eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| June 24 2025, Volume 23, Number 6 |
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Fields situated along Cooper Hill in proximity to the Taconic Range that borders Sheffield MA Over 1,100 Acres of Farmland and Habitat To Be Protected Across MA and CT
In summer 2023, the proposed sale of part of Cooper Hill Farm’s 500+ acre landscape set in motion a collaborative conservation effort. Pine Island Farm, the longtime dairy tenant, united with eight conservation groups in MA and CT (the Housatonic Valley Association, Mass Audubon, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, Salisbury Association Land Trust, Sheffield Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy (MA and CT), and The Trustees of Reservations) to create the Cooper Hill Conservation Alliance (CHCA). A mix of Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APR), conservation restrictions (CR), conservation easements and direct conservation purchases are being used to permanently protect this standout landscape. To date, the CHCA has protected over 600 acres of the project’s 1,130 acres across Massachusetts and Connecticut. Together these properties include prime farmland critical for dairy feed and renewable energy through methane digestion, rare habitats near a National Natural Landmark, significant wetlands, state-listed species, and culturally historic landscapes—and connect to thousands of acres of other already-protected land enhancing critical conservation corridors.
The first APR held by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) on 444 acres purchased by Pine Island Farm has been completed, with an 8-acre Private APR to be held by the Sheffield Land Trust on abutting land expected to close in the next year. The Trustees of Reservations purchased two abutting parcels of 75 and 86 acres, that filled in gaps in their Bartholomew’s Cobble Reservation, with a CR just recorded this month over the 86-acre parcel. Two groups of neighbors acting as conservation buyers purchased 517 acres of forested land on Toms Hill and Miles Mountain in Connecticut and are holding it until federal funds are available in 2026 and 2027 to complete conservation purchases and easements on the land.
Supported by $13.5 million in public and private funding spearheaded by Sheffield Land Trust and The Trustees of Reservations—including $4.075 million from MDAR, a $1.25 million Landscape Partnership Grant and $200,000 from The Mass Audubon 30x30 Catalyst Fund—the initiative ensures permanent protection of all the land, provides public access on the non-APR land, and serves as a replicable model for multi stakeholder conservation.
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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 checking out pond critters with Williamstown Rural Lands' Executive Director Robin Sears at their beautiful Sheep Hill headquarters. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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Small-Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday June 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Open to anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small-staffed land trust, this quarter's topic will focus on record keeping policy, procedures & best practices, and may include other interests, like cyber security insurance. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Register.
ECCN Bog & Beach Field Trip Friday June 27, 12:00 - 4:00 pm, in-person, meet at the 300 Committee’s office in Falmouth Capacity: 20
The outing will begin with a picnic lunch at the 300 Committee's new headquarters in Falmouth. After lunch, head to the Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail, which loops around a former cranberry bog that has been restored to a wetland habitat where various native animal and aquatic plant species thrive. Betsy Gladfelter, a member of Falmouth’s Conservation Commission, will share how the restoration project developed. The trip continues with a visit to Woodneck Beach for beach activities and a discussion about the 300 Committee's erosion control efforts led by Will Poirier, Director of Stewardship. Both the 300 Committee office and the trails at the Lower Coonamessett Restoration area are accessible for all. Registration is required so that lunch can be ordered in advance. Learn more and register.
Attending Rally in Cleveland? Please Fill Out This 3-Question Survey Please respond by Thursday July 3 In order for MLTC to gauge interest in a Massachusetts get-together on Friday evening, September 5 in Cleveland, please complete this 3-question survey. Your response is important to the planning.
ECCN Mt. Auburn Cemetery Tour Friday July 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge MA
Capacity: 15
Join ECCN and former Mount Auburn Cemetery President/Director of Horticulture Dave Barnett for a walking tour of the cemetery. The walk will follow paved roads with moderate hills--participants should be comfortable walking 2-3 miles. The tour will cover some of the history of the cemetery and its horticultural management practices. Attend to learn how the team at Mount Auburn balances aesthetic value and ecologically-minded property stewardship. Learn more and register.
Field Trip: Pawtucket Farm: An Urban Collaboration Success Friday July 18, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, in-person, Lowell MA Capacity: 25
This tour will visit the Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, a collaboration between Lowell Parks & Conservation, Mass Audubon, and Mill City Grows. Participants will walk the 22-acre former Christmas tree farm and see the implementation of community-based visioning and planning, including a recently completed All Persons Trail and an outdoor classroom under construction. Register.
Field Trip: Community Based Urban Agriculture Friday August 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, in-person, Boston MA Capacity: 12
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.
