Conserving & Protecting Land

Mass Audubon actively protects over 41,000 acres in Massachusetts.

Land conservation is critical to the survival of native wildlife and plants and for the health and well-being of those who live, work, and play in Massachusetts. It's also one of the most effective, proven strategies when it comes to mitigating the increasing impacts of climate change. 

We've been protecting wild places across the state for more than a century using our science-based land conservation strategy.

Mass Audubon’s Land Conservation Strategy  

For decades, we have considered many factors when it comes to protecting land. These can include adjacency to a wildlife sanctuary, the presence of rare and endangered species, proximity to existing protected land, and number of acres.  

More recently, to align with the state’s goal of protecting 30 percent of land by 2030 (30x30), we are additionally prioritizing biodiverse and carbon-rich parcels as well as those in urban areas. 

Ways of Protecting Land  

We protect land by working with land trusts, municipalities, government agency partners, and private landowners. 

For Land Protection Partners: Catalyst Fund

Mass Audubon created the 30x30 Catalyst Fund to enable us to move quickly in protecting 30% of Massachusetts' land, in particular the most biodiverse and carbon-rich lands that are also at risk of development. Land trusts, cities or towns, or agencies can partner with us to leverage land protection opportunities via the Catalyst Fund. Learn more about the 30 x 30 Catalyst Fund

For Private Landowners 

There are many ways to permanently protect your land, including a donation or sale of the ownership of the land, or of a perpetual conservation restriction (easement). Learn more about conserving your land