Connecticut is losing farmland at a faster rate than most states in the country. When land trusts work to protect farms within their communities there are some ways that conservation can work contrary to the goal of keeping working lands as working lands. This series can help land trusts understand the role they can play in supporting farmland conservation and experienced farmers, and being an active contributor to our local food system.

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Sign up once and attend any or all of the webinars in the series.

Session 1: Farmland Conservation: The Pressing Need to Preserve Working Lands

Tuesday, October 6, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

This session will establish the foundational urgency of protecting our agricultural resource base amidst escalating development pressures. Participants will explore critical data on farmland loss trends both across the United States and within Connecticut’s specific landscape. Speakers will highlight innovative legal tools, such as updating older easement templates to accommodate active, modern agriculture, alongside state-level easement programs and structural support. Ultimately, land trusts will gain a clearer understanding of how to pivot from passive open space preservation to active working land conservation.

Session 2: Farmland Access: Connecting Farmers & Farmland

Tuesday, October 13, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Securing land remains one of the steepest barriers for new, beginning, and historically underserved farmers looking to establish operations in Connecticut. This panel will dive into CLCC’s comprehensive Farmland Access Report to highlight research-backed pathways for bridging the gap between available acreage and land-seeking producers. Regional advocacy and farming organizations will share collaborative strategies, networking resources, and technical assistance models designed to facilitate these vital connections. Attendees will walk away with actionable lease models and real-world examples of how local land trusts can successfully partner with farmers to activate trust-owned property.

Session 3: Healthy Soil, Healthy Fields: Managing Hayfields, Meadows & Soil Health

Tuesday, October 20, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

For many land trusts, managed hayfields represent a significant portion of their open space, requiring a careful balance between agricultural productivity and ecological health. This webinar will provide practical guidance on managing these spaces with a sharp focus on soil health, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. Experts will discuss optimal mowing schedules, re-seeding strategies, and soil testing practices that support local agriculturalists while protecting critical wildlife habitats, such as grassland bird nesting sites. Land managers will receive concrete recommendations for maximizing the conservation value of their open fields.