eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
|
| January 14 2026, Volume 24, Number 1 |
|
|
Aerial view of Sarah Cowls Jones Forest in Pelham. Photo by: Jamie Malcolm-Brown.
Over 2,000 Acres of Forest Preserved in Pelham and Belchertown
In October, Kestrel Land Trust and The Trustees announced the permanent protection of more than 2,000 acres of forest in Pelham and Belchertown, protecting two of the largest remaining contiguous forest tracts in the Pioneer Valley. This collaborative effort preserves critical wildlife habitat and water resources while ensuring public access to segments of the Robert Frost and New England Scenic Trails. The protected lands, part of the Pelham–Shutesbury forest, will be named the Sarah Cowls Forest at Pelham Hills. Over the coming year, Kestrel and The Trustees will collaborate with the towns of Belchertown, Pelham, and Amherst to connect these newly protected lands and trail networks with existing municipal conservation areas, creating a continuous, permanently protected landscape.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
| I enjoyed a brisk morning walk at Concord Land Conservation Trust's Wright Woods.
#OurMassLandTrusts |
|
|
Seminars Presented by Our Sponsors March 3 and March 5
These one-hour, online seminars by some of our lead conference sponsors are free and open to everyone, even if you’re not attending the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, 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. |
|
| Register for the 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference!
Early bird registration and lunch order 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
The Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference is the annual gathering of the Massachusetts land conservation community where over 500 participants learn from colleagues and other experts, discuss ideas, and network. Attendees include staff and volunteers at all levels of experience, as well as non-profit partner organizations, key state, local and federal government partners, and an array of service providers and non-profit exhibitors. The conference agenda includes a keynote address by Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon, Health Director at the Trust for Public Land, along with 24 workshops covering a wide range of land conservation topics, including ecological stewardship, climate resilience, trail accessibility, and project planning. Conference portal. Schedule. Workshop descriptions. Speakers, Sponsors, and Volunteers – MLTC staff will contact you with details on how to register.
|
|
|
Interested in Volunteering?
Volunteers who contribute more than one hour of their time on Friday March 13 will receive free admission to the conference. Volunteer duties include assisting at the registration/info desk and ensuring workshops run smoothly. Sign-up sheet. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsoring the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference offers several benefits, including the opportunity to promote your work to an audience of nearly 500 conservation professionals. View details. Become an Exhibitor
Exhibitor space is limited. Conference sponsors will receive priority placement. Reserve a table. |
|
|
| Accepting Applications: Executive Director rolling
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. 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. Preferred start date is mid-June 2026. A search committee will begin reviewing applicants in mid-January 2026. MLTC Executive Director Prospectus.
|
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
| Land Trust Finance Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday February 5, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Finance staff, board treasurers, and others with fiscal responsibilities -- join us for a networking call to share resources, ask questions, and learn from each other. This month's call will focus on approaches for accounting for land projects in your annual budget planning, and how land holdings (including CRs) are carried on your balance sheet. Time permitting, participants may be able to raise questions on other issues too. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome!
|
|
|
| Agriculture Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday February 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom
This new quarterly networking group is intended as a forum for land conservation staff and Board members who are interested in the preservation and viability of agricultural lands to share experiences and learn from peers. This month's call will focus on making your conserved lands available for farming. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! |
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
NEW! 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 if 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! |
|
|
| MLTC's FY25 Annual Report
Check out our FY25 annual report, including a summary of our financial statements and list of supporters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Full financial statements for FY25 are also now posted on our website. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful year! |
|
|
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! |
|
|
Connect With Us on Social Media! |
|
|
| Follow us on social media for more frequent updates on upcoming programs and latest developments! |
|
|
Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
|
|
Potential Record Number of Ballot Questions
A Law to Protect Water and Nature (Nature for All) was among a total of 12 proposed ballot questions moving to the next step in qualifying for the November 2026 ballot. If the legislature fails to enact these proposed laws between now and June 30, proponents of each question will have to submit an additional 12,429 certified signatures to be placed on the ballot in November. Voters may be faced with a multi-card ballot and a voter information ‘red book’ that is thicker than ever. Read more about the various proposals, ranging from rent control to recreational marijuana repeal, here.
Opposition to Weaker Federal Wetlands Protections
MLTC joined a coalition of 46 organizations, led by The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, in a January 5th comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opposing a proposal to revise the definition of “Waters of the United States”, which would significantly weaken protection for streams and wetlands. Learn more.
|
|
|
National Land Trust Census Open through Tuesday March 31
The National Land Trust Census is a snapshot of the conservation work carried out by land trusts across the United States. Conducted every five years by the Land Trust Alliance, it is the nation’s longest-running survey of private land protection, offering both a benchmark and a window into the collective impact of land trusts on people, communities, and the natural places we cherish. It provides an opportunity to reflect, measure progress, and celebrate how far the land trust movement has come. By participating, you help tell the story of land conservation in America. Complete the census.
