News

On November 19, AmeriCorps released its latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America report, a comprehensive look at how we as a nation engage with and support our communities. Based on a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the findings show that Connecticut ranks among the top 10 states nationwide for formal volunteering. 37.4% of our residents volunteered in 2023, placing us at an impressive #7. Nice!

I’m not at all surprised by this statistic. Connecticut’s land trusts have long been the heart and soul of local environmental efforts, driven by an army of dedicated volunteers. Whether negotiating transactions, building trails, leading hikes, stuffing envelopes, or writing grants, volunteers play an essential role in land trusts’ work.

With this volunteer support (and some exceptional staff, too!), land trusts are community service organizations at their core, ensuring that our forests, wetlands, farmland, and open spaces remain protected and accessible for generations. They provide opportunities for individuals to engage with others and give back to their towns and cities in meaningful ways.

As we approach #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to your local land trust as a way of giving thanks to land trust volunteers across Connecticut who roll up their sleeves (or pull on their boots), share their time and talent, and contribute to the protection and enjoyment of our natural world.

#LoveYourCTLandTrust