eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| November 20 2025, Volume 23, Number 11 |
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Single track trail running through Cadwell Woods
Nearly 60 Acres of Forest Permanently Protected in Pittsfield
In July, the City of Pittsfield, in partnership with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), secured the permanent conservation of Cadwell Woods, a 52.92-acre property off Barker Road. The City originally acquired the land in 2022 using Community Preservation Act funds and a Massachusetts LAND (Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity) grant. The conservation restriction, now held by BNRC, ensures long-term protection of the property for open space, wildlife habitat, and passive recreation. Cadwell Woods Conservation Area features nearly 1.5 miles of wooded trails along the Housatonic River, providing opportunities for scenic walks, birdwatching, and snowshoeing. Its floodplain forests, wetlands, and rare-species habitats also play an important role in supporting regional biodiversity and protecting water quality.
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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 recent tour of Westport Woods, headquarters of Westport Land Conservation Trust, with Executive Director Ross Moran. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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NEW! Accepting Applications: Executive Director Application deadline: Saturday January 17
As Robb Johnson prepares for retirement in June, MLTC has launched the search for our next executive director. This expanded full-time position is well-suited to a leader with a strong vision and drive to build and sustain an effective non-profit organization, with a natural ability to engage people and treat diverse stakeholders with collegiality and respect. A strong grasp of the land conservation field, especially in Massachusetts, is essential. As fundraising is a requirement of the position, the successful candidate will have had experience and success with fundraising. Please help us spread the word by sharing this posting broadly with your networks and feel free to forward it specifically to folks you think would be good candidates. MLTC Executive Director Prospectus.
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Deadline Soon! Nominations Open for 2026 Excellence in Conservation Award Nominations due Sunday November 30
The MLTC Excellence in Conservation Award is presented to a land trust or a collaboration of conservation partners in recognition of a specific project completed within the past two years that demonstrates excellence in any aspect of land conservation work, advances the cause of land conservation in a creative and substantive way, and/or serves as an inspiration for other conservation organizations in Massachusetts. Nominate your own project or another organization's! The Award will be presented at the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 13, 2026.
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| Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday December 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Open to anyone with development responsibilities, this quarter's call will be a year-end wrap-up. Did you try any new or innovative approaches to development or fundraising? What worked / what didn't? Creative ideas for the coming year? Join us to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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| December 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday December 12, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, via Zoom
Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and this month's featured topic, a discussion of potential changes to the right of first refusal process for Ch. 61 properties, as proposed in the Environmental Bond. A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants.
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| Stewardship Quarterly Zoom Tuesday December 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via Zoom
Intended as a forum for anyone responsible for land stewardship (staff, Board, volunteers), this month's Zoom will be a Holiday Conservation Restriction Potluck. Bring your most problematic CR terms to share and discuss. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required. |
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| Land Protection Quarterly Topical Networking Wednesday January 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Anyone who works in a land protection function is welcome to attend. This quarter's call will focus on issues around land surveying, and discussing creative workarounds. Bring your examples and questions to share. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Free, but registration required. |
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NEW! Small Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday, January 14, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via Zoom
Are you trying to work more efficiently and effectively with your Board? This quarter's topic will focus on working together with your board: job descriptions, committees, what works, what doesn't. It's a broad discussion, so come to ask your questions and share your experiences. Open to anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small staffed land trust. As part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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| Stewardship Short Course Tuesdays (Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10), 4:00 - 5:30 pm, via Zoom
This four-part series, co-hosted with the Land Trust Alliance, will explore key fundamentals of land stewardship. The course will cover stewardship of both fee lands and conservation restrictions, highlight best practices, and provide a collaborative space to discuss common challenges. One registration covers all participants within your organization for all four weeks. Cost: $50 for members of either MLTC or LTA, $75 non-members.
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| Save the Date: 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 13, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor!
A variety of sponsorship levels provide visibility for your organization before a live audience of over 550 – plus thousands more who see Conference publicity. Show your organization's commitment to protecting our environment, habitats, and climate, and your support of a great learning opportunity for the conservation community. Exhibitor-only options are also available. View the details.
