Picone Farm

Picone Farm. Photograph by Jerry Monkman of EcoPhotography, courtesy of Wildlands Trust.

Strengthening Land Trusts. Advancing Land Conservation.

pawtucket farm project partners standing and sitting on the stage with the award

2026 Excellence in Conservation Award project: Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Nominate a Project for MLTC's Excellence in Conservation Award

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. Collaborative projects are especially welcome. Learn more: https://massland.org/about/excellence-conservation-award

Calendar

  • Oct15

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    Short Course: Strategic Planning for Small Organizations

    Four consecutive Thursdays October 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5 via Zoom

    This four-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. Detailed outline. 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 four weeks. Cost: $50 for members of either MLTC or LTA, $75 non-members. 

  • Nov12

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    Seminar: Strategies for Managing Stewardship Volunteers

    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 Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition 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. Registration coming soon.

  • Dec2

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    Stewardship Quarterly Networking Zoom

    via Zoom

    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.

  • Dec9

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    Small Staffed & All Volunteer Land Trusts Networking Zoom

    via Zoom

    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.

Updates

  • June 13, 2026

    Updates RE: Federal Funding & Executive Orders

    In this period of uncertainty regarding federal funding, there are some resources to help federal grantees with steps they can take to protect themselves.

    Please click the title of this summary to access links

  • April 13, 2026

    Take Action by April 15th to Strengthen the Environmental Bond Bill

    On Wednesday April 15, 2026, the State Senate will vote on the “Mass Ready Act” environmental bond bill. Right now we have an opportunity to add provisions to improve the Ch. 61 Right of First Refusal process, and achieve much-needed expansion of the Conservation Land Tax Credit.

    Please click the title of this summary to access links