eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| August 20 2026, Volume 24, Number 8 |
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Aerial view of newly expanded Nineteenth Hill Wildlife Management Area 43 Acres of Forest Permanently Protected in Winchendon
In early August, Mount Grace Land Trust and MassWildlife partnered to protect 43 acres in Winchendon, expanding the Nineteenth Hill Wildlife Management Area west of Route 140 and connecting it to a larger, contiguous block of conserved land south of downtown. The property provides ample forest and wildlife habitat within the Millers River and Otter River watersheds. Its protection is especially important as development pressure continues to grow along Route 140.
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Hello Massachusetts Conservation Folks!
This month I had the privilege of visiting the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and meeting Volunteer Naturalists Beth Breton and Curt Smith, who generously shared details of their conservation work, including their daily field report on sanctuary visitors, trail observations, and field highlights. Wellfleet Bay has a robust volunteer program led by Ocean Silver, who coordinates over 550 volunteers serving 16,000+ hours annually in 12 different programs. Ocean shared that “their dedication and passion make everything we do possible—and it shows.” Thank you Beth, Curt, and Ocean for highlighting your work stewarding important coastal ecosystems.
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Volunteer Naturalists Curt Smith and Beth Breton on the trail at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Every land trust depends on volunteers, and the work of both recruiting and being a volunteer can be rewarding, frustrating, and challenging, often simultaneously. I’m interested in hearing more from you. What works? What’s hard? How do you find, support, and retain great volunteers? Please share your thoughts with us, and let us help. As we transition into a new season and people shift into new activities, check out MLTC’s Volunteer Opportunities page to post and review volunteer openings. We’d love to help connect you to your community.
Thank you to the thousands of volunteers working to support Massachusetts land trusts and partner organizations!
Cheers, Katy and the MLTC team: Barbara, Lauren, and Ashley katy@massland.org #OurMassLandTrusts |
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NEW! MLTC eNews Submission Form
Use our new submission form to share your event, resource, grant, conservation news, completed conservation project, or other updates for us to feature in our monthly newsletter. |
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NEW! Share Your Ideas for the ECCN Career Panel at 2026 LT/SA Retreat Survey response deadline: Friday August 21
The annual Land Trust/State Agency (LT/SA) Retreat brings together land trust and State agency staff involved in land conservation and is a congenial and collegial forum to work across organizations and learn how we each can improve for the benefit of all. As part of the retreat, the Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) is organizing a career development panel and is seeking input. Help us shape the panel conversation by filling out the survey.
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Apply for the 2026 - 2027 ECCN Mentorship Program Mentee and Mentor application deadline: Monday August 31
Program duration: October 2026 - October 2027
To foster continued learning, build meaningful connections, and support professional development in the land conservation field, MLTC's Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) is accepting applications for its 2026 - 2027 ECCN Mentorship Program. This mentorship opportunity connects emerging professionals with experienced leaders in the land conservation community. Whether you're looking for guidance as you grow your career or are interested in sharing your experience with the next generation of conservation professionals, we encourage you to apply. Mentee Application & Mentor Application. Please contact Mariah Fogg at mfogg@lta.org and Thomas Patti at tpatti@lincolninst.edu with questions.
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NEW! Land Protection Networking Zoom Tuesday September 1, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Anyone who works in a land protection function is welcome to attend. This call will focus on how LP folks handle estate planning outreach and cultivation of attorneys, landowners, etc. Bring your examples and questions to share. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required. |
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Stewardship Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday September 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Participants will discuss how organizations are using GIS in their stewardship efforts. Come with your creative ideas and questions. 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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Mindful Birding in the Berkshires Friday September 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, Great Barrington MA
This event is hosted by the Early Conservation Career Network, but anyone interested is welcome to join this walk led by educator and birder Dave Edson. The reserve, managed by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, features a diverse mix of meadow, wetland, and forest habitats that support a wide variety of birdlife throughout the seasons. |
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Small Staffed & All Volunteer Land Trusts Quarterly Networking Zoom Wednesday September 9, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
This year we're combining the AVLT and Small Staffed Land Trusts groups, as the topics of interest are often quite similar. Anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small staffed land trust or an all volunteer land trust is welcome - newcomers, too! In September we'll first focus on Board Training (including roles, "job descriptions", etc.). If there's time, we'll also cover Land Management Plans. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday September 10, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Open to anyone with development or fundraising responsibilities. The focus of this call will be major gift fundraising for land projects, though conversation often flows to other topics. Join us to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required. |
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NEW! Massachusetts State Gathering at Rally Friday September 18, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, in-person, Wright Room at Appaloosa Grill, Denver CO If you’re a Massachusetts conservationist attending Rally in Denver this year, we’d love for you to join us for this year’s State Gathering! This is a casual gathering with plenty of seating options—from the bar and couches to high top tables. Come and go as you please; drink or eat as you wish. Come have fun with other Massachusetts friends and colleagues! |
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September 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday September 25, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, Worcester 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, and more. The featured topic will provide background on the MA EOEEA-MLTC Open Space data layer project. Meeting agenda. Only register if attending on Zoom.