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Connect With Us on Social Media! |
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| Follow us on social media for more frequent updates on upcoming programs and latest developments! |
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
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Nature for Massachusetts Rally December 1st
For over a year, the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition has been working hard to build support for The Nature for All Bill (H.901/S.597), which would dedicate a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods and recreational vehicles to a fund to protect land and water, including land acquisition and restoration. The Coalition has mounted a parallel effort to put the matter directly before voters in November 2026. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, over 100,000 signatures – far more than the 74,500 required -- were submitted for local certification by last week's deadline. On December 1 at 10:30 am, supporters will gather on the State House Steps for a brief rally before walking to the Secretary of State’s office to submit certified signatures. RSVP to attend here. Read more.
Massachusetts House Delays Action on Major Energy Bill
On November 14, The House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy delayed action on a wide-ranging proposal that would, among other things, drop the state's legislated mandate to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, cut the Mass Save energy efficiency program by $500 million, and cut the annual amount by which utilities must increase their purchase of clean energy from 3% to 1%. In the face of significant opposition from advocates, the House will reportedly further study its options before revisiting efforts to address energy affordability in the new year. Learn more.
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Update on Conservation Restrictions Under Review
On November 18, EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) shared an update on the status of Conservation Restrictions (CRs) under review. Their review team has made good progress in reviewing CRs more efficiently, with continued assistance from three auxiliary reviewers. One important adjustment to the CR count is the removal of those deemed “on hold” from the team’s active worklist. These include CRs that DCS, through conversation or correspondence with the proponent (or multiple attempts at the same), has determined are delayed and not proceeding at this time for reasons outside of DCS control. Any on-hold CR will re-enter the system immediately upon request of the original proponent. As of November 17th, 2025, DCS was tracking a total of 202 active CRs, including:
- 78 under review by EEA
- 124 where EEA is waiting for documents, information or signatures of the parties
The DCS team, with expert assistance from the EEA-IT team, has developed a proprietary CR Tracking System (CRTS), which will allow submission of CRs and document uploads, incorporate electronic messaging, and provide live status updates. With CRTS, DCS will be able to retain all information related to a specific CR in one place. CRTS is currently in testing mode, with a system launch scheduled for January. Training sessions will be announced, and live assistance office hours will be made available.
Updating the Model Conservation Restriction
On November 18, EEA’s Division of Conservation Services shared plans for partnering with MLTC to update the current Model Conservation Restriction. The first step will be soliciting input on what needs updating and why. All suggestions will be considered, but not all suggestions will be incorporated, since the template is meant to address broad conservation objectives and not to accommodate unique aspects of every individual project. Some possible areas for revision include mobility devices, tax guidance limitations, Ag and Forestry Plan requirements, Special Use Areas, Excluded Areas, and signature requirements. A Review Group will be convened to review, discuss, and come to consensus on updates over the next year, with a kick-off meeting scheduled for January. Review Group members must commit to attending all meetings and to review and provide responses to suggestions. The estimated time commitment will be 40 hours over 9 to 12 months. There will be a preference for only one member from any one land trust. To express interest in joining the Review Group, please email Robb Johnson at robb@massland.org.
Over $550K Awarded to Expand Green Spaces in Gateway Cities
On October 23, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $559,000 in grants to enhance community green spaces, replace concrete and asphalt with greenery, and promote local engagement in Gateway Cities across Massachusetts. This funding will benefit three municipalities, six nonprofit organizations, and one high school through the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP). Among the GGCP Non-Profit Partnership Grant recipients were the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and Wildlands Trust. Read more.
Over $12 Million in Funding Awarded to Support Parks, Conservation, and Land Protection
On October 27, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $12 million in grants to support projects in 40 Massachusetts communities aimed at protecting open space, creating parks, and expanding outdoor access. The funding will finance walking trails, forest and wetland conservation, neighborhood park construction, and preservation of land around drinking-water sources. Grants are distributed through three Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) programs: PARC, LAND, and Conservation Partnership. This year’s Conservation Partnership Grants recipients included: Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Wareham Land Trust, Barnstable Land Trust, Westport Land Conservation Trust, Harwich Land Trust, Franklin Land Trust, Harvard Conservation Trust, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Becket Land Trust, Greater Worcester Land Trust, Dudley Conservation Land Trust, Truro Conservation Trust, Mattapoisett Land Trust and Orleans Conservation Trust. PARC-funded projects include Malden’s acquisition of open space at the former Malden Hospital site and Holyoke’s Phase II revitalization of Anniversary Hill Park. A LAND grant will support Worcester’s acquisition of the Brooks Dairy Farm property with the Greater Worcester Land Trust, permanently protecting 7.7 acres of urban forest. Read more.
