May 21, 2020
Please Note:
All Mass Audubon buildings are closed; See a list of the trails that are currently open. Read More
Conserving & Protecting Land in Massachusetts
© Angela Bartlett
Since our first land acquisition in 1922, Mass Audubon's land conservation efforts have resulted in a system of wildlife sanctuaries that is now the largest private ownership of conserved land in Massachusetts.
Using a science-based land conservation strategy, Mass Audubon actively protects wild places by:
- Receiving land and conservation restrictions (CRs) as gifts and bequests.
- Raising money to buy land and CRs, often at bargain prices.
- Partnering with other conservation organizations and government agencies to protect areas of mutual importance.
- Providing technical expertise to other conservation organizations.
In addition to protecting critical habitat for native species, Mass Audubon’s land conservation efforts provide many quality-of-life benefits, including clean drinking water, locally grown food, and places to learn about and enjoy nature.
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Mass Audubon currently needs your help to conserve these important properties. View projects >
Mass Audubon successfully conserves additional land all the time—from stands of old growth forest in the Berkshires to coastal habitats on the Cape and islands to the precious salt marsh of the North Shore—and every type of habitat in between. Read Stories
The Hubbard family
From conserving your own property to supporting urgent land projects, there are several ways you can help protect open space and precious habitat in Massachusetts against threats like climate change and development. Get involved >
Mass Audubon actively protects over 38,000 acres of land across Massachusetts and is now the largest private conservation landowner in the Commonwealth. More about our impact >
© Mark Goulding
Mass Audubon is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of its land trust accreditation, which recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Learn more >
Read More Blog Posts
May 21, 2020
With increased stress associated with the COVID crisis, natural lands have never been more important – to all of us. They provide essential places of peace, solitude, and healing as we all attempt to navigate a world that became so much more complex, seemingly overnight. Our protected lands are a great place to appreciate the […]
April 30, 2020
One question we often get asked is “How exactly do you choose which land to conserve?” The answer is probably less straightforward than you might think. There are a range of factors that influence our land protection decisions. Prioritizing Land Protection Mass Audubon has traditionally focused on land that can expand and enhance our wildlife […]
Land Management Consulting
Mass Audubon’s Ecological Extension Service works with land trusts, cities and towns, and state and federal agencies to develop land management and habitat restoration plans, natural resource inventories, and conservation restriction baseline reports. Learn More
People Making a Difference
Mass Audubon is part of a broad conservation community that includes many inspiring individuals whom we are proud to call partners. Read their stories