eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| September 23 2026, Volume 24, Number 9 |
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Aerial View of Blue Hill Farm
242 Acres of Farmland Protected in New Marlborough
The Trustees of Reservations and New Marlborough Land Trust, working with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, have protected Blue Hill Farm, a 242-acre farm in New Marlborough, and made it affordable for a New England farm family. MDAR purchased a perpetual Agricultural Preservation Restriction to keep the land in active agricultural use. New Marlborough Land Trust and Berkshire Natural Resources Council hold a deed restriction on the farmhouse parcel, so the residence stays with the farm and remains affordable for future farmers.
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Hello Massachusetts Conservation Folks!
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to work directly with so many of you to empower, elevate, and support conservation work across Massachusetts. One of the downsides, though, is that so much of that so-called direct engagement happens over Zoom, which can make it harder to build relationships and get to know one another beyond the screen. I miss the chance to hear your witty and meaningful stories in person—and, of course, to subject you to my own nerdy jokes.
Over the weekend, I finally had the chance to meet many of you in person at the Land Trust Alliance Rally in Denver. Massachusetts was well represented, with nearly 80 members of our community in attendance. I was especially excited and heartened to see so many early-career folks from our partner organizations there. It was wonderful to connect with many of you whom I had previously only known through our online interactions—and I have to say, you are all fantastic!
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2026 MA State Gathering, Wright Room at Appaloosa Grill, Denver CO
We have a few more in-person opportunities for learning and relationship building in the next few weeks. I hope all of you consider joining MLTC this Friday at our Conservation Partners meeting in Worcester, and at the 2026 Land Trust / State Agency Retreat taking place Wednesday October 7 in person in Fitchburg. I hope to see you there!
Cheers, Katy and the MLTC team: Barbara, Lauren, and Ashley
katy@massland.org #OurMassLandTrusts |
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MLTC eNews Submission Form Please use our new 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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NEW! Request for Proposals: Project Manager / Grant Administration Consultant Proposal deadline: Sunday October 4 MLTC is seeking proposals from qualified project managers/grant administrators to help manage the Land Conservation Assistance Grant Program. MLTC has engaged with EEA to administer this program for FY2027. |
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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 EEA-MLTC Open Space data layer project. Meeting agenda. Learn more. 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. Agenda. |
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Strategic Planning for Small Organizations Short Course Thursdays (October 15, 22, 29, and November 5), 4:00 - 5:30 pm, via Zoom
This four-part short course is designed for Massachusetts land trust staff and board members that are interested in a deeper dive into strategic planning. Through an interactive, hands-on format, participants will understand how to make the most of a strategic planning process, exploring key concepts and learning practical exercises that can be applied directly within their own organizations. Tailored to the unique needs of smaller land trusts that may not have the capacity to hire a consultant to support their strategic planning processes, this course equips both board members and staff with the tools to develop a thoughtful strategic planning process. 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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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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NEW! 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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NEW! 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 also welcome to this forum for discussion among peers. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series, this call will not be recorded. This quarter's topic will be decided closer to the date. If you have an idea, write admin@massland.org. Newcomers welcome! Free, but registration required.
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NEW! 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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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. |
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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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 Have expertise to share with the Massachusetts conservation community? Consider submitting a workshop proposal! 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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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
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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. To learn more about the campaign, Nature for All is hosting a webinar that will provide an overview of Yes on 6 on Thursday October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Register.
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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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Opportunities to Provide Feedback: |
Share Your Input on State-Owned Land Payments
The Commission on PILOT for State-Owned Land, established by Governor Healey through Executive Order 645, is holding listening sessions across the state to hear from municipal leaders, residents, and other stakeholders. Their feedback will inform the Commission's recommendations. After productive sessions in July, the Commission has added more in-person and virtual sessions to meet demand:
- Thursday September 24, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, in person, Groton Center
- Thursday October 1, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, online
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Tuesday October 6, 3:00 - 4:30 pm, online
Register here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Attendees will receive materials before each session explaining how the PILOT program works. If you can't attend, use this form to share your thoughts with the Commission.