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2026 Land Trust / State Agency Retreat Wednesday October 7, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, in-person only, Saima Park, Fitchburg MA
Hosted by MLTC and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA), this annual event provides an opportunity for land trust and state agency leaders to strategize on timely land conservation issues while strengthening relations among conservation partners. |
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Strategic Planning for Small Organizations Short Course Thursdays (October 15, 22, and 29), 4:00 - 5:30 pm, via Zoom
This three-part series, co-hosted with the Land Trust Alliance, is designed for small land trusts interested in understanding the value of strategic planning and how to approach it effectively. Through an interactive, hands-on format, participants will explore key concepts and practical exercises that can be applied directly within their own organizations. Tailored to the unique needs of small land trusts, this course equips both board members and staff with tools to develop a thoughtful strategic planning process, whether or not they engage an outside facilitator for assistance. One registration covers all participants within your organization for all three weeks. COST: $50 for either members of MLTC or LTA, $75 non-members.
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Field Trip: Newly-Protected Slocum-Gibbs Cranberry Company Property Friday, October 16, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, in-person, precise meeting location TBD
Join Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) for a guided tour of the Slocum-Gibbs Cranberry Company property. In 2025, BBC partnered with growers, four towns, and state and federal agencies to conserve 1,652 acres across southeastern Massachusetts. Spanning Carver, Middleborough, Rochester, and Wareham, the property protects forests, cranberry bogs being restored, and wetlands along the Weweantic and Sippican Rivers—forming two large, permanently conserved blocks.
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NEW! Nominate a Project for MLTC’s Excellence in Conservation Award Nomination deadline: Sunday November 8
The Excellence in Conservation Award recognizes a specific project completed within the past two years which demonstrates excellence in any aspect of land conservation work, advances the cause of land conservation in a creative and substantive way, and/or serves as an inspiration for other conservation organizations in Massachusetts. Organizations may nominate themselves or others. The 2027 award will be presented at the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 19 at UMass Amherst. Nomination form. Past recipients.
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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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MLTC's 2027 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference |
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Save the Date: 2027 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
Friday March 19, 2027, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person at UMass Amherst, Amherst MA. Draft schedule. |
NEW! Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Show your organization's commitment to protecting our environment, habitats, and climate. A variety of sponsorship levels and exhibitor spots provide visibility for your organization to a live audience of over 550 – plus thousands more who see Conference publicity. Join us to support a great learning opportunity for the conservation community. Sponsorship details. Exhibitor details.
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NEW! Submit a Workshop Proposal for the 2027 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Applications due: Sunday October 4 Workshops take place Friday, March 19, 10:00 am - 3:15 pm at UMass Amherst
The annual call for proposals for the 2027 Massachusetts Land Conference Conference is now open! This year's conference features three 75-minute workshop periods. Workshops start at 10:00 am. |
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Support MLTC with Your Membership!
Thanks so much to many who have already responded to our FY27 membership drive! Join MLTC to support everything we do. Display your MLTC membership on your website with our new membership badge! To request the image file, email Lauren Berk at lberk@massland.org. |
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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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Vote Yes on Question 6: Protect Nature in Massachusetts (Nature for MA)
The Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative will be Question 6 on the November 2026 statewide ballot in Massachusetts, to fund up to $100 million per year for land and water conservation using existing state sales taxes on sporting goods. Join supporters of Question 6, including Governor Maura Healey, to rally in support of the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative at the Hammond Pond in Chestnut Hill on Sunday August 30 at 10:00 am. RSVP.
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Passing this measure remains MLTC’s top policy priority for the remainder of this year, and we encourage you and your constituents to join statewide activities to promote a YES vote this November. Stay updated about the Protect Water & Nature ballot initiative at natureforma.org.
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Opportunities to Provide Feedback: |
Open Comment Period: Streamlining Wetlands Permitting for Restoration and Trails
Virtual public hearings: Wednesday September 9, 1:00 pm. Register.
Wednesday September 9, 6:00 pm. Register.
Submit comments by: Wednesday September 23, 5:00 pm
MassDEP is proposing amendments to the Wetlands regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Water Quality Regulations (314 CMR 9.00) to streamline permitting for wetland restoration projects, invasive plant removal, and maintaining trails in the buffer zone. These amendments will support goals described in both the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Clean Energy and Climate Plan and the Executive Order for Biodiversity Conservation in Massachusetts, and will benefit land trusts by reducing the costs and red tape associated with land stewardship. Public comments can be submitted here.
