eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| October 23 2025, Volume 23, Number 10 |
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Drone view of Wainer Farm, with Buzzards Bay on the horizon Nearly 200 Acres of Farmland Protected in Dartmouth
In late 2024, the Buzzards Bay Coalition secured permanent Conservation Restrictions on two key Dartmouth properties—32-acre Jordan Farm and 11-acre Wainer/Jansal Valley Farm—protecting 43 acres of prime farmland. This followed the preservation of the nearby 150-acre Tavares Farm, bringing the total to nearly 200 newly protected acres—the town’s most significant farmland conservation in decades. The Jordan Farm CR safeguards land critical to the Allens Pond watershed, while the Wainer Farm CR preserves high-quality agricultural soils. These achievements were made possible by the Coalition’s USDA “certified entity” status, which streamlines farmland protection.
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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 beautiful fall walk to Sandwich Conservation Trust's Great Island Preserve.
#OurMassLandTrusts |
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| AVLT (All-Volunteer Land Trust) Quarterly Networking Call Tuesday November 4, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, via Zoom
Rescheduled from October, today's focus will be "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. |
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| | 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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NEW! 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 a featured topic (TBD). A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants. |
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NEW! 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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NEW! 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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| 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 Signature Push
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 for natural resource conservation, including land acquisition and restoration. While legislative action on the bill is pending, the Coalition is mounting a parallel effort to put a ballot petition on the matter before voters in November 2026. Supporters are working diligently to gather the signatures needed by November 16, 2025. Check this page for information on how to sign a petition or help gather signatures. To add your organization's name to the ballot coalition, fill out this form.
Information Requested re: Restoration Project Delays
Under FEMA's No-Rise Rule and the National Flood Insurance Program, restoration projects are treated as "development," requiring strict regulatory compliance. This has caused beneficial ecological restoration projects to experience unnecessary delays, cost increases, and reduced effectiveness. The Environmental Policy Innovation Center and American Rivers are gathering information about the effects of the FEMA No-Rise Rule on restoration projects. If your project(s) experienced delays, cost increases, or reduced effectiveness in final design due to the No-Rise Rule, please fill out this Google Form Survey.
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Over $6 Million Awarded to Improve Parks and Expand Outdoor Access
On October 2, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $6.4 million in grants through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program to renovate public parks and expand outdoor recreation across Massachusetts. Managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), these grants will be matched by $10.5 million in local funds, resulting in a total investment of $17 million. Funding was awarded to eight projects statewide. Read more.
Nearly $4 Million in Coastal Resilience Grants Awarded
On October 6, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3.8 million in Coastal Resilience Grants to support twelve projects across Massachusetts. Administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), the funding aims to help coastal communities, nonprofits, and tribal partners plan for and respond to the growing threats of erosion, flooding, and storm damage. Read more.
Over $1 Million Granted to Improve Coastal Water Quality and Restore Habitats
On October 8, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $1.1 million in grants to address stormwater pollution affecting coastal waters and to support coastal habitat restoration efforts. The funding was awarded through the Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Among recipients was the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, which received $44,745 to complete the design of a stormwater treatment project at the Herring River Boat Ramp. The project aims to reduce nutrient and bacterial pollution flowing into the Herring River and Nantucket Sound. Read more.
Williamsburg Receives Nearly $1.2 Million for Flood Resilience and Rewilding Project
On October 9, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Undersecretary Katherine Antos joined Williamsburg officials and The Trustees to celebrate nearly $30 million in Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grants awarded to address extreme weather. Following the devastating floods of 2023, Williamsburg was awarded $1,194,255 through the MVP program to support the Williamsburg Flood Resilience Project. This initiative aims to restore and rewild the 250-acre former Beaver Brook golf course, transforming the land to better absorb floodwaters and significantly reduce future flood risks. In partnership with the Hilltown Land Trust, The Trustees will restore wetlands, bioretention areas, and vegetated swales to manage floodwaters downtown. Williamsburg will hold a permanent conservation restriction to protect the land, ensuring long-term resilience and community engagement. Read more.
