eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| February 19 2026, Volume 24, Number 2 |
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Network of cranberry bog beds located in Wareham and near the Weweantic River. 1,652-Acre Purchase to Protect Weweantic and Sippican Rivers
In June 2025, the Buzzards Bay Coalition led a landmark partnership with cranberry growers, four towns, and state and federal agencies to acquire the 1,652-acre Slocum-Gibbs Cranberry Company property across Carver, Middleborough, Rochester, and Wareham. Protecting extensive frontage along the Weweantic and Sippican Rivers, the project permanently conserves forest, bog, and floodplain habitat while expanding a key regional corridor. The Coalition has launched a multi-year, science-based restoration program to remove artificial drainage, restore natural buffers, and improve water quality flowing to Buzzards Bay.
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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 view of the river from the historic Kings Road Bridge at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust's Paskamansett Woods. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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Seminars Presented by Our Sponsors March 3 and March 5 Free and open to everyone, even if you're not attending the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on March 13. Introduction to the New EOEEA/DCS Conservation Restriction Tracking System (CRTS)
EOEEA | Tuesday March 3, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register. Saltmarshes: Protecting and Restoring These Vital Land and Seascapes TNC in Massachusetts | Thursday March 5, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register. |
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| Register for the 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference!
Early bird registration deadline: Friday February 20, 11:59 pm Conference date: Friday March 13, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst Campus Center
Join colleagues and experts from all levels of the Massachusetts land trust community at this annual event, showcasing 24 workshops, 30 exhibitors, and a timely Keynote address on the value of nature by Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon, Health Director for the Trust for Public Land. Learn more here: Conference portal. Schedule. Workshop descriptions.
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Volunteer Waitlist
Our volunteer list is currently full. However, we have started a waitlist for anyone still interested in signing up. Volunteers who contribute more than one hour of their time on Friday March 13 will receive free admission to the conference. If you would like to be added to our volunteer waitlist please contact Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org.
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| February 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday February 27, 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 on two new MLTC projects supported with state funding: Filling in gaps in the MassGIS open space datalayer, and expanding the ranks for qualified appraisers, surveyors and attorneys available to work on conservation projects. The meeting will not be recorded.
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NEW! ECCN Annual Pre-Land Conservation Conference Gathering Thursday March 12, 4:00 - 7:30 pm, in-person, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton MA
Join fellow Early Conservation Career Network members for an evening of learning and networking before the 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference! At Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary attendees will hear Mark Wamsley, Conservation Director of Kestrel Land Trust, discuss an affordable housing and conservation project (more details to come). Afterward, there will be an opportunity to walk on the trails before gathering at Treehouse Brewing Company to network, eat, and enjoy beverages between. Pizza will be provided. Feel free to stop by for any portion of the event or attend in full!
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NEW! AVLT Quarterly Networking Zoom Tuesday March 24, 4:00 - 5:00 pm via Zoom
This call is a forum for anyone involved in running an All-Volunteer Land Trust to learn from each other and tackle their unique challenges. Today's focus will be "Liability Considerations and Risk". It's a broad topic, and attendees' questions and experiences will mold the discussion. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required. |
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NEW! Survey: Your Feedback of the Model Conservation Restriction Share Your Feedback by Tuesday March 31
The Division of Conservation Services at Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA-DCS) recently kicked off its Model CR Review. A Working Group of volunteers along with representatives from EEA-DCS will work together over the next year to update the model. EEA-DCS is conducting a survey to gather input from individuals, groups, and municipalities. Your feedback is valuable in helping to ensure that the CR Model reflects best practices and effectively serves proponents, holders, municipalities, and the public. The Working Group will review all responses received.
