eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| October 22 2026, Volume 24, Number 10 |
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- Excellence in Conservation Award: Applications due Sunday November 8.
- Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor for MLTC’s 2027 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference.
- Register for our upcoming seminar in collaboration with the Land Trust Alliance: “Many Hands in Action: Strategies for Managing Stewardship Volunteers.”
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View of protected forestland. Photo by Norm Eggert. 350 Acres of Forestland Protected in Western Massachusetts
In September, Mount Grace Land Trust received 350 acres from an affiliate of The Lyme Timber Company, connecting protected lands across Northfield, Warwick, Montague, and Wendell. Part of a larger 1,200-acre regional donation shared with Kestrel Land Trust, the gift strengthens a network of conserved forests, protecting critical wildlife habitat, safeguarding water quality, supporting climate resilience, and preserving opportunities for public recreation.
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Hello Massachusetts Conservation Folks!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Land Trust/State Agency retreat earlier this month. The presentations and accompanying discussions were informative and thought-provoking. I am grateful to our government partners and member land trusts for candidly sharing the challenges of your work - thank you!
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2026 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat
YES on 6! I have sent many of you letters in the last few weeks urging you to communicate with your partners, employees, volunteers, boards, stakeholders and friends about supporting a YES vote on Question 6. This question supports diverting existing tax revenue to a new Nature for All Fund to protect clean drinking water; conserve forests, family farms, and natural wildlife habitat. This is a tremendous opportunity for Massachusetts, and I hope you continue your efforts to engage on this issue through Election Day on November 3!
Cheers, Katy and the MLTC team: Barbara, Lauren, Ashley, Olivia, and Sage katy@massland.org #OurMassLandTrusts |
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MLTC Welcomes Olivia Schrantz and Sage Inman as Conservation Programs Interns Olivia holds a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont (UVM) and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University. Previously, Olivia worked as a soil conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and as a soil researcher at UVM. Sage is a senior at Brandeis University working towards her B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies. She previously worked as a Conservation Stewardship Intern for Utah Open Lands. She is passionate about science communication and community engagement.
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MLTC eNews Submission Form Please use our submission form to share your event, resource, grant, conservation news, or other updates for us to feature in our monthly newsletter. |
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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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Many Hands in Action: Strategies for Managing Stewardship Volunteers Thursday November 12, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, via Zoom
Volunteers can be an invaluable part of a land trust’s stewardship program—but managing them effectively takes planning and support. Join the Land Trust Alliance and MLTC for a practical session exploring strategies for building and sustaining successful stewardship volunteer programs. Hear examples from Massachusetts land trusts, learn approaches for recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining volunteers, and connect with peers to share ideas you can put into practice at your organization. COST: $20 for either members of MLTC or LTA, $35 non-members.
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Stewardship Quarterly Networking Call Wednesday December 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
These quarterly calls cover topics of mutual interest of anyone responsible for land stewardship (staff, Board, volunteers). Newcomers are welcome. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. This quarter we'll discuss building long-term partnerships (for example, with towns and the public) for getting support and buy-in/feedback around projects and the inevitability of stewardship on properties. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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Small Staffed and All Volunteer Land Trusts Networking Call Wednesday December 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This call is open to anyone with responsibilities of running or working in a small staffed land trust or an all volunteer land trust. Newcomers welcome! This month we'll focus on Land Management Plans, though conversation often flows in tangential directions. 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! December 2026 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday December 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, online
Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and a featured topic. The meeting will not be recorded. |
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NEW! Land Protection Networking Zoom Tuesday January 5, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, online
Anyone who holds a land protection function is welcome to attend. The focus of this month's call will be "How to Talk to Landowners about Taxes and Estate Planning: Modeling Real-Life Examples". We'll have a couple examples to share, but please bring your own and questions to share in this forum for colleagues. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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NEW! Development Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday January 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, online
Open to anyone with development responsibilities. The focus of this call will be DAFs (Donor Advised Funds), legacy giving, and other long-term donor opportunities. 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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Share Your Volunteer Opportunities
MLTC's Volunteer Board provides the opportunity to spread the word about a volunteer opportunity at your land conservation organization. To post, use this form 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. |
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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Support MLTC with Your Membership!