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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Nearly $700,000 Awarded To Grow Tree Canopy in Gateway Cities
On August 28, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $700,000 to expand and care for tree canopy in Gateway Cities across Massachusetts. The funding will support projects that plant and maintain trees, remove pavement and other hard surfaces, create a new microforest, and help residents care for trees in their own neighborhoods. The Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust received a Greening the Gateway Cities (GGC) Implementation and Partnership Grant to raise awareness of GGC tree planting in Lowell through community outreach, training, and educational programs. Read more.
Nearly $7 Million Awarded to Strengthen the Local Food System
On September 2, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $7 million in Food Security Infrastructure Grants to 72 farms, fisheries, food banks, and other community organizations across Massachusetts. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, will pay for equipment and facility improvements that help produce, store, and deliver food. Dennis Conservation Trust is among the recipients. Read more.
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Janet Milkman to Retire from Barnstable Land Trust
After 10 years as Executive Director, Janet Milkman will retire from Barnstable Land Trust on October 16, 2026. Her leadership strengthened BLT's conservation and stewardship work and helped protect special places across Barnstable. In addition to leading BLT, Janet served as MLTC’s Board President from 2024–2026. We are grateful for all she has done for MLTC and for conservation. Read the full press release.
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2027 International Trails Summit: Call for Proposals Proposal deadline: Friday September 25
Early-bird registration deadline: Tuesday December 1 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! Everything You Need to Know About Question 6 Thursday October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, online
Join Nature For All for an overview of Question 6, if approved by voters, would create a dedicated fund generating up to $100 million annually for land and water conservation across the Commonwealth. Learn more about what this could mean for conservation in Massachusetts, and how you can get involved. |
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NEW! Environmental Business Council’s (EBC) Annual Stormwater Summit Friday October 2, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, in-person, Residence Inn, Natick MA As federal funding tightens and climate pressures grow, stormwater systems have to perform long after construction. At the fourth annual EBC Stormwater Summit, New England speakers will share strategies for funding, modeling, and maintaining BMPs, including how municipalities and agencies use data, sensors, and asset management systems to keep them working. |
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NEW! Barrens and Buck Moths Walk Sunday October 4, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in-person, Myles Standish Complex, Carver/Plymouth MA
Walk one of the world's few intact pine barrens with MassWildlife and Department of Conservation Recreation (DCR) staff at the Myles Standish Complex. Learn how fire and other disturbance keep the canopy open for buck moths and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need. |
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NEW! 2026 Statewide Municipal Partnerships Conference Monday October 5, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, College of Holy Cross, Worcester MA Hosted by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) and the Division of Local Services (DLS), the Statewide Municipal Partnerships Conference brings together municipal and regional leaders from across the Commonwealth for a half day of networking, conversations on pressing issues, and the sharing of best practices. |
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NEW! Mass ECAN Malden Field Trip Tuesday October 6, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, in-person, Department of Public Works, Malden MA Join the Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network for a tour of Malden's new park at the Department of Public Works. See how green infrastructure manages stormwater and heat, and how the site now opens the waterfront to the public in a historically industrial area. |
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NEW! Restoring Woodlands for Wildlife Walk Sunday October 11, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, in-person, Frances Crane Wildlife Management Area, East Falmouth MA Tour a restored wildlife haven with MassWildlife habitat biologists. Home to more than 20 endangered, threatened, or special concern species, the site has been transformed by a decade of habitat work, and staff will share what's planned this winter. |
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NEW! Pesticide Storage and Handling Tuesday October 13, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, in-person, The Joseph Troll Turf Research Center, South Deerfield MA UMass Extension is hosting this event, which will focus on best management practices for pesticide storage, mixing, and handling. Speakers from Wilson Farm will share their experience and practical insights from managing pesticides in an agricultural setting. |
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NEW! Saving the Farm: Municipalities' Right of First Refusal During Chapter 61A Transfer Wednesday October 14, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, online
The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), Wildlands Trust, and Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) are partnering with municipalities to protect vulnerable Chapter 61A farmland across southeastern Massachusetts. Attend the second webinar in this four-part series, which will focus on how municipalities can respond to Chapter 61A purchase and sale and notifications. |
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NEW! Wetland Classification Workshop Saturday October 17, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, in-person, University of New Hampshire, Portsmouth NH The University of New Hampshire is hosting a one-day workshop focused on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service system for classifying wetlands and deepwater habitats. Accurate classification is essential when preparing state and federal permit applications, analyzing wildlife habitat, and designing wetland mitigation. |
