Land trusts join for fourth annual “Give Back to the Land Day”

Staff Report

Published: 04-16-2023 10:16 PM

On April 20, the Thursday before Earth Day, four regional Massachusetts land trusts are encouraging community members to give back to support local land conservation.

Give Back to the Land Day was first organized in 2020 as the COVID pandemic changed the landscape of social organizing, and four regional land trusts came together to think creatively about ways to engage community support for land conservation. This year, these land trusts are partnering to raise funds to protect the landscapes of western and central Massachusetts.

Hilltown Land Trust, Kestrel Land Trust, Franklin Land Trust and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust will be participating in this year’s 24-hour online giving day to raise funds to conserve trails, forests, farms, and waterways in Massachusetts.

Western and Central Massachusetts boast an abundance of forests, family farms, public trails, meadows, and waterways that provide clean air and water, fresh local food, places to recreate and important habitat for wildlife. The four trusts have collectively conserved over 104,000 acres, which supports the health of all who live, work and play in this region. These natural resources also support people across the state and beyond who rely on the healthy food produced on local farms and drink the clean water of the watersheds.

This year, each land trust is highlighting their work on a particular theme in land conservation to showcase the diverse and multifaceted nature of conservation work.

The Franklin Land Trust has a focus on conserving the historic pattern of field, woodland and village that characterizes its region. It supports a viable, local agricultural and forestry economy and encourages active land management. Farmland has been a key concern for the trust since it was founded in 1987 to conserve the Loomis Farm in Ashfield.

“For over 35 years, the Franklin Land Trust has been dedicated to conserving the natural resources of Franklin County and beyond. Through our efforts, we have protected over 14,000 acres of farmland and 21,000 additional acres of working landscapes, ensuring that these invaluable resources remain available for future generations to enjoy,” said Mary Lynn Sabourin, executive director of Franklin Land Trust.

Kestrel Land Trust, based in Amherst, has served the heart of the Connecticut River Valley for 52 years, conserving more than 27,000 acres of forests, farms, and riverways in Western Massachusetts. It works in partnership with willing landowners, communities, the Commonwealth and federal agencies to create public conservation areas where people can experience the benefits of being outdoors. During this year’s Give Back to the Land Day, the trust is highlighting the importance of creating welcoming access to parks and trails for all, including expanding opportunities for universal accessibility in outdoor recreation for those with mobility and other challenges.

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Mount Grace has conserved 37,000 acres of open spaces, wildlands, woodlands and farms in northern and central Massachusetts since it was founded in 1986. Mount Grace aims to benefit the environment, economy and future generations by protecting significant agricultural, natural and scenic lands and encouraging land stewardship. Over the last few years, Mount Grace created its Climate and Land Justice Program to integrate this critical work into all aspects of its conservation, stewardship, and community outreach.

Mount Grace will be hosting a Forestry Forum at Stone Cow Brewery in Barre on Wednesday, April 19, 6-8 p.m., to celebrate Give Back to the Land Day. The event is free and all are welcome.

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