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| Development Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday April 8, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Open to anyone with development responsibilities. On this call we'll discuss whether the return is worth the investment of time in developing and styling communications. 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! |
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NEW! Stewardship Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday April 9, 2:00 - 3:00 pm via Zoom
The focus of this call will be "Stewardship Interactions Between Land Trusts and Municipalities". Anyone responsible for land stewardship (staff, Board, volunteers) is welcome to attend this forum for discussion among peers. 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! Field Trip to Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary: An Urban Collaboration Success Friday June 5, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Lowell MA
Join Jane Calvin (Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust), Renata Pomponi (Mass Audubon), and Ali Jacobs (Mill City Grows) on a tour of the Farm to learn how this partnership is growing food and community. These 20 protected acres within a 10-minute walk of 3000+ people are now home to community gardens and farm fields, trails (including an all-persons trail), with an outdoor pavilion/classroom, barn and food forest coming soon.
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NEW! Share Your Volunteer Opportunities
Want to spread the word about a volunteer opportunity at your land trust or land conservation organization? Post it on MLTC's new Volunteer Board! Fill out the form - be sure to check the “Volunteer Opportunity” box. If the position meets our guidelines, we’ll publish it for up to two months. We welcome all types of volunteer roles - from board service and stewardship to office support and everything in between. |
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Your Support, Doubled!
If you’ve benefited from our programs or online resources, please consider starting the year with a gift to support our work. Members of our Board and Advisory Council have generously offered to match every gift -- doubling your impact! |
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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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Environmental Programs Face Cuts in Governor's FY27 Budget
On January 28, Governor Healey released her $63.4 billion operating budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. While the budget as a whole is 3.8% higher than this years', the Governor has proposed a cut of $19 million (roughly 4%) for environmental programs. DCR Parks and Recreation saw the biggest single reduction (at $9 million) and the Environmental Justice Office also saw significant cuts. As a member of the Green Budget Coalition, MLTC will work with partners to increase funding levels for key programs as the House and Senate develop and debate their own versions of the budget between now and May. Read more.
Latest in Permit Streamlining
Among several initiatives by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to streamline environmental permitting in order to speed housing development, new regulations took effect on January 30th that will significantly reduce Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review for certain eligible housing projects. Read more. Meanwhile, Mass Audubon continues to lead a campaign to streamline permitting for wetland restoration projects which, ironically, can be hung up in lengthy and costly permitting despite their clear benefits to the environment.
Report Projects Big Costs for Adapting to Climate Change
On February 12, the Healey-Driscoll Administration published its ResilientMass Finance Strategy, a plan for investing in climate resilience that includes estimates of what adaptation measures will cost, and potential options for funding them. A key finding is that Massachusetts would need to spend $90-130 billion in the next 25 years to bolster the state against threats from climate change. Read more.
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Nearly $344,000 Awarded for Habitat Management
On January 29, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the latest grants from MassWildlife's Habitat Management Grant Program, which provides funding to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote outdoor recreation. Awardees include Alford Land Trust, The Trustees, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Nantucket Land Bank, and Williamstown Rural Lands. Learn more.
Updated IRS Form 8283 / Noncash Charitable Contributions
IRS Form 8283 is used to report noncash charitable contributions exceeding $500 in a tax year. The IRS published a revised Form 8283 dated December 2025. Donors should use this version of the form. Using an old form may trigger an IRS challenge. The instructions have changed significantly in the past few years although the Form 8283 has not been revised in any substantive way. Here are the Form 8283 and the Instructions for Form 8283. Attorney Stephen Small has underlined and bolded some important points.
Support Endangered Species at Tax Time
You can make a difference by supporting endangered species conservation while filing your taxes this year. Simply look for Line 33A for Endangered Wildlife Conservation on your state tax form and write in any amount. Your meaningful donation will go to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund which is dedicated specifically to the conservation of rare species in the Commonwealth. Learn more.
New Federal Tax Law Benefits Charities
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can now claim a universal charitable deduction for cash gifts to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Those who file individually can deduct up to $1000, while those who file jointly can deduct up to $2000. This makes it easier for those who don't itemize deductions to benefit from the federal charitable income tax deduction. Donations made throughout this year can be claimed when you file your taxes next spring.
