Connecticut Land Conservation Conference

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way organizations work—and land trusts are no exception. This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of how today’s AI tools operate, with an accessible overview of large language models and other emerging technologies. We’ll explore what these tools can (and can’t) do, demystify the mechanics behind them, and discuss the implications of their design for accuracy, creativity, and responsible use. Building on this technical foundation, the workshop will showcase practical and innovative ways that land trusts can incorporate AI into their daily work. Participants will leave with a broader sense of what is possible—and how these tools can improve efficiency, spark new ideas, and complement existing staff capacity. We will also briefly touch on the environmental footprint of AI and what it means for conservation organizations engaging with these technologies.