eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| May 14 2026, Volume 24, Number 5 |
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photo of Ellis-Walker Property 34 Acres Permanently Conserved in Westborough
On April 23, Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) finalized a conservation restriction for the Ellis-Walker Property in Westborough, completing a multi-year effort to permanently protect 34 acres of open meadow, forest, and wetlands along Bowman Street. SVT partnered with the Town of Westborough on the project beginning in 2023. With project management and fundraising support, the Town acquired the land in August 2025 through a combination of municipal funding, a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, and a contribution from SVT. The property strengthens a broader network of conserved land that includes the Bowman West Conservation Area and Upton State Forest, helping to preserve wildlife habitat, protect critical water resources, and expand recreational trail access for local residents.
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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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| A damp day in May highlighted the lush green meadow at New Marlborough Land Trust's Goodnow Preserve. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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Diversifying Land Trust Revenue with Entrepreneurial Spirit Wednesday May 27, 12:00 - 1:00 pm via Zoom
With the reduction in federal funding and the resulting increase in competition for private grant funding and donor support, having diverse revenue streams has never been more important. Entrepreneurial approaches to revenue may also deepen land trusts’ relationships with their communities and bring the conservation message to new audiences. Ole Amundsen, an experienced professional in fundraising, finance and strategic planning, will examine case studies from land trusts of varying capacity and staffing from across the country that use an entrepreneurial approach to generate revenue. Organizations that attend this call will be offered a free one-hour consultation brainstorming session on entrepreneurial approaches, earned revenue opportunities and underutilized structures. Free, but registration required.
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2026 Land Protection Tools & Techniques Course Application deadline extended to Friday June 5
First session, in person: Sunday September 13, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Easthampton MA Online sessions: Thursdays September 17 - November 5, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Final weekend practicum, in person: Friday November 13 - Sunday November 15, Plymouth MA
Want to learn the nuts and bolts of land conservation transactions to apply for a job or volunteer position? Land conservation requires a combination of skills that are not bundled into any conventional course of study. This course is targeted toward those at any career level (including upper-level college students) who want to understand how land conservation happens. Limited to 25 participants through a competitive application process. Apply.
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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 Sanctuary 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. This property was presented the Excellence in Conservation Award by MLTC at the recent Mass. Land Conservation Conference.
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NEW! Early Summer Foraging with ECCN Monday June 8, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, in-person, Sibley Farm, 131 Greenville St, Spencer MA
Join the Early Conservation Career Network for an early summer foraging event with Russ Cohen, author of the book Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten. Participants will learn to identify more than 18 species of edible wild plants and gain practical knowledge about their edible parts, seasonal availability, and preparation methods. The tour will also cover key guidelines for safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible foraging.
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June 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting
Friday June 12, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, with optional lunch to follow. In-person location change: Sudbury Valley Trustees Barn, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury MA, or attend 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: An update on recent legal cases involving land conservation. A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants. With Executive Director Robb Johnson retiring in June, we invite you to stay afterward for a light lunch and a celebration of his work and accomplishments. If you will join us for lunch, please RSVP here to help in planning. If you’re unable to attend in person but would like to congratulate Robb, you may do so by posting a message to this 'Kudoboard’. Once the page opens, click on the white button to add a post, adding graphics or photos if you like. CP meeting agenda. Only register if attending on Zoom.
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MLTC Conservation Programs Intern Application deadline: Monday June 15
The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is accepting applications for a part-time intern with an interest in land conservation and non-profit operations for the 2026-2027 academic school year. This paid position is primarily remote with occasional travel to MLTC events across Massachusetts. Upper level college students, recent graduates and graduate students are all welcome to apply. |
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Land Trust Leadership Retreat: Practical Strategies Wednesday June 24, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, in-person, Stewardship Training Center,
549 Mast Road, Plymouth MA
In partnership with MLTC, the Land Trust Alliance is offering a full day retreat for board members and senior (Director-level) staff. Through interactive discussions, peer learning, and activities, participants will explore practical strategies for navigating today’s leadership challenges, strengthening board–staff partnerships to enhance fundraising, and planning for smooth leadership transitions. This is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and build the tools needed for enduring impact. Register.
