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The summer months offer a unique opportunity to connect with others. It’s during these warmer days that we often happen upon chance encounters – people getting out and doing extraordinary work right in our own neighborhoods. The world of land conservation is no exception. While focused on preserving our natural spaces, the success of land trusts hinges on the crucial element of building a strong and resilient community.

This month, I had the privilege of speaking with two leaders in New Haven on separate occasions whose dedication to building stronger and more resilient communities spans decades. Doreen Abubakar, Founder and Executive Director of the Community Placemaking Engagement Network (CPEN), and Lee Cruz, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGH). My conversations with them and our CLCC team provided invaluable insights into the work of supporting the community.

In our conversations, it became abundantly clear that building strong, intentional relationships is the cornerstone of successful land conservation. It’s more than just networking; it’s about fostering genuine connections with community members, local organizations, and government officials. By investing time and effort into building these relationships, land trusts can create a strong foundation for their work and ensure the long-term sustainability of conserved lands.

Doreen emphasized the importance of “placemaking” within the context of beautifying neighborhoods. The Learning Corridor, a project spearheaded by Doreen in Newhallville, exemplifies this approach. By offering programs like summertime ecology classes and bike-sharing initiatives, the Learning Corridor fosters a sense of community and ownership among residents. This holistic approach to community development aligns perfectly with the principles of land conservation.

Lee Cruz introduced a compelling concept: fostering a “relational culture.” This idea suggests that cultivating strong, interconnected relationships within a community is essential for fostering collaboration, trust, and shared ownership of common goals. In the context of land conservation, a relational culture can be a powerful catalyst for achieving long-term success.

A relational culture within a land trust can yield numerous benefits. By fostering strong connections with community members, partners, and stakeholders, land trusts enhance their ability to gain community support, secure funding, facilitate collaboration, address community needs, and build a strong organizational culture.

Recognizing the power of a relational culture, and the importance of intentional placemaking, CLCC is committed to creating more spaces for land trusts and community partners to connect and collaborate. Through our regional roundtables, summits, and workshops, we are fostering these connections within our Community Conservation, Climate-Smart, and Capacity Building programs. These platforms provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving.

Building strong, lasting relationships with the community is the bedrock of successful land conservation. By prioritizing intentional connection and fostering a relational culture, land trusts can amplify their impact, secure support, and ensure the long-term sustainability of conserved lands. As the year unfolds, let’s collectively explore how we can deepen our connections, cultivate a thriving relational culture, and create meaningful places together.