Over 3,200 Acres Preserved: MassWildlife’s 2025 Land Acquisitions
In 2025, MassWildlife protected over 3,200 acres, bringing its total conserved land to more than 239,000 acres across Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to the Northeast. These efforts preserve forests, wetlands, and water access for both wildlife and the public, while expanding recreational opportunities. Highlights include the addition of 73 acres to the Flat Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in West Stockbridge, new WMAs in Monson (~65 acres) and Holland/Wales (~290 acres) in the Connecticut Valley, and a major partnership project in Central Massachusetts conserving 1,325 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands in Winchendon and Ashburnham. Nearly 890 acres were added to the 1,500-acre Winchendon Springs WMA, protecting priority habitat for five state-listed species. Read more.
MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa Retires
On January 9, MassWildlife announced the retirement of Director Mark Tisa, who served the agency for 38 years, including seven years as Director. Deputy Director Dr. Eve Schlüter will serve as Acting Director during the national search for his successor. Tisa’s tenure included protecting nearly 20,000 acres, completing the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, and overseeing the construction of MassWildlife’s Westborough Field Headquarters.
Nearly $190K Awarded to Expand Equitable Access to Outdoor Recreation
On December 22, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $190,000 in Inclusive and Accessible Event grants through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) to expand equitable access to outdoor recreation. Nineteen organizations and municipalities received funding to support access to recreation for low-income residents, communities of color, and people with disabilities. Read more.
MassWildlife Seeks Public Input on Expanding Hunting Access in Massachusetts Submit your feedback by Thursday February 5
On January 9, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) will hold public listening sessions on expanding hunting access in Massachusetts. Topics include Sunday hunting, crossbow hunting, and minimum setback distances. The public can provide feedback in person, online, or through this form. Sessions run January–February; view the schedule and register here.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' 2025 Annual Report
On December 30, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) 2025 Annual Report, highlighting key milestones and accomplishments across its agencies, including advancing legislation to lower energy costs, investing in extreme weather preparedness, and protecting natural resources. In 2025, EEA distributed more than $237.9 million through 70+ grant programs, awarding over 1,600 grants statewide to support environmental justice, recycling, outdoor recreation, farmland preservation, drought management, and more.
|
|
|
| Citizen & Community Science: Designing Projects for Research & Engagement Friday January 16 - Sunday March 1, asynchronous
This University of New Hampshire course provides a concise, practice-focused introduction to participatory science. Participants will learn to design projects for specific audiences, collect meaningful data, and effectively engage and educate volunteers. The course will be taught by experienced practitioners Malin Clyde and Alyson Eberhardt. |
|
|
| Stewardship Short Course Tuesdays (Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10), 4:00 - 5:30 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
|
NEW! From Timber to Tomorrow: Old Challenges, New Pressures, Changing Paradigms Tuesday January 20 - Tuesday April 28, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
The Yale Forest Forum is hosting a webinar series examining forestry’s shift since the 1970s, from production - or conservation-focused practices to multifunctional landscapes emphasizing ecological resilience and diverse social values. Through conversations with scholars, historians, practitioners, and policymakers, this series will explore changes in land, labor, and ownership, evolving approaches to disturbances and environmental change, and the growing role of ecosystem services. Discussions will cover how people and forests shape each other—and what that means for the next fifty years of forestry.
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Staying Accredited: A Renewal of Accreditation Primer for 2026 Wednesday January 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
In this webinar hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, professional consultant Sarah Naperala will provide practical advice on the systems you can put in place to stay prepared for accreditation while keeping your organization running smoothly in the meantime. Having guided her own land trust through both first-time and renewal accreditation, Sarah now helps other organizations do the same. |
|
|
| Nonprofit Tech Roundtable 2026 Wednesday January 21, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Community IT is hosting a webinar panel of experts to answer questions about the technology that will shape the nonprofit sector in 2026. From AI and cybersecurity to the ongoing Google Workspace vs. Microsoft Office debate, the panel will explore the tools and decisions nonprofits are grappling with today. Learn more.
|
|
|
| Caught Holding the Bucket — Navigating a Complex Encroachment Issue Thursday January 22, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
In this Land Trust Alliance webinar, Alex Metzger, Stewardship Director of the Monadnock Conservancy in southwest New Hampshire, will share the steps and lessons learned from addressing a seemingly minor third-party encroachment that developed into a complex, multi-year remediation project and legal dispute. Free to all. |
|
|
| Landowner Webinar Series: Protecting Your Legacy Tuesdays (Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24), 6:30 - 8:00 pm, attend one, some, or all
Join UMass Extension and guest speakers for a four-part webinar series about planning the future of your land. Each session will feature relevant professionals to provide information on topics ranging from family goal-setting to wills to permanent land protection tools. The final webinar will help those inheriting land understand issues in landownership. |
|
|
|
NEW! The Reforestation Pipeline: Challenges to Nurseries and Seedlings Wednesday February 4, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Hosted by Michigan State University, this webinar will explore how afforestation, reforestation, and restoration projects can deliver substantial carbon and ecosystem benefits. Success hinges on a resilient nursery sector capable of meeting the growing demand for saplings. State-level tree-planting initiatives offer opportunities to strengthen sustainable markets, foster partnerships, and develop robust supply chains, advancing both restoration goals and climate targets.