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Share Your Volunteer Opportunities
MLTC's new Volunteer Board provides the opportunity to spread the word about a volunteer opportunity at your land conservation organization. To post, click the "Fill out form" button and set the choice to ‘volunteer’. 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 to office support and everything in between.
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Help Us Help You If you’ve benefited from our programs or online resources, please consider making a gift to support our work. Thank you! |
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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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Last Signature Push for Nature for Massachusetts
If passed, this ballot measure would dedicate an estimated $100 million per year from existing state sales tax revenues to conservation, restoration and improvement of lands and waters to benefit nature and people. This far exceeds the level of recent state investment in conservation, and land trust projects would be among the beneficiaries. Proponents need to gather 21,0000 signatures by June 14th in order to place the matter directly before voters in November 2026. To get involved, see the Nature for Massachusetts website.
Act to Restore Environmental Cuts in FY27 State Operating Budget
In late April, the House passed its version of the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Senate will begin floor debate on its version on May 18. While the overall state budget will be larger than last year's, Senate leaders have proposed cutting funding for environmental agencies by 5.2%. Given inflation, this represents an even larger cut in real terms -- leading to likely cuts to staff and programs. Before May 18, please ask your State Senators to co-sponsor and support the following amendments to restore funding for critical environmental programs, including:
- Amendment #370, Department of Environmental Protection (filed by Sen. Rausch): Restores FY26 level funding, instead of the 6.3% cut currently proposed.
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Amendment #323, DCR Operations (filed by Sen. Eldridge): Restores FY26 level funding, instead of the 8.0% cut currently proposed.
- Amendment #336, Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (filed by Sen. Edwards): Restores FY26 level funding, instead of the 36% cut currently proposed.
Environmental Bond Bill on the Move
For the first time since 2018, the state legislature is poised to pass an environmental bond bill that will define capital spending priorities. For years to come, the state’s annual capital budget for environmental programs will be driven largely by the bonding authority set in this bill. A number of policy provisions will be attached and become law when the bill is signed. On April 15, the Senate passed its version of the bill, authorizing up to $3.6 billion in potential future state spending on environmental projects, including land acquisition, restoration, and water supply protection. Among Coalition priorities adopted in the Senate version were key elements of a drought management bill, key elements of air quality task force legislation, and expanded funding for coastal resilience. The House is expected to take up its version of the bill very soon. As the House debates the bill, MLTC is working closely with our Coalition partners to advocate for the strongest bill possible. Read more.
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Massachusetts Named Newest Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature
On April 28, The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that Massachusetts has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global network of more than 1,400 governments and organizations dedicated to protecting biodiversity. The milestone places Massachusetts among the world’s leading coalition advancing nature conservation and addressing environmental challenges on a global scale. Read more.
$951K Awarded to Protect 430 Acres of Forestland in Western Massachusetts
On May 2, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $951,000 in grants to permanently protect 430 acres of forestland in Belchertown, Huntington, and Wendell through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program. The projects, led by Northeast Wilderness Trust and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, will expand outdoor recreation opportunities, store carbon to help mitigate climate change, and protect critical wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Read more.
$3 Million Awarded to Support Herring River Estuary Restoration in Wellfleet and Truro
On May 12, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a $3 million award to the Town of Wellfleet and the Friends of Herring River to advance the Herring River Estuary Restoration Project in Wellfleet and Truro. Funded through the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration, the investment will support efforts to restore tidal flow to the estuary and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife. Read more.
