Support Mount Grace this Give Back to the Land Day

As part of a regional fundraising campaign, Mount Grace is partnering with four conservation organizations for Give Back to the Land Day on April 7.

Now in its seventh year, Give Back to the Land Day brings together five organizations to spotlight the shared challenges facing the region—from climate pressures to the loss of federal funding—and to rally community support for conservation work that benefits both people and wildlife. Participating organizations alongside Mount Grace include the Connecticut River Conservancy, Hilltown Land Trust, Kestrel Land Trust, and Franklin Land Trust. Early giving is now open, and Mount Grace will match every donation up until midnight on April 7. 

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“Each place we protect becomes part of a much bigger picture,” Emma Ellsworth, executive director of Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. “Every conserved forest, farm and wetland adds another piece to a connected landscape that not only supports wildlife, but also helps our region adapt to a changing climate.”

Collectively, our five organizations have protected more than 117,000 acres across western and central Massachusetts, including collaborating on landscape-scale conservation projects. Our coordinated effort ensure that critical natural lands remain connected, resilient, and intact for generations to come.

“Connected forests are essential for wildlife survival and climate resilience,” said Sally Loomis, Hilltown Land Trust’s Executive Director. “This region sits at a critical intersection of wildlife habitat stretching from the Appalachians to Canada and offers one of the best conservation opportunities in Massachusetts.” 

The undeveloped landscapes of Western and Central Massachusetts provide essential services for human communities as well, including clean drinking water, clean air, fresh local food, flood protection, and outdoor recreation. As development pressure accelerates, our organizations are thinking creatively about how to protect the places that support our communities’ quality of life, food security, and mental and physical well-being.

“Having access to natural spaces is not a luxury, but a necessity for people whether you live in the hilltowns or in the heart of a city. Creating conservation areas close to home for everyone provides benefits that we all value and want for the communities we serve,” said Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director of Kestrel Land Trust. 

“Clean, healthy water is the foundation of every thriving community,” addedRebecca Todd, Executive Director of the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Protecting it takes more than passion—it takes support from our local communities and individuals who want to sustain these lands and waters for future generations. That’s what Give Back to the Land Day is all about.”