Over $700K to Support Regional Restoration Partnerships
On October 9, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $700,000 in grants to support river and wetland restoration efforts across the state. The funding, awarded through the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will support three established partnerships as part of DER’s Regional Restoration Partnerships Program. These partnerships advance locally led projects that improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and restore vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Among the grant recipients was Buzzards Bay Coalition, which received $212,000 to support the Buzzards Bay Watershed Restoration Partnership. Read more.
Massachusetts to Join Global Conservation Network
On October 10, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Massachusetts’ intention to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest environmental network. The announcement was made during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Alongside California, Massachusetts would become one of the first U.S. states to join the IUCN as a full member in 2026. The move builds on the state’s new Biodiversity Conservation Goals. Read more.
A New Era for Ocean Protection: High Seas Treaty Reaches Ratification Milestone
The High Seas Treaty was recently ratified by 60 countries, marking a historic step forward in global ocean governance. Covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans — areas beyond national jurisdiction — the treaty provides a legal framework to protect marine biodiversity through the creation of marine protected areas, mandatory environmental impact assessments, and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources. This breakthrough supports the global “30x30” goal to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030. While ratification is a critical milestone, the real challenge will be turning commitments into action through coordinated enforcement, effective implementation, and continued international collaboration to safeguard ocean health for future generations. Read more.
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NEW! From Vision to Victory: Modeling Your Non-Profit's Strategic Roadmap Tuesday October 28, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Hosted by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, this webinar will explore how to translate your nonprofit’s long-term vision into a clear, actionable strategic and financial plan. Participants will gain insights into the purpose and process of strategic planning, learn how to develop key financial assumptions, and discover best practices for keeping plans relevant and results-oriented. The session will focus on ensuring your strategy supports informed, data-driven decision-making.
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NEW! A History of Scientific Forestry: From Extraction to Ecosystem Management
Tuesdays (October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18), 12:00 - 1:00 pm
This speaker series explores how 19th-century European forestry practices shaped American forestry and influenced the rise of the profession in North American universities, including the founding of the Yale Forest School in 1900. Featuring experts from forestry, history, ecology, sociology, and environmental studies, the series offers a multidisciplinary look at forestry’s transatlantic roots and academic development. Co-hosted by The Forest School at Yale School of the Environment, the Forest History Society, the Society of American Foresters, and the University of Minnesota. Learn more.
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NEW! Frontiers in Forest Carbon Crediting Thursdays (October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20), 12:00 - 1:00 pm
This speaker series explores key challenges and emerging solutions in forest carbon accounting and crediting. Co-hosted by The Forest School at Yale School of the Environment, the Yale Applied Science Synthesis Program, the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, The Nature Conservancy, and The Climate Trust, topics include baseline selection, additionality, digital technologies and remote sensing, and strategies for addressing permanence and leakage. Learn more.
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| Rainwater Readiness Stormwater Workshop Series Thursdays (October 30 - November 6), times vary. Hybrid, in-person at Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, Worcester, or via Zoom. Attend one, some, or all.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, this workshop series will explore strategies and funding opportunities for municipal stormwater management across Massachusetts. The series will equip municipal stormwater managers and other stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to meet regulatory requirements and achieve clean water goals. |
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| AVLT (All-Volunteer Land Trust) Quarterly Networking Call Tuesday November 4, 3:00 - 4:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
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NEW! Spotted Lanternfly Quarterly Update Wednesday November 12, 10:00 - 11:15 am The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) hosts this quarterly update on invasive spotted lanternflies. MDAR’s Spotted Lanternfly Survey team will share insights on the current status of known infestations in Massachusetts and a summary of management actions that were completed over the spring and summer. |
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NEW! Introduction to the Private APR Process for Protecting Farmland Friday November 14, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, via Teams
Private APRs are an important tool for protecting agricultural land. This webinar, hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), will introduce the new private APR guidance that has been developed to better educate partners about MDAR’s policy on approving private APRs. Learn more.
