WE ARE FOR being an open and trusted resource for all in our community.

Community conservation is how EVLT works to connect people to the land to amplify our conservation impact.

Community Conservation is an approach to land stewardship that recognizes our shared responsibility to protect our land for the benefit of all communities, now and in the future. As the needs of our human and animal communities evolve, we continually ask, “How can we meet the growing challenges facing our community through land conservation and stewardship?” Sometimes, the answer is to save more land – a key parcel for wildlife migration, a lake that symbolizes a sense of place, or a park that inspires gatherings and spending time outdoors. In other instances, serving the community through land conservation looks like hosting programs and events to encourage participation, access to, and stewardship for our shared outdoor spaces. 

---

EVLT Community Conservation includes two program areas in addition to conserving and stewarding the lands we love: 

Future Conservationists

This  EVLT program for students and youth is an integral piece of our Community Conservation efforts. Designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and nature advocates, Future Conservationists guides students in their own backyard – our local protected open spaces – to engage with nature, ponder the merits of protected land, learn what it means to be a steward, and enjoy creative play in the open spaces that our community has decided to protect forever. It allows students from kindergarten to graduate school to explore nature through a variety of lenses that are accessible  to students of all backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. It is an opportunity for students to play in nature while considering environmental ethics, experiencing the benefits of conservation, and learning about wildlife and ecosystems. The program ultimately aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to carry on a legacy of conservation.

Community Land Connection Series

EVLT facilitates nature-based experiences by providing free programs on conserved properties, including guided hikes, horseback rides, snowshoeing, and volunteer restoration projects. The Community Land Connection Series offers an opportunity for individuals and families to experience the great outdoors in a way that feels safe and welcoming to all. EVLT believes that conserved lands are places that build community, value and embrace diversity, and distribute the benefits of conservation equitably. Through the Community Land Connection Series, we engage residents and visitors in recreational, educational, and stewardship programs that help build authentic, enduring relationships between humans and the land. These programs are often coordinated in partnership with government agencies and nonprofits throughout the valley.  

---

Click here to get an interactive look at our conserved land portfolio.