Over $630K Awarded to Expand Tree Canopy in Local Neighborhoods
On October 31, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced nearly $632,000 in grants through the Cooling Corridors program, which supports tree planting in heat-prone areas, along popular walking routes, and in Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods across Massachusetts. The funding will support projects in eight municipalities, proposed by four communities and four nonprofit organizations. The initiative aims to expand tree canopy, reduce the health impacts of extreme heat, and create cooler, safer spaces. Read more.
DOR Announces November 2025 CPA Trust Fund Distribution
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) has released the latest Community Preservation Trust Fund numbers, confirming that all CPA communities will receive a 16.9% round-one match this year. In addition, the 78 communities that have adopted the full 3% local property tax surcharge will benefit from an even higher distribution percentage, reinforcing the continued value of full CPA participation. Full Breakdown of the CPA Trust Fund Distribution. However, the 16.9% match is a record low, driven by factors such as decreased Registry of Deeds activity, a lack of state surplus funds, and an increase in CPA communities. The DOR published an article analyzing these contributing factors.
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| Understanding Insurance and Avoiding Common Mistakes that Can Jeopardize Coverage
Thursday December 4, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance's and Terrafirma’s annual Risk Management Webinar Series. This session will offer an overview of essential insurance policies commonly included in land trust insurance portfolios, such as general liability, cyber liability, management liability, employment practices liability, and property insurance coverage. Free to all. |
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NEW! International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference Tuesday December 9 and Wednesday December 10, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and organized by the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management Network, this fully virtual conference will feature sessions on management success stories, pathways analysis and management, restoration for future conditions, and early-career research. Learn more.
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| MACC Lunch and Learn: Healthy Soil through Maximum Biodiversity Wednesday December 10, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is hosting a webinar about Landscape Interactions and their collaborative work with farmers and community gardeners to create free, scalable landscape designs that support native pollinators, improve soil health, and boost carbon sequestration. Learn practical strategies to enhance biodiversity and resilience across all types of landscapes. |
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| Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday December 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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NEW! We Need to Talk: What if Staying is No Longer an Option? Friday December 12, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, hybrid, Boston MA and via Zoom
Hosted by the Climate Adaptation Forum, this event will explore what happens when communities are forced to relocate in response to escalating climate risks. It will examine the financial, social, and cultural systems needed to manage the immense costs of climate disasters and involuntary migration. It will also consider how to avoid an “every person for themselves” dynamic—one that could worsen existing structural inequities—by fostering collective, equitable approaches to climate resilience. Learn more.
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| December 2025 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday December 12, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Stewardship Quarterly Zoom Tuesday December 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Land Protection Quarterly Topical Networking Wednesday January 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Small Staffed Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday January 14, 2:00 - 3:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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| Basic Risk Management: Insurance 101 Thursday January 8, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance's and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Meghan Mullee, first vice president of Alliant Insurance Services, will provide a crash course on the basics of insurance coverage. Learn practical pointers on how to get the most out of your insurance coverage. Free to all. |
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NEW! Improving Habitat Through Invasives Management
Wednesday January 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
GrowNative Massachusetts is offering a free webinar on invasive-species management, designed for professionals responsible for large properties, public spaces, conservation lands, and similar landscapes. The session will be led by Kristen O’Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager for the Sudbury Valley Trustees. Learn more.
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| Caught Holding the Bucket — Navigating a Complex Encroachment Issue Thursday January 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance's and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Alex Metzger, Stewardship Director at the Monadnock Conservancy in southwest New Hampshire, will share the steps taken and lessons learned in resolving what began as a seemingly minor third-party encroachment, but ultimately became a complex, multi-year remediation effort involving litigation. Free to all. |
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| Stewardship Short Course Tuesdays (Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10), 4:00 - 5:30 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! We Need to Talk: What if Staying is No Longer an Option? Friday December 12, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, hybrid, in-person at Sheraton Boston Hotel, Boston MA
Hosted by the Climate Adaptation Forum, this event will explore what happens when communities are forced to relocate in response to escalating climate risks. It will examine the financial, social, and cultural systems needed to manage the immense costs of climate disasters and involuntary migration. It will also consider how to avoid an “every person for themselves” dynamic—one that could worsen existing structural inequities—by fostering collective, equitable approaches to climate resilience. Learn more.
