Community Conservation

Sometimes land is saved because landowners approach Mount Grace wanting to conserve their land, or because we identify a piece of land with specific conservation values. The Community Conservation program is one that seeks to conserve land because it serves specific needs identified by the community. Working with teachers, veterans, retirees, hospitals, open space committees, and other stakeholders, Mount Grace plays a leadership role in translating local land needs into projects. We work to engage communities in strategic planning that empowers them to prioritize their goals for water, forestry, recreational, scenic, and wildlife habitat resources.

As part of this process, we built coalitions to create accessible trails that can be enjoyed by all people. For example, we have worked with tribal nation partners to design and write educational signage that informs us about the indigenous heritage of our region.

Mount Grace is on the core teams for the Gardner and Athol Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness planning projects. We were recently invited to participate in Wendell, New Salem, and Bernardston as well, to help these communities increase their climate change resiliency by strengthening local collaborations and utilizing nature as a critical line of defense.

We have been part of the construction of playgrounds. We have worked with local schools to create and deliver curriculum to children of all ages. Our land means so many different things to different people. What is most important is that we learn to listen to one another and share our love of this critical resource. In doing so, we empower our regional communities to become effective land conservation partners.