Conservation

The Western MA Chapter's territory includes some of the finest scenery in the state:

• The Appalachian Trail corridor
• The New England Trail
• The Housatonic and Westfield River watersheds, and
• The New England Mountains, including the Greylock Massif, Berkshire Hills, Hoosac and Holyoke ranges, and much of the Taconics.

But with these wondrous blessings comes the responsibility to steward it thoughtfully.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

News and Events

$3.7M Awarded to Support Ecological Restoration Projects

[29‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration announces grants totaling over $3.7M for river and wetland restoration projects throughout Massachusetts. These projects are expected to strengthen community resilience to climate change, reduce flood risks, improve climate-ready infrastructure and public safety, and restore crucial wildlife habitat and water quality.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $550,000 for Woodland Conservation

[02‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced over $550,000 in grants to support the conservation and sustainable management of forests in western Massachusetts. The grants will be used to improve access to outdoor recreation in public forests, enhance the safety of outdoor play, and implement climate resilient forestry practices.

$52M in Climate Resiliency Funding Awarded to MA Communities

[01‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced a landmark commitment of $52.4M from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to advance climate resilience across Massachusetts. The MVP Program combines local leadership and expertise with a significant investment of resources and funding from the state to tackle the ongoing impacts of climate change, such as inland flooding, more frequent and severe storms, rising sea levels, drought, and extreme temperatures. VIEW ALL NEWS AND EVENTS VIEW ALL REGULATIONS

Join Us!

AMC is actively engaged in conservation and research from Maine to Virginia, helping to ensure the future enjoyment of the outdoors for all. Our approach to conservation combines science, advocacy, and on-the-ground protection of land and trails.

If you'd like to work with us to conserve our natural treasures, please consider joining the Conservation Committee. We need volunteers who can help with:

• Reporting: Investigate and write stories on conservation-related matters in western Massachuetts; monitor current events and inform about upcoming activities.
• Event Planning: Help plan and/or partipate in events, such as webinars, tabling, speaking engagements, demonstrations, conservation activities, etc.
• Research: Keep up with legistative matters – such as pending bills – and summarize issues for the general public.
• Advocacy: Work with decision makers, federal and state agencies, and a wide range of non-governmental partners to protect the outdoors.
• Trail Stewardship: Contribute time and energy to our A.T. Management and NET Management trail committees (volunteer positions include natural heritage and corridor monitors, trail maintainers, committee officers, and coordinators)

Even a small amount of volunteer time each month can go a long way!