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 Capacity: 20
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 found in Dartmouth – 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.
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 Pilot 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. 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 go over 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 uses the prioritization to identify and prioritize 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 Capacity: 20
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 the recent eco-restoration 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.
Field Trip: Nature-based Solutions in Devens Friday September 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Devens MA Capacity: 20
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.
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Governor Files Environmental Bond Bill
On June 24, Governor Healey filed her version of the Environmental Bond Bill, naming it the ‘Mass Ready Act’. This kicks off a process of legislative review and revision of the bill that will send it back to her desk for signature in coming months. Every five years or so, the legislature passes an Environmental Bond Bill that authorizes capital spending over the next five years for a wide range of state programs that are essential to land conservation and other environmental programs. A variety of policy changes may be attached as "outside sections” and become law when the bill passes. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s bill emphasizes investments to prepare residents, communities and our natural world for the impacts of climate change, authorizing a record $2.9 billion in spending on environmental programs. MLTC is working with partners to analyze the bill language and may advocate for certain amendments to secure the strongest possible investments in programs of most importance to the land conservation community. See the Governor's press release and full bill text.
FY26 State Operating Budget
With the Senate having passed its version of the budget in late May, a House/Senate Conference Committee is now working to resolve differences between House and Senate versions in order to pass a budget to send to the Governor for approval this summer. MLTC is a member of The Green Budget Coalition, which has submitted a letter urging the Conference Committee to support line items of importance to the conservation community.
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Conservationists gathered in Harwich for the annual Cape Cod Legislative Day. Photo by Harwich Conservation Trust.
Successful Cape Cod Legislative Day
The annual Cape Cod Land Conservation Legislative Day, held on May 23rd at the Harwich Conservation Trust’s Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, highlighted the strong partnership between the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) and the Harwich Fire Association (HFA). Town officials, legislators, and land trust staff from across Cape Cod gathered at the Old Bank Street Firehouse to learn about the Preserve’s recently completed eco-restoration project and the firehouse’s historic preservation, which will add three affordable housing units. Learn more.
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$7.4 Million Awarded to Preserve Nearly 600 Acres of Massachusetts Farmland
The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced over $7.4 million in funding through the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program to preserve nearly 600 acres of farmland across Massachusetts. This investment directly supports three multigenerational dairy farms—Pine Island Farm and Balsam Hill Farm in Sheffield, and Herrick Farm in Rowley. The preservation of these farms represents the largest whole-farm conservation effort in the APR program’s history. By securing these properties under permanent agricultural use, these projects advance the goals of Massachusetts’ Farmland Action Plan, which prioritizes full-farm protection to bolster long-term agricultural viability. Learn more.
Over $1 Million in Grants to Protect Massachusetts Drinking Water Supply
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $1 million in grants through the Drinking Water Supply Protection program to help five communities protect their drinking water. Funding will allow the purchase of land critical to water quality and public health. This initiative, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), aims to prevent water contamination by protecting land near reservoirs and wells. The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts and The 300 Committee Land Trust helped the Town of Falmouth secure funding for the purchase of a forested parcel within the recharge area of Long Pond, Falmouth’s primary water supply. The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Rural Lands Foundation supported the City of Cambridge in securing funding to protect upper Hobbs Brook Reservoir, a vital source of drinking water for the city. Learn more.
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NEW! Environmental Bond Bill Summit Tuesday June 24, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Mass Parks for All has assembled a panel to comment on the Governor’s Environmental Bond Bill filed earlier in the day, featuring former Senate Ways & Means Chair Steve Brewer, former state representative, senator, and environmental secretary Bob Durand, Stewardship Council member and Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy Laura Jasinski, and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Paul Jahnige, who is also part of the team at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that wrote the bond bill. RSVP to Kat Powers at kat@massparksforall.org to receive the Zoom link.
NEW! Data-Driven Decision Support for Sustainable Trail Planning and Management
Thursday June 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
American Trails will present an online application developed by the Conservation Biology Institute, the US Forest Service, and the Deschutes Trails Coalition to support collaborative, data-driven evaluation of trail sustainability. The prototype tracks and visualizes trail information, converting diverse data into quantitative metrics across physical, environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Join to discover how geospatial technology can integrate varied spatial data to effectively measure the sustainability of both proposed and existing trails. Learn more and register.
Small-Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday June 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. Accelerating the Pace of Wetlands Restoration
Thursday June 26, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Southern New England Program (SNEP) Network is hosting this webinar to explore opportunities for wetland restoration. Although wetlands are now protected from most new development, historic alterations continue to harm water quality, flood resilience, fish passage, and ecosystem health. In Massachusetts alone, over 3,000 dams, 30,000 road-stream crossings, and thousands of acres of degraded salt marshes and former cranberry bogs remain impacted by outdated infrastructure. Learn about efforts to increase the pace of restoration and to reduce the cost and complexity of permitting these beneficial projects. Register.
