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As the only statewide land trust service organization in Connecticut, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is uniquely positioned to bring together conservation leaders from across the state. This month, we continued an annual tradition of hosting a summit for land trust Presidents and Treasurers—gatherings that have become essential for fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and strengthening the land conservation community in Connecticut.

President’s Summit: Navigating Change and Building Partnerships

Just three days after the presidential election, the President’s Summit convened at a time when the conservation and environmental sectors are poised for significant shifts. As land trust presidents introduced themselves, we asked that they share not just their names and organizations, but also the motivations that drive their work. Their stories were inspiring—many spoke of their grandchildren, others felt a deep responsibility to carry the baton for future generations, and some were driven by the simple yet profound desire to leave the world better than they found it.

As the conversation turned to upcoming changes at the federal level, we were honored to have Lori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations with the Land Trust Alliance, join us. Lori provided invaluable insights into the anticipated changes in the nonprofit and land conservation sectors under the new administration. She connected the dots between federal programs and the grassroots efforts of local land trusts, highlighting how policy shifts at the national level could impact our work on the ground.

The discussions then turned to the power of partnerships. Presidents shared success stories of collaboration between land trusts—such as sharing property monitoring procedures and even staff positions. Members of the Conservation Partners of the Pomperaug (CPOP) highlighted how their partnership led to the development of a uniform policy and application process for scientific research on land trust properties. Accreditation also emerged as a key facilitator in these collaborations, ensuring that all parties operate from the same playbook.

Beyond land trust cooperation, many presidents spoke about forging partnerships with schools, scout groups, and organizations like the Pollinator Pathway. One innovative approach discussed was the introduction of junior board member programs to boost youth engagement—a testament to the forward-thinking strategies being employed to nurture the next generation of conservationists.

Treasurer’s Summit: Strengthening Financial Stewardship

The Treasurer’s Summit took a more specialized approach, zeroing in on strategies and resources to enhance the effectiveness of treasurers in their critical roles. Topics were crowd-sourced in advance, ensuring the agenda was tailored to the interests of the participants.

Amidst the backdrop of impending federal changes and economic uncertainty, treasurers engaged in thoughtful discussions about financial planning. Budgeting strategies were discussed, with a focus on setting target levels for reserves and determining optimal times to deploy those reserves to build organizational capacity.

Fundraising and revenue management were hot topics. The group delved into the complexities of handling restricted gifts, especially those with stipulations that might pose challenges for the organization. Evaluating the financial return on fundraising efforts and diversifying revenue streams were also key points of conversation, reflecting a collective desire to enhance financial sustainability.

Over lunch, the summit provided an opportunity for more intimate dialogue. Treasurers split into two groups—one for larger organizations with staff and another for smaller, volunteer-driven trusts. These breakout sessions allowed for deeper dives into issues specific to each group’s context, fostering an environment of candid sharing and mutual support.

A Community Strengthened

Both summits underscored the vital importance of creating spaces where leaders can come together to share experiences, challenges, and solutions. Resources were shared, follow-up conversations were planned, and a stronger sense of community was built. We’ve already witnessed the continuation of these dialogues beyond the summits, as leaders reach out to one another for guidance and collaboration. Whether it’s navigating a new policy landscape or finding innovative ways to engage the community, these connections are proving invaluable.

At CLCC, we’re committed to nurturing this spirit of cooperation. As we look ahead, we’re excited about the possibilities that arise when dedicated individuals unite with a common purpose.