Submit Feedback on Natural Heritage Atlas Revision Feedback deadline: Sunday October 4 MassWildlife is seeking public input on draft Priority Habitat maps for state-listed plants and animals as part of the 16th Edition of the Natural Heritage Atlas. Review the maps and submit your comments. |
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More Than $225K in Woodlands Partnership Grants Awarded Across Western Massachusetts
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $225,450 in Woodlands Partnership Program grants to five rural communities and two regional organizations across Western Massachusetts. The funding will support forest conservation, invasive species management, expanded public access, trail improvements, and planning efforts that strengthen working forests, outdoor recreation, and local economies. Franklin Land Trust was awarded a Woodlands Partnership Program grant for its Lands for H.O.P.E. 2027 project. Read more.
Rewilding a Massachusetts Golf Course Back to Wetlands
In Northampton, city officials, working with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration and Mass Audubon, are transforming the 105-acre property formerly known as Pine Grove Golf Course into a permanent conservation area. The site connects to Nashawannuck Stream and important wildlife corridors, creating new opportunities to protect and restore natural habitat. The first phase of the project was completed in mid-July. As the first project of its kind in Massachusetts, the effort aims to strengthen climate resilience, restore habitat, and protect the area’s natural resources. Read more.
Restoring Century Bog: A New Future for the Red Brook Watershed
Construction is underway to restore Century Bog, a retired cranberry bog spanning Plymouth and Wareham. MassWildlife and its partners are transforming the former bog into a healthy network of streams, wetlands, and native uplands—an important milestone in the years-long effort to restore the Red Brook watershed. The project is expected to benefit at least 56 Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan. Read more.
Fall Hunting Seasons Are Just Around the Corner
Stay up to date on hunting information, including antlerless deer permit awards and surplus sales, the Blue Hills deer hunt, squirrel hunting season updates, and waterfowl season dates and bag limits. Read more. |
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Land Trust Rally in Denver, CO Registration deadline: Monday August 24
Conference dates: Wednesday September 16 - Saturday September 19, start times vary
Land Trust Alliance Rally is the national land conservation conference, providing an amazing opportunity for land conservationists to gather, learn, share ideas and inspire one another to build strong communities with open space, clean air and water, sustainable food sources and natural habitats. |
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NEW! Turning Trail Work Into Measurable Impact: Trailfunds in Action Thursday August 27, 10:00 - 11:00 am, online
American Trails is hosting a hands-on webinar showcasing Trailfunds’ fieldwork documentation tools and how organizations can use them to plan, document, and communicate stewardship work. |
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NEW! YES on 6 Rally with Governor Maura Healey Sunday August 30, 10:00 am, in-person, Hammond Pond Trailhead, Chestnut Hill MA
The Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative will be Question 6 on the November 2026 statewide ballot in Massachusetts. Join supporters of Question 6, including Governor Maura Healey, to rally in support of the Protect Water and Nature ballot. |
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NEW! Renewable Energy Markets (REM) Conference Tuesday September 1 - Thursday September 3, times vary, in-person, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C. REM brings together policymakers, corporate leaders, and market experts shaping the future of clean energy. Over three days, attendees explore a variety of sessions and hear from experts on renewable energy procurement, solar and grid integration, clean energy deployment, policy, global markets, and more. |
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NEW! Choose Your Own Adventure: Welcoming & Preparing Trail Users with Disabilities Thursday September 3, 10:00 - 11:00 am, online
American Trails is hosting a webinar on creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for trails, trailheads, and amenities. Participants will explore inclusive language, identify practical ways to improve accessibility across programs and promotional materials. |
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How to Rally: Navigating the 2026 Land Conservation Conference Thursday September 3, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, online
Rally 2026 will take place in Denver, Colorado, from Wednesday September 16–Saturday September 19, and offers a robust schedule of training sessions and networking opportunities. First-time attendees—or those seeking a refresher—are encouraged to join an introductory webinar. These sessions will provide an overview of Rally programming, offer tips for making the most of the experience, and create an opportunity to connect with fellow participants from across the country.
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NEW! 2027 International Trails Summit: Call for Proposals Proposal deadline: Tuesday September 15
Event details: Tuesday April 13 - Thursday April 15, in-person, Durham NC, registration is coming soon
The annual International Trails Summit, hosted by American Trails and the Professional TrailBuilders Association, brings together trail professionals from across the globe to share ideas shaping the future of trails. The Summit is seeking presentation proposals that feature innovative ideas, practical experience, research, and inspiring stories for the trails community. Submit proposal.
