
Land Conservation Program Revolving Loan Fund rolling, inquire to become pre-approved
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 remain unchanged from the previous fiscal year and are available in all states. Depending on the location, NRCS may also have state-specific priorities. For more information, email Jasper Cowley at Jasper.Cowley@usda.gov. Learn more and apply.
Solar Moonshot Program
This program helps non-profits afford the switch to clean energy. Grant priority is given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000, with amounts dependent on various factors. The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more and apply.
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Resources and Opportunities |
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NEW! Conservation Easement Valuation Checklist for Appraisers
The Land Trust Alliance released a new checklist highlighting the essential components of a conservation valuation assignment. It is designed to support appraisers—especially those new to conservation work—in understanding the key requirements and building the capacity to undertake these specialized assignments with confidence. Learn more.
NEW! Pass-Through Entity Donor Due Diligence Checklist
The Land Trust Alliance has also released a new checklist to help land trusts comply with recent IRS regulations and the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. Designed for use with legal counsel, the checklist outlines key due diligence steps when working with donors that are pass-through entities, such as LLCs. Learn more.
NEW! Access Presentations from the 2025 Mass ECAN Conference
The theme for the 2025 Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) Conference was Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions. The conference hosted sessions with a focus on equitable community engagement, policy, and permitting. Presentations and speaker bios from the event. NEW! Maine Land Trust Mergers: Stories and Insights
Maine Land Trusts Network’s newest publication, Maine Land Trust Mergers: Stories and Insights, explores merger efforts that have taken place in Maine over the past few decades and distills them down into a useful array of process strategies, tips, lessons learned, resources, and more. NEW! Coming Together to Conserve Land for People and Wildlife
The Highstead Foundation's recent publication, Coming Together to Conserve Land for People and Wildlife, describes a partnership in Northwest Connecticut where conservation and affordable housing groups are working together to balance land protection with community needs. Facing rising housing costs and development pressure, over 40 organizations formed a coalition to identify shared goals, use strategic planning tools, and support both ecological preservation and affordable housing.
NEW! Saving Land, Summer 2025
The Land Trust Alliance’s Summer 2025 issue of Saving Land explores how connection fuels conservation, from shared values and trust to advocacy wins like “Capitol Connections.” It frames stewardship as an act of love—for both people and the land—and offers tips on board leadership, fundraising, resilience, and easier accreditation.
LeadBoston’s Leadership Development Program Application deadline: Monday October 6
LeadBoston by YW Boston is an 11-month leadership program for mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to amplify their impact. It offers deep insight into key institutions and change drivers, equipping leaders with the skills and networks to advance equity, accelerate their growth, and boost their organizations’ success. Learn more and apply.
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