Resource Library
May and early summer is the best time of year to recognize ericaceous and other shrub species – like blueberries, laurels, and arrowood – when they are in bloom. A preponderance of flowering native shrubs warrants a concerted effort to secure an alternate management regime for those areas – not frequent close mowing. We recommend marking the limits of the shrub patches, to make them easier to avoid. If photos of a blooming shrub, including a close-up of a flower and a few leaves, are posted on the CT Botanical Society Facebook page, we may well be able to help with identification.
Attacks on voluntary private land conservation are putting critical conservation tools at risk. Join the Land Trust Alliance in setting the record straight on the importance of voluntary private land conservation, protecting private property rights and the various tools, such as conservation easements that are needed to get the job done!
While land conservation and affordable housing are often framed as competing priorities, Connecticut communities need both to thrive. In partnership with the Land Trust Alliance and the Trust for Public Land, CLCC hosted a full-day event exploring how housing and conservation organizations can collaborate for greater impact. The discussions highlighted successful partnerships, demonstrating how joint efforts can foster healthier, more equitable housing, expand land conservation, and unlock additional funding for shared initiatives.
CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.
Owning a building can bring opportunities—and challenges—for land trusts. Whether it’s preserving a historic structure, maintaining an office space, or navigating tax implications like unrelated business income, this resource provides guidance on the financial, legal, and operational aspects of building ownership. Explore best practices, case studies, and key considerations to help your land trust make informed decisions about acquiring, managing, or repurposing buildings in support of your mission.
Ensuring everyone feels welcome, safe, and included on birding experiences requires thoughtful communication. These resources from Birdability offer land trusts practical guidance on how to effectively communicate and engage with and engage people of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges, vision impairments, intellectual disabilities, neurodivergence, mental health conditions, hearing impairments, and chronic illnesses. Discover best practices for creating accessible outings, using inclusive language, and adapting programs to ensure birding is truly accessible and enjoyable for everyone in your community.
The USDA Forest Service created this guide that includes an Adaptation Workbook process to help land trusts navigate the effects of climate change.
New England’s forests are critical in mitigating climate change, already sequestering large amounts of carbon each year. However, they have the potential to do much more. The 2022 Highstead report outlines five complementary strategies for enhancing forest-based climate solutions: preventing deforestation, creating reserves, improving forest management, promoting mass timber use, and increasing urban tree cover. These actions could help maximize forests’ potential to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate goals
The Northeast Bird Habitat Conservation Initiative, co-led by Highstead and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, fosters partnerships among Regional Conservation Partnerships (RCPs) and bird conservation organizations to protect and restore habitats for threatened bird species. Their interactive mapping tool supports activities such as habitat management plan and stewardship development, land prioritization and acquisition strategies, and landowner and community engagement.