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NEW! Providing Health Benefits at Your Land Trust Monday November 17, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this session—led by Kellie Gottner, HR and Client Experience Officer at Connectify HR—will guide nonprofit leaders and HR professionals through the latest health insurance trends, strategies for designing cost-effective and competitive benefits packages, and options tailored specifically to the unique needs of the nonprofit sector. Free to Alliance members. |
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NEW! Women on the Land: Intro to Forest Carbon & Carbon Credits Monday November 17, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Join Paul Catanzaro, State Extension Forester and UMass Amherst Professor, and Laura Marx, Climate Solutions Scientist at The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, for an insightful discussion on forest carbon. Paul will explain how and where carbon is stored in forests, and explore management strategies to increase storage. Laura will then introduce the Family Forest Carbon Program, followed by a landowner sharing their experience with it.
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| Advice for Smaller Volunteer-Led Organizations Tuesday November 18, 11:00 am
Join the Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division of Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s Office for a webinar designed for nonprofit and charitable organizations across Massachusetts. Part of an ongoing series, this session will cover best practices for small, volunteer-led charitable organizations, including fiduciary duties, compliance requirements, AGO registration and filing, and financial sustainability strategies.
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NEW! Introduction to the Ecological Restoration Design Process Tuesday November 18, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this session will feature ecological restoration designers Michael Cavanagh and Caitrin Higgins of Bartlett Tree Experts. They will provide an overview of the ecological design process and the critical role of a restoration designer. The session will explore how site-specific and contextual factors influence ecological design, as well as the development of multi-year management plans across diverse habitats. Free to Alliance members.
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NEW! Creating a Buy-Protect-Sell Program for MDAR Wednesday November 19, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, via Teams
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is developing a Buy-Protect-Sell (BPS) program, supported by newly granted legislative authority to buy and sell land while ensuring its permanent protection. Join this presentation and discussion on the BPS Program, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about MDAR’s vision for the program, ask questions, and share your perspective. |
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NEW! Basic Risk Management: Tips from Terrafirma Thursday November 20, 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, Leslie Ratley-Beach, Conservation Defense Director at the Land Trust Alliance and Vice President of Alliance Risk Management Services, will review trends from over 3,400 claims submitted over the past thirteen years under Terrafirma Conservation Defense Liability Insurance. Free to all. |
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NEW! 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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| 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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| 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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NEW! 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! 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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| | Rainwater Readiness Stormwater Workshop Series Thursdays (September 25 - November 6), times vary. Hybrid, in-person at Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, Worcester MA or via Zoom. Attend one, some, or all. See details under eLearning & Webinars, above. |
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| 2025 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering Thursday November 6, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, UMass Amherst, Amherst
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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2025 Massachusetts Food System Forum November 21, time TBD, in-person, The College of Holy Cross, Worcester
The Massachusetts Food System Forum, hosted annually by the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative (MFSC), unites farmers, policymakers, businesses, and community advocates to advance sustainable agriculture, food equity, and local economic growth. The forum facilitates discussion, active learning, and collaboration to build a resilient food system supporting healthy communities and the environment across Massachusetts.
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NEW! 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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| 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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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database. |
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| New Application Process for Certain Massachusetts Grants Note that there is a new, streamlined application process for several climate and environmental resilience grants. The process is called ECO One Stop, an initiative launched by the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER). |
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NEW! FY27 Municipality Vulnerability Program (MVP) Action Grant Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: Tuesday October 28, 11:59 pm Application deadline: TBD
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. Through this form, potential applicants should provide basic information about their project idea. MVP staff will then provide feedback prior to the Request for Responses (RFR) release date. |
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NEW! Energize the Environment Grants Application deadline: Thursday October 30, 11:59 pm
Quadratec is awarding two $3,500 environmental grants—one in the spring and one in the fall—to individuals or groups in the U.S. pursuing projects that benefit the environment, such as trail restoration, park beautification, litter prevention, environmental education, or sustainable land management. Questions and applications must be emailed to grants@quadratec.com.