NEW! Land Justice & Land Trusts: A Tool Kit Webinar Series
Friday June 27, 1:00 - 2:15 pm and Thursday July 17, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Yale Center for Environmental Justice (YCEJ), in partnership with the Aspetuck Land Trust and Yale's Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY), has released the Land Justice & Land Trusts Toolkit. This guide helps land trusts apply land justice principles, address past and present inequities, and promote equitable land access, affordable ownership, inclusive decision-making, and stronger local food systems. YCEJ is hosting these two webinars that feature land justice practitioners and tool experts who will share real-world insights on implementation, challenges, and opportunities. Learn more and register.
Conservation GIS Webinar Series Wednesdays (July 9 and October 8), 10:00 - 11:30 am
The Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, in partnership with Essex County Greenbelt, is hosting a free three-part webinar series designed for land conservation professionals with beginner to intermediate GIS skills. Each 90-minute session will cover foundational GIS concepts using ArcGIS Pro through lectures and optional breakout discussions. Participants may register for individual sessions or the full series. Learn more and register.
NEW! Trying Times: Conservation Easements and Federal Tax Law 2025
Friday July 18, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
The University of Utah is hosting this program on the latest case law and IRS guidance affecting conservation easements. Experts will provide advice for land trust staff, board members, government officials, attorneys, appraisers, and landowners. Attendees can engage with a diverse panel of experts, collectively bringing over 150 years of experience, during dedicated Q&A sessions following each of the three panel discussions. Learn more and register.
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, via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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Bog & Beach Field Trip (ECCN)
Friday June 27, 12:00 - 4:00 pm, in-person, Falmouth MA See details under MLTC News, above.
MACC’s 2025 Fall Conference: Call for Workshop Proposals Submit a workshop proposal deadline: Thursday July 3, 11:59 pm (previously June 23)
Conference date: Saturday October 25, time TBD, Devens MA
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is accepting workshop proposals for its 2025 Fall Conference. This year’s theme, At Home with Nature: Balancing the Needs of Housing, Energy, and Environmental Protection, invites presenters to explore the intersection of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Proposals that address innovative approaches to housing, the expansion of renewable energy, and strategies to strengthen environmental protection are strongly encouraged. Email Michele Girard at michele.girard@maccweb.org with questions. Submit proposal.
ECCN Mt. Auburn Cemetery Tour Friday July 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Cambridge MA See details under MLTC News, above. Society of Wetland Scientists Field Trips & Workshops
Wednesday July 15 - Friday July 18, times and locations vary, Providence RI
The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) is hosting a diverse lineup of field trips and workshops in July. Join wetland science experts for immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that offer in-depth exploration of regional wetland ecosystems, cutting-edge conservation strategies, and emerging environmental policies. Learn more and register.
Field Trip: Pawtucket Farm: An Urban Collaboration Success Friday July 18, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, in-person, Lowell (North) See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Land Trust Rally in Cleveland OH Early bird registration deadline: Monday July 21 Conference dates: 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. 2025 Rally hotel and registration info. MLTC would like to host a gathering in the evening of Friday September 5, if you are interested please complete this 3-question survey.
Field Trip: Community Based Urban Agriculture Friday August 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, in-person, Boston MA See details under MLTC News, above. ECCN Fall Migration Bird Walk in Dartmouth
Wednesday September 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, in-person, 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. Field Trip: Cold Brook-Eco Restoration Project
Friday September 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Harwich MA (Central) See details under MLTC News, above.
Field Trip: Nature-based Solutions in Devens Friday September 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Devens MA See details under MLTC News, above. 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.
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants Application deadline: Thursday June 26 at 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is awarding grants between $50,000 to $850,000. Priority funding areas include stormwater pollution assessment and remediation, habitat restoration planning, municipal capacity-building for green infrastructure, advanced land acquisition planning, and engineering or data collection for improving municipal crossings that support habitat restoration. Projects should incorporate public engagement, address climate impacts, and highlight community benefits. Learn more. Apply.
Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund Application deadline: Thursday June 26 at 11:59 pm
This National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) funding will support projects that: restore stream and riparian habitats for species such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and wood turtles; improve forest management to enhance habitat for golden-winged warblers and New England cottontails; and promote hayfield practices that support bobolink breeding. Learn more and apply.
Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grant Application deadline: Monday June 30 at 2:00 pm
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) FY26 Grant Program is accepting proposals that address water resource issues through a holistic approach. Focus areas include improving aquatic habitats, conserving threatened marine species, environmental advocacy, and education. Proposals should cover key topics such as local water management, aquatic biodiversity, smart growth, climate change impacts, and Environmental Justice (EJ) concerns. Learn more and apply.
T-Mobile Hometown Grants Application deadline: Monday June 30 at 11:59 pm
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through August 2026 to support communities with a population of less than 50,000. Hometown Grants fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds, or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding. Learn more and apply.
NEW! AllTrails Stewards Fund Application deadline: Monday June 30 The AllTrails Stewards Fund provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to support nonprofit trail organizations in their efforts to improve, maintain, rebuild, and restore outdoor spaces. Learn more and apply. 2025 LSPA Environmental Justice Grants Application deadline: Tuesday July 1, 5:00 pm
The Licensed Site Professionals Association (LSPA) is offering a total of $5,000 to one or more nonprofit environmental advocacy groups, community organizations, education programs, and volunteer initiatives for local projects benefiting Environmental Justice (EJ) communities in Massachusetts. These grants aim to support community-driven efforts that deepen understanding of local environmental and public health issues and help develop strategies to address them. Learn more. Completed applications must be emailed to EJGrant@lspa.org.
LAND and PARC Grant Programs Application deadline: Tuesday July 8, 3:00 pm
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications to the FY 2026 LAND and PARC Grant Programs. The LAND Grant Program is for municipal conservation commissions looking to protect conservation land. The PARC Grant Program is for municipalities looking to acquire parkland, renovate an existing park, or develop a new park.
Conservation Partnership Grant Program Application deadline: Friday July 11, 3:00 pm
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications to the FY 2026 Conservation Partnership Grant Program. Conservation Partnership grants are for 501(c)(3) organizations looking for assistance in acquiring land in fee or a conservation restriction, as well as assistance with due diligence costs associated with gifts. For this grant round, the maximum award amount has been increased to $425,000. Direct questions to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov. 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 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.
NEW! Massachusetts Nonprofit Collaboration Fund
Accepting applications in the fall
MassCollab will launch the 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 questions. Learn more.
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! Land Justice & Land Trusts: A Tool Kit
See upcoming webinars under eLearning & Webinars
The Yale Center for Environmental Justice (YCEJ), in partnership with the Aspetuck Land Trust and Yale's Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY), has released the Land Justice & Land Trusts Toolkit. This guide helps land trusts apply land justice principles, address past and present inequities, and promote equitable land access, affordable ownership, inclusive decision-making, and stronger local food systems.
NEW! Indigenous Land Access and Return: Legal and Relational Partnership Pathways
The Land Trust Alliance, Native Land Conservancy, and Tahoma Peak Solutions recently published a report presenting a range of approaches to land access and return. This publication focuses on strategies and solutions developed collaboratively by land trusts and tribal or Indigenous-led organizations. Each approach is illustrated with case studies showcasing successful partnerships, insights, and lessons learned from those driving this work, along with a curated collection of resources for ongoing learning. View the resource.
NEW! Updated Tools to Quantify the Carbon Value of Forest Protection
The Open Space Institute (OSI) and the Forest Carbon Data Partnership have released updated forest carbon data and projections through 2070. Previous data was often outdated, too coarse for practical conservation use, or lacked future carbon estimates. These improvements will help guide land protection and forest management efforts to maximize carbon storage and safeguard biodiversity. Explore the resource.
NEW! Board Development Toolkit: Building Effective Land Trust Boards
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council and Land Trust Alliance have created a comprehensive 7-part toolkit to strengthen land trust boards. Organized by key board development topics, it can be used in any sequence to best suit your organization’s needs. Learn more. NEW! The Bay Circuit Greenway: A Vital Crescent of Wildlife Habitat
The Bay Circuit Greenway Newsletter recently featured an article by Ron McAdow, former executive director of Sudbury Valley Trustees and former Board Chair of the Bay Circuit Alliance, on Bay Circuit Greenway’s significance as a wildlife corridor, exploring its role in preserving biodiversity, connecting natural habitats, and supporting the movement and survival of countless species across the region. Read the article (starts on page 4).
NEW! 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.
NEW! DCR Park Passport Challenge
Submit completed passport by November 30, 2025
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) launched this initiative to inspire a new generation of outdoor adventurers, and encourage nature lovers of all ages to explore twelve DCR properties. As you explore these destinations, gather stamps, complete challenges, and submit your passport for a chance to win a prize! Learn more.
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