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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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
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Get Ready to Vote Yes on Question 6: Protect Nature in Massachusetts
The Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative will be Question 6 on the November 2026 statewide ballot in Massachusetts. It proposes funding up to $100 million per year for land and water conservation using existing state sales taxes on sporting goods. YES on 6! | |
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Passing this measure remains MLTC’s top policy priority for the remainder of 2026, 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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Governor Healey Pushes to Fast-Track Algonquin Gas Pipeline Expansion
On October 1, Governor Maura Healey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to expedite federal review and permitting for the proposed Algonquin Gas Transmission Enhancement Project (R.A.R.E.), citing the potential for increased natural gas capacity to lower energy costs. The request comes amid broader federal efforts to fast-track pipeline approvals and proposed legislation that could further curtail environmental review and public participation. Read more here and here.
$13 Million Awarded to Expand Parks and Protect Natural Resources
On October 7, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $13 million in grants for 45 projects across Massachusetts to protect forests, wetlands, and open space while expanding access to outdoor recreation. Through the Conservation Partnership Grant Program, nonprofit land trusts will use the funding to develop walking trails, revitalize green spaces in underserved neighborhoods, and preserve land near rivers and lakes to protect drinking water. Grant recipients included Barnstable Land Trust, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Dennis Conservation Land Trust, Dunstable Rural Land Trust, Franklin Land Trust, Harwich Conservation Trust, Hilltown Land Trust, Kestrel Land Trust, Mass Audubon, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, North County Land Trust, Sudbury Land Trust, The Trustees of Reservations, and Westport Land Conservation Trust. Read more.
Nearly $500,000 Awarded for Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Projects
On October 17, nearly $500,000 in EPA Southeast New England Program grants were awarded to three Martha’s Vineyard organizations to support climate resilience. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission received $249,990 for Lagoon Pond water quality improvements, The Trustees of Reservations received $242,000 for salt marsh and barrier beach restoration on Chappaquiddick, and the Great Pond Foundation received $6,000 for water quality monitoring equipment. U.S. Rep. Bill Keating joined local officials to announce the awards. Read more.
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NEW! MassEcan Framingham Field Trip Monday October 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Framingham MA Join the Massachusetts Ecosystems Adaptation Network (MassEcan) for a tour of a wetlands and stream restoration project in Framingham’s Walnut Street Neighborhood that helps reduce flooding and build climate resiliency. |
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2026 Regional Conservation Partnership Network (RCP) Gathering Registration deadline: Monday October 26 at 12:00 pm
Event date: Thursday November 5, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, in-person, UMass Amherst, Amherst MA
Hosted by the Highstead Foundation, this year’s Gathering, “Cultivating a Shared Food Future through Conservation, Community, & Collaboration,” will bring together more than 350 attendees to explore how cross-sector and community collaboration can build a more resilient and equitable food system while advancing solutions to the challenges conservationists face. |
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NEW! The Remarkable Landscapes of Montague Plains Friday October 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, in-person, Great Falls Discovery Center, Turner Falls MA Join MassWildlife for an evening of exploring Montague Plains, one of New England’s most distinctive pine and oak barrens. Through four engaging presentations, learn how geology, conservation, and ecological science have shaped this remarkable ecosystem and continue to guide its stewardship today. |
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NEW! Spotted Lanternfly Quarterly Update Wednesday November 4, 10:00 - 11:15 am, online
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is hosting its Spotted Lanternfly Fall Update, featuring a presentation by MDAR’s SLF Survey Team. The update will include a roundup of newly infested towns in 2026, and an overview of planned management activities for 2027. |
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NEW! Harnessing Collective Knowledge and Advancing Practice for Climate Adaptation Wednesday November 4, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, online
Join the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center for a webinar exploring its Communities of Practice (CoPs) initiative. Learn how CoPs are developed, sustained, and evaluated, and hear from panelists about effective strategies for engaging stakeholders, maintaining momentum, and adapting to evolving needs. |
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NEW! Lunch and Learn: Filling the Data Gaps Thursday November 5, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, online
Join the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions for a webinar exploring practical applications of flood modeling. Discover how balancing speed, cost, and accuracy, alongside public engagement and crowdsourced flood observations, can help validate models and inform local planning priorities. |
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NEW! Training to Increase Access to Public Lands Through Equity Centered Technical Assistance Friday November 13 and Wednesdsay November 18, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, in-person, Worcester MA, registration required Join Poccasset Pokanoket Land Trust and partners who will host two training sessions for a wide range of agricultural service providers and partners, including land trusts. This training will focus on how to increase access to public farmlands through equity centered technical assistance with a combination of presentations, individual reflection and group discussion. |
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NEW! Plant Provenance and Pollinators Panel Wednesday November 18, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, online
Join the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center for a discussion on how plant sourcing supports climate adaptation and influences plant performance and pollinator interactions. Panelists will share research, emerging guidance, knowledge gaps, and invite participants to share experiences and questions. |
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2027 International Trails Summit Early-bird registration deadline: Tuesday December 1
Event details: Tuesday April 13 - Thursday April 15, in-person, Durham NC
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. |
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NEW! International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference (IISCCC) Tuesday December 1 and Wednesday December 2, 12:00 - 4:00 pm CST, online Organized by the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Network and hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), the third annual conference will explore the theme: Redefining Invasive Species Management in a Changing World. |
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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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Local Food Policy Council Grants Application deadline: Wednesday October 28 at 4:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is awarding a total of $250,000 in grants to support existing and emerging local food policy councils and working groups across Massachusetts, with a maximum award of $40,000 per project. The grants aim to build organizational capacity, foster collaboration, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and advance initiatives that strengthen the state’s local food system in alignment with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan.