Trails for All: Expanding Access to Nature Across Massachusetts
Nearly 26% of Massachusetts residents live with a disability, and nearly half of all residents would benefit from accessible trails. Yet fewer than 0.5% of trails across the Commonwealth meet accessibility standards–revealing a significant gap in equitable access to nature, recreation, and public health benefits. Developed by the Trail Access Working Group, the Trails for All Report outlines a clear, actionable roadmap to expand accessible trail networks statewide and ensure that outdoor spaces are welcoming and usable for everyone.
New State Boating Law is in Effect
A new statewide boating safety law is now in effect in Massachusetts. Under the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, anyone operating recreational motorboats or personal watercraft, including jet skis, must complete a state-approved boating safety course and carry proof of certification while on the water. As of April 1, the requirement applies to boaters born after Jan. 1, 1989. Boaters born on or before that date have until April 2028 to complete the required safety training. Read more.
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The deadline to submit events for June eNews is Monday June 15. Please send your events to Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org. |
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NEW! Focus on the Friends Saturday May 16, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in-person, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd, Princeton MA Mass Parks for All is hosting its first statewide event at a critical moment as the state budget is currently under discussion. This event is focused on the importance of protecting the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) from any proposed cuts. |
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Invasive Species in Eastern Forests Webinar Series Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 19 - May 21, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, via MS Teams
The USDA Forest Service is hosting a six-part webinar series on invasive species in eastern forests. Please note that separate registration is required for each webinar. |
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NEW! Land Trust Listening Session for Municipal Farmland Protection Planning Thursday May 21, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, online
The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) are partnering on an MDAR Farmland Partnership Program grant this year and next to develop a model process for municipal Farmland Protection Plans. They would like input from land trusts on how these plans can best support conservation work. |
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Seasonal Land Steward Training Registration deadline: Tuesday May 26
Monday June 1 - Tuesday June 2, 8:00 am - 4: 30 pm, in-person, Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Stewardship professionals from Wildlands Trust, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Plymouth County, and the Barnstable Land Trust are partnering to offer an introductory training program for seasonal land stewards. |
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Basic Chainsaw Training for Trails Saturday May 30 - Sunday May 31, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Wildlands Trust will host Bill Girard from Girard Custom Cut Hardwood for a two-day introductory chainsaw course covering essential safety practices, proper operation, and equipment maintenance. |
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NEW! Climate Informed Land Protection Short Course Monday June 1, Wednesday June 3, Monday June 8, Thursday June 10, 1:00 - 2:15 pm, online
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this four-session short course will help conservation staff take a systematic approach to understanding how a changing climate may influence what to protect—and how best to protect it. |
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NEW! Farmland Protection Tools for Municipalities Wednesday June 3, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, online
Join Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), Old Colony Planning Council, and Wildlands Trust for the first webinar in a four-part series on municipal tools and strategies to support Chapter 61A farmland protection in Southeastern MA. |
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Lunch & Learn: Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Series Wednesday June 10, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, via Zoom (occurs every Wednesday)
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will host speakers from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to present updates on new clean energy siting and permitting processes. Please note that separate registration is required for each webinar.
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NEW! Northeast Forest Network Roundtable Thursday June 10, 3:00 pm, online
Hosted by the Northeast Forest Network, this discussion will explore the current challenges facing forest conservation. |
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NEW! Tribal and Indigenous Land Access and Return Series Tuesday June 16 and Wednesday June 24, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, online
Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this two-part webinar series will explore best practices and insights from the authors of Partnerships for Indigenous Land Access and Return: A Summary of Legal and Relational Pathways. |
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Black Land Ownership: A Six Week Land Literacy Series Courses are offered on a rolling basis, online
Black Land Ownership is hosting a six-week series offering an introduction to land ownership in the U.S., with a focus on rural land, long-term stewardship, and land retention. While the course is open to all communities, it is intentionally oriented toward people from marginalized backgrounds. |
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database. |
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Trails Capacity Program Grants
Application deadline: Friday May 15
American Trails is offering grants between $2,000-$15,000 for trail maintenance, research, and stewardship training projects on public or private lands open to the public. Funding supports projects that expand trail capacity and improve access. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, agencies, and local partners. Apply.
