Press Room

A new survey has found that Massachusetts residents from every region of the Commonwealth overwhelmingly support additional public funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation that protects land, air, water, and habitats that allow both people and wildlife to thrive.

Mass Audubon, the state’s largest nature conservation organization, held its Annual Meeting Wednesday evening, November 2, at the Museum of Science in Boston, energized by the theme of Hope. Urgency. Action, and presenting several environmental awards.

Governor Charlie Baker was presented with the Nature of Massachusetts Award. The award goes to an “individual or group, to a business, government or non-government organization, or other entity, which has furthered the cause of conservation, and environmental protection or which has broadened the public awareness of the nature of Massachusetts.” 

We are grateful that the conference committee invested in open space, outdoor recreation, ecological restoration, and climate action as part of a final package on economic development and relief, including funds particularly for environmental justice communities.

Mass Audubon has honored educators in New Bedford, Westhampton, and Attleboro as 2022 Conservation Teachers of the Year. Nature-based education is central to the mission of Mass Audubon, the largest nature conservation organization in New England. Honorees include Jocelyn Chin, who teaches grades 5-8 at Our Sisters’ School in New Bedford; Tara O’Brien, who teaches grades 9-12 at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton; and the Fifth Grade Team at Coelho Middle School in Attleboro. 

The project to protect Rollie’s Farm in Lowell, which will be transformed into an urban wildlife sanctuary, environmental education center, and community food-growing center, has received $1 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program.

The 20-acre land conservation project is a collaboration among Mass Audubon, the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, and Mill City Grows.