A heartfelt thanks to land preservationists

Greenfield Recorder  Those who appreciate the pastoral nature of Franklin County owe that rural ambience to the many landowners and farmers who shield their fields and forests from development. Many of them work with local land trusts to preserve that protection in perpetuity. And so it is we all — residents or visitors, driving or bicycling — get to enjoy this picturesque backdrop in our travels. Franklin Land Trust has protected 34,000 acres in our region over 32 years, for example, and since 1986, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has helped protect more... Read More

Conserving Land for You (Annual Report)

Thanks to you—our faithful land conservation supporter—significant lands throughout western Massachusetts are now permanently conserved. With your help, the Franklin Land Trust closed out our 31st year with the completion of 11 new projects, permanently protecting 1,032 acres in 2018. Because of you, FLT has helped to conserve a total of 32,000 acres of forests, farms and waterways over the last 32 years. We tip our hats to you! View Annual Report   Read More

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