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Long Island Sound Futures Fund
Application deadline: Tuesday May 19
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is offering grants of $50,000 to $2 million for implementation projects and $50,000 to $500,000 for planning, design, and outreach projects to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and other partners. Funding supports projects that improve water quality, restore habitat, and enhance resilience in the Long Island Sound watershed. Apply.
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NEW! Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Application deadline: Friday May 29
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering up to $200 million in Agricultural Land Easement funding. The program preserves farmland by limiting nonagricultural development, protecting grazing areas, and restoring wetlands to support long-term farming and conservation. |
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NEW! MAPC Accelerating Climate Resilience Grants
Application deadline: Friday May 29, 5:00 pm
Grants up to $50,000 for 12-month climate resilience projects in the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) region. Eligible applicants include municipalities, 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, Tribes, and Indigenous communities. Apply. |
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NEW! Wild East Action Grants
Application deadline: Friday June 26
Grants of $5,000–$75,000 for land protection, conservation planning, and community resilience projects in the Appalachian Trail landscape. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public agencies, Tribal agencies, and conservation partnerships. Apply. |
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LAND and PARC Grant Programs Application deadline: Thursday July 9, 11:49 pm
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications to the FY 2027 LAND and PARC Grant Programs. The LAND Grant Program is for municipal conservation commissions looking to protect conservation land. The PARC Grant Program is for municipalities looking to acquire parkland, renovate an existing park, or develop a new park. It is strongly recommended that people attend the in-person info session in Westborough.
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Conservation Partnership Grant Program Application deadline: Monday July 13, 11:59 pm
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is awarding Conservation Partnership grants to 501(c)(3) organizations looking for assistance in acquiring land in fee or a conservation restriction, as well as assistance with due diligence costs associated with gifts. Contact Darya Mattes at darya.mattes@mass.gov if you have questions.
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Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program
Application deadline: Rolling
Community Heart & Soul is offering grants of $10,000 (with a required $10,000 match) to support cities and towns with populations between 2,500 and 30,000 in implementing the Community Heart & Soul model, a resident-driven planning process that engages community members to identify shared values, set priorities, and guide future decisions. Funding supports community engagement, project coordination, and local leadership development. |
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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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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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2026 RCP Network Gathering: Call for Proposals Proposal deadline: Friday May 15
The annual Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering, hosted by Highstead, will be held in November. This year’s conference theme is Cultivating a Shared Food Future. |
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NEW! Massachusetts Nature Dividends Fact Sheet
This fact sheet shows how protecting forests, wetlands, and coasts delivers ongoing benefits such as cleaner water, flood protection, carbon storage, and public health improvements, while also saving money and strengthening climate resilience. |
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NEW! Along the Edge: Restoring Saltmarshes and Coastal Identity
In this Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) video, researchers and Tribal stewards collaborate in coastal Maine, where science and Indigenous knowledge come together to study, protect, and restore salt marshes—vital ecosystems and cultural foundations of Passamaquoddy identity in the face of rising seas. |
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NEW! Coastal Salt Marsh Symposium Recording and Slides
The recording of the Coastal Salt Marsh Symposium, hosted by Friends of Pleasant Bay and the Pleasant Bay Alliance on March 30 in Chatham, is now available, along with the accompanying presentations.
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NEW! Prohibited Plants List Update
On May 11, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources determined that Aralia elata (Japanese angelica tree) and Symplocos paniculata (sapphire berry/Asiatic sweetleaf) pose a threat to Massachusetts lands and approved their addition to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. |
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NEW! Less Lawn More Life Challenge
Less Lawn More Life is a 12-week email challenge that helps homeowners restore habitat at home by reducing lawn, planting native species, and supporting pollinators and wildlife. |
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Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities |
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