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NEW! 2026 Conservation Finance Boot Camp Application deadline (early decision): Monday December 15
Application deadline (regular decision): Wednesday January 21 Requisite virtual sessions: Tuesday May 12 and Thursday May 14, time TBD.
Course dates: Tuesday June 2 - Friday June 5, time TBD, in-person, Yale School of the Environment, New Haven CT
The Conservation Finance Network (CFN), in partnership with the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, is hosting its annual Boot Camp to equip early- and mid-career professionals with innovative financing strategies for durable, equitable, and climate-resilient natural resource conservation and restoration. Learn more.
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NEW! First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2026 Thursday January 1, 6:45 am – 3:00 pm, various locations across Cape Cod
Hosted by Barnstable Land Trust and supported by sixteen local conservation organizations, First Day Hikes Cape Cod is designed to encourage people to get outdoors with free guided walks and activities to explore the region's parks, trails, and natural resources. There are multiple events throughout the day including sunrise hikes, nature walks, educational programs, and more. |
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| Annual New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit & Poster Session Thursday January 8, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, in-person, UMass Lowell, Lowell
The Environmental Business Council's (EBC) 7th Annual New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit and Poster Session will highlight innovative climate adaptation and resiliency policies, plans, and projects from across the region. The Poster Session invites students, professionals, and researchers to showcase their work and connect with leaders in the field. Register for the poster session here. General Summit registration opens in December.
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NEW! Basic Chainsaw Training for Trails Saturday January 24 and Sunday January 25, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth
This training, hosted by Wildlands Trust, will cover essential chainsaw safety, operation, and equipment maintenance. Participants will acquire foundational skills for managing tree-related challenges on trails. Day one will focus on Game of Logging Level 1, while day two will emphasize techniques for storm damage cleanup. Learn more.
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| Save the Date! 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 13 2026, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst |
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| Microhabitat Program Incubator Grant Application deadline: Friday November 28, 11:59 pm
Village and Wilderness is offering Microhabitat Program Incubator Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support nonprofit and public agencies developing site-specific microhabitat initiatives. These grants prioritize programs that serve vulnerable communities, species, and climate-sensitive landscapes across the United States. |
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| Narragansett Bay Estuary Grants
Application deadline: Monday December 1
The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP), part of Roger Williams University, has issued a RFP for projects focused on aquatic habitat connectivity and climate resilience within the Narragansett Bay Region, covering Rhode Island, and parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through an EPA Cooperative Agreement, this opportunity supports watershed-wide planning and site-specific design efforts to advance barrier removal and improve aquatic habitats. Approximately $900,000 is available to fund these projects. Submit applications to Jenny Rogers, Staff Ecologist, at jrogers@nbep.org.
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| AgEnhancement Grants
Application deadline: 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. |
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NEW! Dam Busters Technical Assistance Grant Application deadline: Friday December 5, 11:59 pm
The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance (Mass Rivers) is offering funding to support early-phase planning for dam removal projects statewide. One grant of $60,000 will be awarded to one Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant to provide up to $20,000 worth of consultant time to each of three TA awardees that wish to initiate, or are initiating, dam removal projects. Email Andrea Eigerman at andreaeigerman@massriversalliance.org with questions by Friday November 21, 5:00 pm.
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| Appalachian Landscapes Project: Catalyst Grants Application deadline: Friday December 5
The Open Space Institute (OSI) is offering catalyst grants to support the planning behind conservation efforts. Funding may cover a wide range of activities, including priority-setting, mapping, needs assessments, partner convenings, community engagement, and policy or process development. Applicants may request up to $20,000 for climate-informed planning projects. A total of $150,000 is available in the Fall 2025 funding round for projects across the Appalachian region. OSI encourages proposals from collaborative groups, led by one qualifying organization.
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| Appalachian Landscapes Project: Capital Grants Application deadline: Friday December 5
The Open Space Institute (OSI) is awarding funds to support conservation projects that protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and landscape connectivity, retain forest carbon, and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. The average award size is expected to range from $150,000 to $200,000 for projects located in the Northern and Central Appalachians. Eligible projects must be located within the Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund (ALP) service area. |
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| Municipality Vulnerability Program (MVP) Action Grant Application deadline: Monday December 15, 11:59 pm
The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program provides support for communities in Massachusetts to identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. |
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NEW! Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Application deadline: Friday December 26, 11:59 pm
The Department of Fish and Game is seeking proposals for projects that advance on-the-ground progress toward statewide Biodiversity Goals. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 will support efforts that conserve biodiversity and bring nature into local communities. Eligible project types include biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection and stewardship, river and wetland restoration, wildlife corridor enhancements, and the creation of pollinator or community gardens. Applications must be submitted to dfg.info@mass.gov.