|
|
|
| Land Trust Finance Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday February 5, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
| Agriculture Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday February 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
|
NEW! Concrete to Canopy: Greening Cities with Native Species Thursday February 12, 10:00 - 11:15 am
Mass ECAN and the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management Network will host a virtual networking event for practitioners focused on greening urban environments through thoughtful plant selection and regenerative land care. The session will explore ecological, public health, aesthetic, and climate adaptation benefits, and provide a forum to share resources and strategies for a systems-based approach in a changing climate.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Stewardship Tea and Talk Thursday February 12, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Land Trust Alliance is hosting this networking and discussion group, free for Alliance members from across the country. After an introduction from Alliance staff, participants will select a breakout room for a one-hour facilitated discussion on a specific topic. Whether you started in your position two weeks ago or have been stewarding land for decades as a staff, board or a volunteer member, come prepared to ask and answer questions.
|
|
|
| Land Trust Leadership Lab Application deadline: Friday February 13 Training dates: Thursdays (April 16 - June 25), Friday July 7, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this new program is specifically designed for land trust staff in management roles. It is tailored for mid-career professionals—such as directors, managers, and vice presidents—who oversee teams and want to strengthen their leadership skills. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise in key areas, including staff supervision, financial management, fundraising, board relations, leadership styles, and navigating challenging conversations. Learn more.
|
|
|
| February 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday February 27, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
| Development Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday April 8, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
In-Person Events and Outings |
|
|
| NEW! Mashpee Pine Barrens Habitat Management Tour Saturday January 17, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Mashpee Pine Barrens, Mashpee MA
Join MassWildlife’s Habitat Team for a guided tour highlighting upcoming management plans for pine barrens habitat. The ongoing pine barrens restoration project at the Mashpee Pine Barrens—including forest thinning and firebreak construction—has been adapted to incorporate the removal of infested trees and the creation of a buffer to help slow the spread of southern pine beetles. |
|
|
| 2026 Conservation Finance Boot Camp 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.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Deciding the Future of Your Land Wednesday January 28, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, in-person, West Newbury Town Offices, West Newbury MA
Essex County Greenbelt and the West Newbury Open Space Committee will host this workshop for property owners interested in permanently protecting their land as open space, working farmland, or wildlife habitat. Presenters will explain conservation options, land valuation, and potential tax benefits, and discuss how land protection can support estate-planning goals. An optional live mapping session will give participants an opportunity to explore conservation options on their own land. Free; light dinner provided.
|
|
|
| Acquiring Land and Conservation Easements 2026 Registration deadline: Friday January 30 Course dates: Monday March 2 - Thursday March 5, times vary, in-person, Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this course provides 2.5+ days of immersive training on conservation easement and fee acquisition for early-career acquisition staff. It is also well suited for experienced staff seeking a refresher and board members involved in conservation transactions. Participants will join two post-course virtual sessions to deepen connections, explore new topics, and share challenges and successes.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Freshwater Mussels Presentation and Networking Saturday January 31, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, in-person, Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague MA
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions’ (MACC) Young Professionals Committee will host this presentation by Virginia Martell of BSC Group on freshwater mussels. Virginia, an expert in restoring state and federally endangered mussels, will discuss their crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems, including water filtration and nutrient cycling. The talk will cover at-risk Massachusetts mussel populations, freshwater mussel biology and ecology, and their relevance to environmental permitting in the state.
