Passing the Baton

In early September, FLT’s Executive Director Rich Hubbard announced his plans to retire in 2019. After 14 successful years with FLT, Rich has decided it is time to move on and enjoy his new grandchildren. FLT’s Board could not be more appreciative of the fine work Rich has done on behalf of all of us and our beloved western Massachusetts home. Our beautiful landscape of active farms, woodlands and wildlife habitat would be so different now if Rich hadn’t been there to ensure that this valuable resource has... Read More

Thank You!

D2R2 was a huge success because of all our wonderful volunteers, hosts and sponsors. Without you, this remarkable ride wouldn't be possible. And to our riders, thank you for making the day an incredible adventure for all of us!  Even the weather couldn't keep your spirits down!    Check out #D2R2 on social media for thousands of great photographs and stories from the day.   Our 2018 Hosts Pioneer Gardens, Inc., Deerfield, MA www.pioneergardens.com Paul Chapley, Deerfield, MA Bill & Sharon Melnik, Deerfield, MA Janet Clark &... Read More

Planning a bumblebee friendly garden

List of native plants for bumblebees and other native bees. Read More

Charlie Cohn

We were deeply saddened to say goodbye to the former President and Treasurer of the FLT Board and longtime friend, Charlie Cohn. FLT’s first Executive Director, Mark Zenick, sent along his reflections on Charlie. While I was so fortunate to have Charlie as a prized and beloved friend for more than four decades, the land preservation community knew no more ardent champion of rural values and rural landscapes. While leading the Franklin Land Trust, I so benefitted from Charlie’s keen insight and implacable wisdom during his long tenure on FLT’s Board of Directors. He taught me and reminded... Read More

“Bee” a Beecologist: Webinar 2/24

Interested in becoming a ‘beecologist’? Please join our friend, Dr. Rob Gegear, for the first Beecology Project Webinar “Bee the Change” on February 24th from 12pm-1pm. He’ll give you the buzz about bumblebees, tell you about some of his online resources, and teach you how to use the new smartphone apps (Android and iPhone) to conduct bumblebee research in your own backyard! Bumblebees play a role in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity throughout Massachusetts, yet many... Read More

​2017 in Review

600 Acres of Land Conserved in Franklin County The Franklin Land Trust (FLT) helped eleven landowners conserve over 600 acres in seven towns in 2017. The 600 acres consist of a mix of prime agricultural lands in Greenfield and Colrain, watershed lands in Whately and Conway, scenic hilltop land in Shelburne, and vital wildlife habitat in Leverett, Conway, Whately and Heath. “With the support of our members and donors, the Franklin Land Trust has helped ensure that these lands will provide critical services to people and wildlife forever,” said Rich Hubbard, Executive Director of the land... Read More

Wildlife Photos

We have been fortunate to capture some great images and video of moose, bear, bobcat, beaver, and deer on our wildlife camera these last few weeks at a recently conserved property in Hawley, reminding us why we do what we do and the importance of keeping nature wild.   Our wildlife camera was purchased as part of a grant generously gifted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.   Check back often for updated photos, or submit your wildlife photos to mlsabourin@franklinlandtrust.org for inclusion on our Wildlife page. Check out our Facebook page for recent... Read More

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Millions of people have come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. We have two days for getting deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On #GivingTuesday, we have a day for giving back. Together, people are creating a new ritual for our annual calendar. #GivingTuesday... Read More

Save North Pond!

Save North Pond Join the fight to save the pristine shores of North Pond in Southwick! We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect the only remaining undeveloped land on North Pond. GOOD NEWS! We are almost there. To date, we have raised 3/4 of the funds needed to Save North Pond.But we need your help to reach our final goal by June 30, 2019 Only YOU can stop dozens of new houses and waterfront docks from being built on this land.... Read More

Partnerships in Progress

Thanks to you and your neighbors’ commitment to conservation, Massachusetts is blessed with one of the highest number of land trusts in the country. Many of these land trusts are run by volunteers and are focused on one town or a small region where your knowledge of the local landscape is key to connecting with landowners. Though volunteers play an invaluable role in both staffed and unstaffed land trusts, the business of land conservation and running a land trust can be time-intensive and complicated. FLT has been working with... Read More