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NEW! BIPOC Rites: Tending the Altar of Our Ancestors - Info Session Sunday February 22, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, via Zoom
Wild Mountain Retreats is offering a 7-day immersive summer program for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color that offers the opportunity to seed anew or revitalize connection with their ancestors, tending their altars and rooting them in the landscape. This program welcomes those both familiar with and completely new to earth-based rites. If this resonates with you, attend the upcoming informational session. Learn more.
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| From Timber to Tomorrow: Old Challenges, New Pressures, Changing Paradigms Tuesday February 24 - Tuesday April 28, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, via Zoom
The Yale Forest Forum started a webinar series in January examining forestry’s shift since the 1970s, from production - or conservation-focused practices to multifunctional landscapes emphasizing ecological resilience and diverse social values. Discussions have covered how people and forests shape each other—and what that means for the next fifty years of forestry. Attend one, some, or all of the remaining sessions. |
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| Landowner Webinar Series, Part 4: Inheriting Land Tuesday February 24, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, via Zoom
This final webinar of a four-part series about planning the future of your land will help those inheriting land understand issues in landownership. A program of UMass Extension, with featured professionals. |
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| Insights to Action: Coastal and Marine Climate Impacts and Adaptation Priorities
Thursday February 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Hosted by the Northeast Climate Science Adaptation Center, this event will present key findings from a survey on coastal and marine climate impacts and adaptation priorities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The session will summarize reported impacts, challenges, and priority needs identified by managers, researchers, and the broader coastal and marine community, and will explore how these insights can inform future research, collaboration, and management.
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| MACC 2026 Annual Environmental Conference Saturday February 28, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, in-person, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA
Join nearly 800 conservation commissioners and agents, environmental officials, consultants, attorneys, students, activists, and others at the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commission’s Annual Environmental Conference (AEC). Keynote speaker will be Brian Donahue, Professor Emeritus of American Environmental Studies at Brandeis University, an environmental historian, and a farm and forest policy consultant. Learn more.
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NEW! 39th Annual NOFA MA Winter Conference Saturday February 28, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, in-person, Umass Amherst, Amherst MA
Hosted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association, this event is a one-day gathering showcasing healthy soil principles in practice. This year’s program explores what makes soil thrive. The conference celebrates both soil ecosystems and the people who care for them, supporting healthy soil goals across Massachusetts in alignment with the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan. |
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| Planning for the Future of Your Farm Wednesday March 4, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, in-person, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield MA
Essex County Farm Bureau, American Farmland Trust, and Essex County Greenbelt invite local farmers and landowners to learn about tools and resources to support your land and farm goals. Hear from experts from American Farmland Trust, Land For Good, MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources, Essex County Greenbelt, The Carrot Project, Metrowest Mediation Services, The Bernardin Law Firm, and more. Free event with dinner provided.
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NEW! MDAR’s Annual Agriculture Resource Fair Friday March 6, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, in-person, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner MA
Non-profit agricultural stakeholders and service providers, including MDAR’s Federal-State Partners, will provide the Massachusetts agricultural community with up-to-date, timely information on available resources. The materials presented will cover services, funding opportunities, and technical assistance programs, offering attendees a comprehensive "One-Stop Shop" for all their needs. Learn more.
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NEW! APR Listening Sessions Monday March 9 - Monday March 30, times and locations vary, mix of in-person and virtual meetings
Throughout March, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will host five opportunities for current or prospective APR Landowners to provide feedback about the APR Program. During the sessions, MDAR will speak about policies, procedures, regulations, guidance, and efforts to improve and modernize the APR program after input from the 2023 listening sessions. Some questions submitted in the RSVP form will be addressed before opening the session to the comment period. Learn more.
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NEW! Build a Birdhouse Workshop Saturday March 14, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, in-person, Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Join Wildlands Trust this spring to learn carpentry skills while building homes for birds in Southeast MA. Wildlands staff and volunteers will guide participants through how to make birdhouses suitable for tree swallows and bluebirds, including explanation of tools, materials and safety practices involved. Learn more.