|
|
|
| 2026 Southeastern Massachusetts Land Trust Convocation Saturday February 7, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, in-person, Upper Cape Technical High School, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne MA
Co-sponsored by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, the free event convenes land trusts, municipal and state agency staff, civic leaders, and conservation-minded community members from across the region. Through presentations, workshops, and discussions, the program will strengthen land trusts and the volunteers who will support their conservation work. Featured speaker Andrew Gottlieb of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will offer a call to action to accelerate open space protection in the region. Free.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Wilderness First Aid + CPR Saturday February 7 - Sunday February 8, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, in-person, Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Wildlands Trust is offering SOLO School, a two-day Wilderness First Aid and CPR course. This training is ideal for land trust staff, conservation professionals, trail workers, and volunteers who work or spend time outdoors. Participants will learn patient assessment and response, musculoskeletal injuries, environmental emergencies, survival skills, soft tissue injuries, medical emergencies, and CPR. Upon completion, participants will receive SOLO Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, valid for two years. Cost: $280. Optional overnight lodging: $40.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Canopy 2026 Forestry Forum Rooted in Resilience Registration deadline: Wednesday February 18
Course date: Thursday March 5, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, UMass Amherst Campus Center, Amherst MA
Each year, forest landowners and industry leaders gather at the Canopy Forest Forum to connect with policymakers, professionals, and students. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience, explores building resilient land management practices while meeting your personal and financial goals. Through hands-on sessions and peer learning, gain insights from experienced foresters and fellow landowners, discover the Commonwealth’s cost-share programs, and see how sustainable forestry can add value to your land. Please contact Lindsay Nystrom at lindsay.nystrom@mass.gov with questions. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
NEW! MACC 2026 Annual Environmental Conference Saturday February 28, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, 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). Learn more. |
|
|
|
NEW! 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.
|
|
|
| Register for the 2026 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference! Friday March 13, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst See details under MLTC News, above. |
|
|
| NEW! 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 provides land trust leaders with advocacy training and helps to 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. More details to come.
|
|
|
| Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants (MPPF) Info sessions: Wednesday January 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Zoom link.
Monday January 26, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Zoom link.
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
| Landscape Partnership Grants Info session: Thursday January 22, 1:30 pm 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. Contact Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to RSVP to the info session. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Environmental Justice Capacity Building Grants Application deadline: Friday January 23, 2:00 pm
The Massachusetts Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE) is offering grants of up to $100,000 to support nonprofit and community-based organizations working with environmental justice, Indigenous, and Tribal communities. Funding supports organizational capacity building through planning, training, community engagement, partnerships, and technology or infrastructure improvements that advance environmental justice. Please contact Jonathan Guzman at jonathan.guzman@mass.gov with questions. 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.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Info Session: How to Submit an ECO One Stop Application Thursday January 29, 10:00 - 11:00 am
ECO One Stop is a grant application portal that allows applicants to apply for multiple Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) grant programs using a single, streamlined process in the EEA Grants Management System (GMS). This webinar will explain the ECO One Stop application process, show participants how to create a GMS account, introduce the GMS platform, and demonstrate how to submit an application.
|
|
|
| MassTrails Grants
Application deadline: Monday February 2
The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), in partnership with Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA), are offering MassTrails grants up to $100,000 (with a 20% match) to support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails and shared-use paths. Learn more.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants Info session: Wednesday February 11, 2:30 pm, MS Teams.
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. Contact Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to RSVP to the info session. Learn more.
|
|
|
| The National Grassroots Organizing Program Application deadline: Wednesday February 18, 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. |
|
|
|
NEW! 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.
|
|
|
| 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 or Scott Fisher at SFisher@swca.com.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
Resources and Opportunities |
|
|
| Thoreau Foundation Scholarships Application deadline: Sunday February 1
The Henry David Thoreau Foundation is accepting applications for their Undergraduate Scholarship Program from top Massachusetts high school seniors who plan to study environmental issues in college. Selected students will receive a four-year scholarship up to $25,000, eligibility for an environmental internship stipend, and access to the scholar alumni network.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Your Input Please: MA Nonprofits Federal Impacts Survey
The Boston Foundation, The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, and The MassINC Polling Group invite you to share your experiences as a nonprofit navigating today’s federal landscape. In light of recent federal actions, the six-week government shutdown, and other developments affecting the sector and the communities you serve, this survey seeks to capture the impacts of the past year and take a pulse on how organizations are preparing for the future.
|
|
|
|
NEW! Reforestation Guide: Tree Planting to Enrich, Restore, and Adapt Northern Forests
UMass Amherst, University of Vermont, and the National Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) have released a new publication for foresters, landowners, and managers interested in using tree planting as a forest management tool. Grounded in ecological and climate-informed information, the guide frames opportunities and objectives for planting and then leads readers through a clear, step-by-step process for planning, implementing, and stewarding reforestation projects.
|
|
|
|
NEW! 2026 Online Learning Pass
The Online Learning Pass provides land conservation organizations with an affordable way to access Land Trust Alliance (LTA) training resources for staff, board members, and volunteers throughout the year. With this pass, your entire organization receives free registration for all live webinars and online learning events in LTA’s 2026 catalog, plus full access to the Alliance’s complete library of past webinar recordings. |
|
|
|
NEW! Accounting for Albedo in Tree Restoration
A new study from Clark University and The Nature Conservancy shows that reforestation’s climate benefits may be overstated by 20–81% in some regions due to reduced surface reflectivity (albedo). The researchers provide tools to identify where tree planting is less effective as a climate mitigation strategy. |
| |
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