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| Land Conservation Assistance Grants
Info session: Wednesday January 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Application deadline: Thursday April 30, 2026
These state grants offer funding to assist with completing land protection projects, including preparing grant applications, completing land transaction tasks, developing or updating a municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan, or planning for the development or renovation of a park. To attend the info session, RSVP to Darya Mattes at darya.mattes@mass.gov.
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NEW! 2026 Resilient & Connected Appalachians Grants
Informational webinar: Wednesday January 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Register. Application deadline: Friday February 13, 11:59 pm
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is awarding grants to support land protection projects that contribute to landscape-scale conservation and connectivity within TNC’s Appalachians Program area. Awards of up to $100,000 are available to nonprofits, land trusts, municipalities, state agencies, and tribes for land acquisition or easements that strengthen climate resilience and ecological connectivity. Prior to submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with Rich Cavanagh at r.cavanaugh@TNC.ORG.
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| Forest Reserves Grant
Application deadline: Friday February 6, 3:00 pm
This grant, offered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports expanding the state’s forest reserve network and preserving natural forest composition by protecting forested lands managed passively, allowing natural processes to unfold without active intervention. Eligible municipalities, 501(c) nonprofits, and conservation organizations may receive up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $425,000.
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| Massachusetts Nonprofit Collaboration Fund rolling
MassCollab has launched their Massachusetts Nonprofit Collaboration Fund, an initiative to strengthen the health, sustainability, and impact of the state’s nonprofit sector. The fund will provide nonprofits with funding, expert guidance, and practical tools to explore and implement long-term partnerships—such as joint programs, shared services, and mergers. Email Jennifer Segel at Jennie@masscollab.org with inquiries.
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| Nonprofit Brownfield Technical Assistance Program rolling
This program of Groundwork USA offers a free service aimed at helping nonprofit organizations revitalize underutilized and potentially contaminated sites, known as brownfields. Through this program, nonprofits receive support to transform these sites into valuable community assets such as parks, trails, urban farms, and more. Whether a nonprofit is just beginning the brownfield redevelopment process or seeking to enhance their existing efforts, this program provides tailored assistance to guide them every step of the way. Learn more.
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| The National Grassroots Organizing Program rolling
This program, funded by Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, provides two-year, unrestricted general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—typically averaging $20,000 annually—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories with annual budgets under $350,000. |
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| Seed Grants
rolling The Grassroots Fund is awarding Seed Grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to support groups that are either launching new projects or making significant shifts in the direction of existing ones. These grants are intended for initiatives that are less than a year old. |
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| Solar Moonshot Program
This program helps non-profits afford the switch to clean energy. Grant priority is given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000, with amounts dependent on various factors. The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. |
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Resources and Opportunities |
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NEW! Share the Harvest Program
MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program allows hunters to donate venison to Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity. Since its launch, the program has supplied more than 60,000 meals to families in need. By contributing venison, hunters support their communities while aiding forest conservation through responsible population management. |
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NEW! Massachusetts Farmland Protection Options
American Farmland Trust, in partnership with USDA NRCS, MDAR, DCS, and MLTC, has published a guide to help Massachusetts landowners, land trusts, and municipalities navigate the public programs and tools available to protect and steward farmland. The guide is designed to expand access and opportunities to preserve farmland and support its transfer to future generations.
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NEW! Partnering with Beavers for Climate Resilience
The resource Partnering with Beavers for Climate Resilience is the product of the Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network’s (Mass ECAN) Slow the Flow Work Group, with development led by Fuss and O'Neill engineering firm. This resource emphasizes the critical role beavers play in transforming riparian ecosystems, showcasing their significant environmental benefits. Learn more about the connection between beavers and climate resilience here.
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NEW! Freshwater Turtle Guide
MassWildlife has published an online guide to the state’s freshwater turtles. The guide features ten species, each with its own dedicated webpage that includes an overview, conservation status, and detailed descriptions. |
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