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NEW! Berkshire Biodiversity Day Wednesday September 19 - Thursday September 20, 12:00 pm, in-person, Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield MA
Berkshire Environmental Action Team’s annual 24-hour BioBlitz brings community members, scientists, and naturalists together to document the Berkshires’ biodiversity through guided walks, species surveys, demonstrations, presentations, and family-friendly activities. |
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NEW! Planning for Farmland in Massachusetts Wednesday September 23, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, online
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently released a resource to help municipalities, regional planning agencies, and land trusts incorporate farmland into planning and community engagement. MDAR is hosting this webinar to highlight key sections and strategies within this resource.
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NEW! ILCN Global Congress: Call for Proposals Proposal deadline: Monday October 19, 2026
Event details: Tuesday October 26 - Friday October 29, 2027, in-person, Melbourne Australia
International Land Conservation Network’s (ILCN) annual Global Congress brings together practitioners, leaders, funders, researchers, and communities to advance practical conservation and global collaboration. ILCN is seeking proposals for workshops, sessions, and presentations on conservation finance, law and policy, land and water, First Nations leadership and knowledge, and climate change. Submit proposal.
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MACC's 2026 Fall Conference Saturday October 24, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, in-person, Devens Common Center, Devens MA. Registration is coming soon.
This year's theme for the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) 2026 Fall Conference, "Why We Do What We Do: The Science and Ecology of Wetlands Protection," explores the scientific foundations and ecological principles that inform wetlands conservation and guide regulatory decision-making |
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Visit our Grants Database to view all available grant opportunities and learn more about the grants below. |
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Island Foundation Grants Application deadline: Tuesday September 1
The Island Foundation is offering grants of up to $25,000 for nonprofits working in environment, education, and programs supporting womxn and girls. Environmental funding supports marine and coastal conservation, climate change and renewable energy, working landscapes, conservation organization capacity, community health, and environmental justice. Apply.
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Henderson Foundation’s Grants Application deadline: Friday September 4, 5:00 pm
The George B. Henderson Foundation is offering grants for Boston nonprofits and municipal agencies for projects involving historic preservation, permanent public art, and the creation or restoration of publicly accessible outdoor spaces. Apply. |
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Mzuri Wildlife Foundation Grants Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline: Tuesday September 15 Application deadline: Sunday November 1 The Mzuri Wildlife Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry from nonprofit organizations for grants of up to $15,000 supporting wildlife conservation, habitat improvement, and outdoor and environmental education projects. |
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North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants Application deadline: Friday September 25, 11:59 pm
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is offering grants of up to $3 million for wetland and associated upland conservation projects. Funding supports land acquisition and easements, restoration, enhancement, and establishment of habitat benefiting migratory birds and other wildlife. Apply. |
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Natural Disaster Recovery II Grants Application deadline: Wednesday September 30, 4:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is offering grants of up to $350,000 for agricultural operations that suffered weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024. Funding supports recovery from eligible crop, livestock, timber, infrastructure, and agricultural land losses. Apply. |
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Fund for Wild Nature Grants Application deadline: Thursday October 1
The Fund for Wild Nature is offering grants of up to $3,000 for nonprofit organizations to protect native species, wild ecosystems, wilderness, and biodiversity. Funding supports grassroots conservation campaigns, including advocacy, public policy, litigation, organizing, and strategic education or media efforts. Apply.
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Green Communities Competitive Grants Application deadline: Friday October 9, 5:00 pm
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources is offering grants of up to $500,000 for designated Green Communities to fund municipal clean energy projects, including energy efficiency, building decarbonization, renewable energy, clean vehicles, weatherization, and HVAC and building system improvements. |
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New Resources and Opportunities |
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UMass Keystone Project Accepting Applications Application deadline: Friday September 18, 5:00 pm
Program details: Thursday October 29 - Sunday November 1, in-person, Harvard Forest Petersham MA
The Keystone Project is an intensive, three-day, retreat-style training for landowners and community leaders focused on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management, and land protection. The program combines indoor and field sessions with informal peer learning and provides substantial take-home resources. |
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MassEnviroScreen Now Open to the Public
MassEnviroScreen is a GIS-based tool developed by the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity to support Cumulative Impact Analysis and Site Suitability Assessments under the Commonwealth’s clean energy siting and permitting regulations. It integrates environmental, climate, health, and socioeconomic data to identify communities facing greater environmental burdens and social vulnerabilities. |
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APR Program Resource for Municipalities
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has published a resource outlining municipal roles and responsibilities in the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, helping communities navigate the process of permanently protecting farmland. |
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Adaptation Workbook: A Practical Guide to Climate Resilience
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Sciences’ and U.S. Forest Service’s Adaptation Workbook guides users through assessing climate change impacts and identifying practical land management and conservation actions to build resilience and adapt to changing conditions. |
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MassGrown Map
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has created a statewide guide to help residents discover agriculture close to home. The interactive map connects people with local farms, farm stands, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, farmers’ markets, garden centers, and more. It’s a convenient way to find fresh, local agriculture and support Massachusetts farms right in the community. |
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