Community-Centered Conservation
Conservation has long focused on large-scale landscapes and ecological connectivity—but too often, people have been left out of the picture. This approach overlooks the essential connection between healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.
CLCC’s Community-Centered Conservation Programs aim to change that. By centering people—their voices, needs, and lived experiences—we advance a more inclusive and effective conservation movement. When land trusts engage a broader diversity of people, they not only build stronger communities, they strengthen long-term support for the land itself.
We believe conservation must be for everyone. That starts by listening, learning, and creating space for all communities to shape the future of the land.
Pathways to Nature with CT Land Trusts
Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
Pathways to Nature is designed to dismantle barriers to outdoor access and expand the reach of land trusts beyond their traditional audiences. We are focused on welcoming populations that have historically been underserved by land trusts, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, faith-based groups, people with disabilities, and veterans. To ensure true accessibility, the program actively works to reduce physical barriers by providing vital transportation support, particularly for urban communities.
Guided excursions that combine physical activity with birdwatching and conservation education. Participants will learn to use digital citizen science tools such as Merlin's eBird and iNaturalist apps to identify and log local species. Hikes are great for land trusts with public hiking trails; bike outings require paved paths.
Upcoming Community-Centered Conservation EVENTS
Success Stories
Community Science in Action: How Birding Supports Conservation in Norwich
13 Species and a Beaver Dam: Birding at Flanders Nature Center
Birds, Beavers, and Empanadas: Celebrating Latino Conservation Week at Whittemore Sanctuary
Art, Nature, and Fresh Air: Youth Explore Lake Elise through Andy Goldsworthy-Inspired Hike
“The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Seen”: Youth Discover Magic at New Haven’s Edgewood Park
Deep Roots and Hidden History: The First Black History Hike at Nightingale Forest
Inclusive Conservation Initatives
Helping to bring conservation to wider audiences, this program engages land trusts in collaborative work with both conservation and non-conservation partners to expand reach and impact.
Community-Centered Conservation Resources
Explore a curated selection of resources related to topics of inclusive conservation, community engagement, and DEIJ, including those exploring the role conservation can play in food security, affordable housing, and accessibility.