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NEW! Land, Home, and Power: Reimagining Property for the Common Good Thursday March 19 - Friday March 20, times vary, hybrid, in-person at Boston College Law School, Newton MA and via Zoom.
The Initiative on Land, Housing & Property Rights (ILHPR) is hosting its 2026 conference exploring issues from social housing and land conservation to strategies that support long-term renters, bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities in housing and land systems. Attend via Zoom.
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| Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days Monday April 13 - Thursday April 16, in-person, Washington DC
The mission of the Land Trust Alliance’s annual Advocacy Days is to advocate and advance important land trust policy priorities. As part of the event, the Alliance will provide land trust leaders with advocacy training, and help facilitate relationships with key legislators to build the political influence of the land trust community. Staff, board members and volunteers of Alliance member land trusts are invited to participate in this annual four-day advocacy event to make a significant difference in land conservation.
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| The National Grassroots Organizing Program Application deadline: Wednesday February 25, 4:00 pm
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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| Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative Grants Application deadline: Sunday March 1, 11:59 pm
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is awarding grants to support land stewardship and bird conservation initiatives led by U.S. land trusts and their partners. The program will award six Capacity and Partnership Project grants of $10,000 each and eight Management and Restoration Project grants of $25,000 each. Email Sara Barker at sb65@cornell.edu with questions. Learn more.
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| Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants (MPPF) Application deadline: Friday March 13
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) is accepting applications for Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants, a state-funded 50% reimbursement (match) program, with a maximum award of $100,000. The program supports preservation of historic properties, landscapes, and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations may apply for pre-development studies and for construction activities such as stabilization, restoration, and rehabilitation. Learn more.
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NEW! Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grants Application deadline: Friday March 20, 11:59 pm
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is offering MVP Action Grants to implement priority climate adaptation and resilience projects identified in an approved Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness plan. Eligible MVP-designated municipalities may fund projects addressing flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather using climate data and community-identified actions. Awards up to $3,000,000 for single-municipality projects and up to $5,000,000 for regional projects. Learn more.
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| Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants Application deadline: Monday April 13
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants provide financial assistance to municipalities, municipal water suppliers and to water and fire districts for the purchase of land in DEP approved drinking water supply protection areas, or land in estimated protection areas of identified and planned future water supply wells or reservoirs. Grants of up to 60% of project costs for a maximum of $350,000 are available. Applications must be submitted online through the new EEA Grants Management System. Please note you will need to create an online account prior to submitting an application. Learn more.
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| Landscape Partnership Grants Application deadline: Thursday April 23, 3:00 pm
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is awarding Landscape Partnership Grants to support protection of large blocks of conservation land across Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Awards are available up to $1,250,000 with a 50% match. Learn more.
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Land Conservation Assistance Grants 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. |
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| Riparian Zone Restoration Program
rolling
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs has launched the Riparian Zone Restoration Program to restore under-vegetated riparian corridors throughout Massachusetts, prioritizing sites with permanently protected land, cold-water fisheries, impervious surfaces, flood-storage potential, or extreme-heat conditions. The program covers some or all costs of restoration work, including plant materials, wildlife protection, permitting, and installation and maintenance. If you have a potential project site, please contact Hilary Dimino at Hilary.M.Dimino@mass.gov.
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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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| 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! Mass Healthy Soils Guides for Site Design and Construction
This is a growing collection of practical resources for design, construction, and land stewardship. Each subject guide offers strategies and best practices for protecting soil health, reducing carbon emissions, and building ecological resilience across Massachusetts. |
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NEW! Webinar Recording: Intro to New Massachusetts Private APR Guidelines
In November, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources hosted a webinar on how Private APRs differ from other farmland protection tools and reviewed the new Private APR Guidance and process. |
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NEW! Nature is the Solution: Ocean and Coasts
The Nature Conservancy has launched a new podcast series, Nature is the Solution. The next episode, releasing on February 23, will explore essential strategies for protecting and restoring our oceans and coasts. |
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