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Water Quality Monitoring Grants Application deadline: Thursday October 29 at 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), through its Watershed Planning Program, is awarding $200,000 in total funding, with individual awards of up to $50,000. The program supports nonprofits and Tribal Nations in conducting new and ongoing surface water quality monitoring and data collection efforts. Applications must be submitted to WQMG@mass.gov.
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Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Response deadline: Friday November 6 at 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is seeking organizations, consultants, and community partners to serve as MVP 2.0 Equity Partners. Selected partners will collaborate with MVP Regional Coordinators to advance resilience planning and implementation in historically underserved communities. |
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Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grants Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: Friday November 20
CSCI is awarding funding and technical assistance to advance community-based climate resilience in communities most vulnerable to climate change. Funding prioritizes historically disinvested communities facing increased risks from climate-related impacts. In the 2027 grant cycle, CSCI anticipates awarding 16–20 grants, ranging from $75,000 to $115,000 depending on the proposed scope of work. Grants will support 12-month projects beginning in July 2027.
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Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants Info sessions: Wednesday December 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, online Thursday December 3, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, MassWildlife Application deadline: Tuesday January 5, 2027 at 11:59 pm
LWCF grants provide financial assistance to municipalities and the state’s Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game for the acquisition of parkland, development of a new park, renovation of an existing park, development of trails in an existing conservation or recreation area, or the acquisition of conservation land. Grants up to $1,000,000 are available. RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to attend either session. When you RSVP, specify which you will be attending.
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New Resources and Opportunities |
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| Technical Assistance to Help Ensure Conserved Farmland Is Well Suited for Working Farms Rolling until October 2027
One of MDAR's Farmland Partnership Projects supports a farm viability specialist from The Carrot Project to provide technical assistance through October 2027 to land trusts to help ensure conserved farmland remains available to working farmers. The structure of an easement, the use of affordability tools, and decisions about ownership and access can have lasting impacts on whether conserved land remains a working farm. Contact info@thecarrotproject.org for more information on how the specialist can help you with your farmland protection project.
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Apply for National Recreation Trail (NRT) Designation Application deadline: Sunday November 1
The NRT program recognizes trails that provide outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and connect people with nature. Selected trails will be announced on National Trails Day in June 2027. |
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Call for Abstracts: 2027 Stone Living Lab Conference Submission deadline: Monday November 30, 11:59 pm
The Stone Living Lab is seeking abstracts for its Conference, Nature-Based Coastal Resilience in Urban Settings, taking place in April 2027 at UMass Boston. The conference will explore innovative, nature-based approaches to coastal resilience, with topics including resilient coastal planning, partnerships and policy, innovation, and community participation. |
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Seeking Community Projects in Sustainable Planning and Ecological Design
The Conway School, a graduate program in sustainable planning and design, partners students with municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations on 12-week projects involving stakeholder engagement, geospatial analysis, and detailed reporting. The School welcomes project inquiries focused on ecological and social systems and policies at the watershed, municipal, or regional scale. For more information contact Emily Johnson at johnson@csld.edu.
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Give Wildlife a Helping Hand This Fall
Explore MassWildlife’s tips for creating a wildlife-friendly yard before winter. Discover how leaving fallen leaves, building brush piles, keeping perennial plants standing, and choosing native species can provide vital food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife throughout the colder months. |
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