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NEW! 2026 Town Forest Conference Saturday October 17, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, in-person, West Elementary School, Andover MA Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this conference brings together everyone involved with community forests: foresters, planners, arborists, conservation commission members, land trust representatives, nonprofit partners, woodland owners, municipal officials, and volunteers. |
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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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NEW! Plane Surveying Geometry Training Tuesday October 20, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, online
This University of New Hampshire training covers converting total station and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements into northing, easting, and elevation changes, then applies them to closure computations, simple proration adjustments, and Coordinate Geometry (COGO) bearing and distance intersections using real-world data. |
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NEW! Vermont Conference on Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Wednesday October 21 - Thursday October 22, times vary, in-person, Jay Peak Resort, Jay VT
The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association and Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, with support from American Trails, host this annual event. Join 200+ volunteers, program directors, administrators, fundraisers, and field staff who run Vermont's municipal programs and improve recreation throughout the state. |
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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 now open!
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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NEW! 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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Visit our Grants Database to view all available grant opportunities and learn more about the grants below. |
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Dam Removal Preliminary Design Services Application deadline: Monday September 28 at 4:00 pm
The Division of Ecological Restoration is seeking applications from municipalities for dam removal preliminary design studies. Dam removal projects should be in an early stage of development and/or decision making. These studies will help landowners assess opportunities and constraints of early stage climate resilience projects. |
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Narragansett Bay Restoration Funding Opportunity Application deadline: Friday October 2
The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP), hosted by Roger Williams University (RWU), is seeking proposals for engineering and permitting activities that advance water quality and habitat restoration and enhancement projects across the Narragansett Bay region, including watersheds in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Approximately $880,000 in funding is available. Apply.
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FY28 ECO One Stop Expression of interest deadline: Friday October 16 at 11:59 pm
The Massachusetts Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop) lets applicants apply to multiple state climate and environmental resilience grant programs through a single application. The Expression of Interest form is open now and formal applications are expected to open in early 2027. |
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MassDEP Section 319 NPS Implementation Grants Application deadline: Wednesday October 28, 4:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is accepting proposals for Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants. These grants support projects that reduce polluted runoff, with priority given to developed land, septic systems, and agriculture. Proposals may address any Massachusetts watershed but must implement recommendations from a MassDEP-accepted nine-element Watershed-Based Plan and align with the 2025–2029 Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan. Email completed applications to malcolm.harper@mass.gov and padmini.das@mass.gov.
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Natural Disaster Recovery II Grants New application deadline: Friday October 30, 4:00 pm (previously September 30)
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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New Resources and Opportunities |
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UMass Extension's Pollinator Steward Program Registration deadline: Wednesday September 30
Asynchronous course through Thursday December 31
This program aims to provide participants with foundational knowledge in pollinator ecology and practical strategies for creating and managing pollinator habitat. Topics will include pollinator groups, floral and nesting resources, site evaluation, pruning, pesticides, aesthetics, and more. |
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DCR Historic Curatorship Opportunity Proposal deadline: Monday December 28
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Historic Curatorship Program is accepting proposals to lease the building and property at 12 Brainard Street in Hyde Park, Boston, located within DCR's Stony Brook Reservation. In exchange for the lease, curators must preserve and maintain this historically significant building. |
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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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Universal Access Program's Fall 2026 Schedule
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has launched its fall Universal Access Program (UAP) schedule, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in state parks so visitors of all abilities can enjoy them. Explore the season's offerings and plan your next outing. |
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Safety Guidance for Fall Hunting Season
Several of Massachusetts' fall hunting seasons begin this month. Hunting is a safe activity, and with the right information, hikers, walkers, and other outdoor recreationists can continue to enjoy the outdoors. MassWildlife has published a guide with safety tips and season dates to help the public plan their autumn activities. |
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