Resource Library
Resources
Whether you’re a volunteer, staff member, or board leader, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Resource Library is here to support your work in conserving and stewarding land across the state.
Organized by topic, this collection offers practical tools, templates, case studies, and expert guidance tailored to the needs of Connecticut’s land trusts. From legal and financial management to community engagement, stewardship, and climate resilience, our goal is to help you navigate challenges, build capacity, and strengthen your organization.
Explore the topics that matter most to your work—and check back often, as we regularly update the library with new and relevant resources.
Quick Links
In Part 4 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why defining board roles and responsibilities matter. Clear roles and responsibilities are the foundation of an effective and engaged board. Without a shared understanding of expectations, it can be challenging to recruit committed members, allocate tasks efficiently, or maintain accountability. Prospective board members are more likely to join—and thrive—when they know exactly what is involved in serving. Defining roles also helps land trusts avoid the “warm body” problem of accepting anyone willing to join the board, which often results in mismatched skills and disengagement.
In Part 5 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why effective recruitment matters. Finding and attracting the right board members is essential for a land trust’s success. Effective recruitment strategies ensure that boards are diverse, skilled, and equipped to meet organizational needs. By identifying gaps, articulating expectations, and casting a wide net, land trusts can avoid the common pitfall of relying solely on the networks of current board members. This also helps to address the “warm body” problem, where boards accept anyone willing to join due to desperation, often resulting in disengaged or mismatched members. Thoughtful recruitment also helps to vet candidates effectively, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
In Part 6 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why onboarding and training matter. Effective onboarding and ongoing training are crucial for ensuring that board members are engaged, informed, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to your land trust’s success. Onboarding provides new members with the tools they need to understand their roles and responsibilities, while continued training ensures that all board members stay current with best practices, legal obligations, and organizational priorities. Investing in these processes strengthens the board’s capacity, fosters a culture of continuous learning, and promotes long-term success.
In Part 7 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why board accountability and evaluation matter. Accountability and evaluation are essential components of effective governance and organizational success. While there is some overlap with the “Diagnostic Tools” section, accountability and evaluation emphasize the cyclical nature of board development: diagnosing challenges, implementing improvements, assessing their effectiveness, and refining further. This process ensures that boards remain focused, efficient, and aligned with their land trust’s mission.
A powerful photo can do more than words alone — and this guide from Community Consultants and W Design shows you how to capture and select images that connect. Packed with tips for framing, lighting, and emotional impact, it’s designed to help nonprofits build a strong photo library for newsletters, websites, and outreach. Ideal for land trusts looking to elevate their storytelling through images that resonate and inspire.
Terrafirma is a unique, member-owned insurance program designed to help land trusts defend their conserved lands against legal challenges. Established by the Land Trust Alliance, it provides coverage for the legal costs associated with upholding conservation easements and fee-owned lands. With over 550 participating land trusts across the U.S., Terrafirma offers not only financial protection but also resources and guidance to proactively manage risks and uphold lasting conservation. Ideal for land trusts seeking a reliable safety net to ensure the permanence of their conservation efforts.
“State of the Lands: Results from the 2023-24 Connecticut Land Trust Census” presents the findings of a groundbreaking effort to document land conservation activities, understand future priorities, and identify ways to better support land trusts. The insights gained from this census will guide CLCC’s future priorities and strengthen its support for the land trust community in Connecticut.
Want your presentations to be truly inclusive? This comprehensive guide outlines best practices for creating and delivering presentations that accommodate all learners and attendees, including those with disabilities. From slide design and font choices to alternative text, captioning, and virtual delivery tips, this toolkit is packed with actionable advice. A go-to resource for land trusts and presenters aiming to make every audience feel welcomed and included.
This toolkit helps land trusts and community groups implement greening projects—like parks, trails, or green infrastructure—without displacing the very communities they aim to serve. Packed with case studies, planning templates, and anti-displacement strategies, it offers practical guidance for centering equity in environmental work. Ideal for organizations committed to inclusive, community-led conservation.
How are land trusts across New England thinking about and implementing DEI efforts? This 2022 report explores real-world strategies, challenges, and opportunities as shared by land trust staff and board members across the region. With candid quotes, thoughtful analysis, and practical recommendations, it’s a valuable read for any land trust looking to incorporate principles of equity and inclusion in their conservation work.
Looking to deepen your understanding of Indigenous cultural practices and build more respectful relationships with Indigenous communities? This free guide offers practical advice on protocols for land acknowledgements, engaging elders, participating in ceremonies, and more. Whether you’re planning a meeting, event, or partnership, these insights can help ensure your approach is informed, respectful, and rooted in reconciliation. A valuable read for land trusts committed to inclusion and cultural awareness.