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NEW! MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants Application deadline: Friday October 31, 4:00 pm
These grants support private and municipal owners of conserved land in enhancing wildlife habitat, boosting climate resiliency, and expanding public access for outdoor recreation. Eligible projects may include upland, wetland, and aquatic habitat improvements. Grant awards will be announced by early January, and funds must be expended by June 30, 2026. |
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NEW! Water Quality Monitoring Grants Application deadline: Monday November 3, 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), through its Watershed Planning Program (WPP), is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. These grants support ongoing or new monitoring and data collection efforts aimed at increasing the amount of external data used by WPP for water quality assessments under the Clean Water Act. Submit questions and responses to WQMG@mass.gov.
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NEW! Land and Water Conservation Grants Info session: Monday November 17, 11:00 am -12:00 pm, in-person, DFW Field Headquarters, Westboro
Info session: Wednesday December 3, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via Teams Application deadline: Thursday January 8, 2026, 3:00 pm
The Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services' Land and Water Conservation Grants provides funding for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas, including parks, trails, and conservation lands. Grants up to $1,000,000 are available. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to attend an information session.
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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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NEW! 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. An approximate total of $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! 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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NEW! 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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| 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 an info session, RSVP to Darya Mattes at darya.mattes@mass.gov.
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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. To attend an info session, please RSVP to Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov.
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NEW! 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! The Environmental Justice Funding Navigator
The New England Environmental Finance Center (NEEFC) at the University of Southern Maine has released the Environmental Justice Funding and Financing Navigator to help New England communities access funding for environmental justice projects. It offers a wide range of grants, loans, tax credits, and other financing options. Designed for nonprofits, municipalities, schools, small businesses, and more, the Navigator is available in sheet and gallery formats, with funder profiles, deadline calendars, and a user guide to simplify your search.
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NEW! Partner with the Conway School on a Planning or Design Project
The Conway School of Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design partners with land trusts, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to support projects in conservation, recreation, climate resilience, and more. They are currently seeking applications for winter planning projects. Examples of eligible projects include conservation and open space plans, farmland protection strategies, watershed and ecological restoration studies, and trail or greenway designs. Contact Emily Johnson, Projects Manager at johnson@csld.edu with questions.
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NEW! Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production: A Guide to Local Policy
Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS), with support from the USDA, has released A Guide to Local Policy—a comprehensive resource analyzing the urban agriculture policy landscape across 17 USDA-designated “urban agriculture hub” cities. The guide highlights both the barriers and opportunities these local policies present for urban agriculture. To complement the guide, CAFS has also published a series of fact sheets that summarize key findings for easy reference by producers, policymakers, and advocates.
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NEW! Wentworth Leadership Program
The Land Trust Alliance offers this two-year leadership development program for executive directors. This experience begins with an intensive retreat focused on executive leadership. In the following year, each executive director returns with a board member for a second retreat, deepening the learning and strengthening board-staff collaboration. Guided by leading experts, participants dive into mission and strategy, leadership development, financial management, and fundraising.
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NEW! Exemplary Forestry Standards
The New England Forestry Foundation has released a new six-minute video introducing its Exemplary Forestry Standards—an innovative approach to sustainable forest management that addresses climate change, enhances biodiversity, and supports the responsible production of wood products. |
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NEW! Cool Science Artwork Competition Submission deadline: Friday January 9
Cool Science is a free, public art competition held each fall for K–12 students of all artistic abilities. The program is a collaboration between UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the University of Kansas, and the Kansas City Art Institute. A panel of judges will select the top student entries for public display on city buses in Spring 2026. Honorees will be celebrated at special art exhibit events held next year. Learn more.
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NEW! Northeast Canid Conference Interest Survey
The following survey aims to gauge interest in a potential Northeast Canid Conference. Originally envisioned for the six New England states, the event would bring together those working with canids (coyotes, foxes, wolves, etc.) to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities. Land trusts and similar organizations offer valuable perspectives on environment-related research, and your participation is welcome. |
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