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Hello Friends,

On Friday, October 4th, Southington Land Conservation Trust invited CLCC to speak to a biology class at Central Connecticut State University. We shared valuable insights on the significance of land trusts, creating a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people and hopefully inspire them to support local land conservation efforts. Angela Lauretano, Professor of Biology at Central Connecticut State University, remarked, ”Students were engaged and interested in the presentation by CLCC and SLCT. They learned about a topic that they many did not know about before the presentation and were impressed by the volunteerism it takes to manage and protect land trusts. They asked great questions and students stayed after the presentation to learn more!”

Here are several ways college students can get involved with their local land trusts:

  • Volunteer Opportunities: Many land trusts need volunteers for various tasks, such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and event organization. Students can participate in weekend volunteer days or one-time events.
  • Internships: Look for internship opportunities with local land trusts. Internships can provide hands-on experience in conservation, fundraising, and community outreach.
  • Attend Workshops and Events: Students can participate in workshops, nature walks, and community events hosted by land trusts. This is a great way to learn more about conservation efforts and meet like-minded individuals.
  • Student Organizations: Form or join a campus organization focused on environmental issues and partner with local land trusts for projects, awareness campaigns, or fundraisers.
  • Research Projects: Collaborate with professors to conduct research related to local ecosystems or conservation strategies. This can help inform land trust efforts and provide valuable data.
  • Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Use social media and campus events to raise awareness about local land trusts and their work. Students can help organize informational sessions or promote conservation efforts.
  • Education and Outreach: Assist land trusts with educational programs aimed at schools or community groups. Students can help develop materials or lead activities.
  • Fundraising: Organize fundraising events or campaigns to support local land trusts. This can include fun runs, bake sales, or online crowdfunding.
  • Join the Board: Some land trusts welcome younger members to their boards. Students can bring fresh perspectives and ideas while gaining insight into conservation leadership.
  • Networking: Connect with professionals in the field through local land trust events or seminars. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and future careers in conservation.

As we continue to spread awareness about the importance of land conservation, we want to remind you that there are ways for you to get involved as well. Whether it’s through volunteering at your local land trust or making a donation, every little bit helps in preserving our natural spaces for future generations.

Another way to support land trusts is by attending events and workshops. These events not only provide valuable information on conservation efforts but also serve as a fun and engaging way to learn more about the natural world around us.

Lastly, if you have any skills or resources that could be beneficial to land trusts, consider offering them as a donation. Whether it’s graphic design, legal expertise, or even just lending equipment for a project, your contribution can significantly impact the success of conservation efforts.

Thank you for considering ways to support land trusts. Together, we can work towards preserving our natural spaces and creating a better future for generations to come.

(From left to right) Jovan Bryan, Community Conservation Coordinator, CLCC; Sabraé Boisvert, Secretary, Southington Land Conservation Trust; Stan Prushinski, Vice President, Southington Land Conservation Trust