Dedicated to protecting the land essential to Sheffield’s natural, scenic, agricultural and rural character
The Sheffield Land Trust
Since 1989 over 5,000 acres protected, including 18 farms
P.O. Box 940, 75 Main St., Sheffield, MA 01257-0940
413 229-0234; shefland@bcn.net

LINKS & RESOURCES

Cooperation Is Vital

Where appropriate we work in concert with other non-profit organizations and local, state and national organizations to achieve conservation goals. Some of our most valuable partners have included:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
A volunteer-based, private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,175-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000-acre greenway extending from Maine to Georgia. Ensures that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, scenic vistas, wildlife and opportunities for simple recreation and renewal along the entire Trail corridor.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Working throughout the Berkshires in Massachusetts to preserve threatened lands, the Council places special emphasis on protecting Berkshire's farms, forests, streams and ridgelines – the great landscape features that give us clean water, fresh air, local produce, healthy wildlife and outstanding recreational opportunities.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
The community foundation serving Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Helps thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and hundreds of nonprofit groups carry on their good work.

The Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires
The central principle motivating the work of the CLT is that homes, barns, fences, gardens, and all things done with or on the land should be owned by individuals, but the land itself is a limited community resource that should be owned by the community as a whole.

The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund forges partnerships to conserve America’s legacy of land and water resources. Through land acquisition, sustainable programs and leadership training, the Fund and its partners demonstrate balanced conservation solutions that emphasize the integration of economic and environmental goals.

Egremont Land Trust
An organization of like-minded individuals dedicated to the preservation of the natural beauty and the environment of North and South Egremont..

Greenagers
Greenagers, through its paid employment programs, internships and apprenticeships, engages teens and young adults in meaningful work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building.

Housatonic Valley Association
HVA, a tri-state nonprofit citizen’s environmental group, works to conserve the natural character, environmental health and the economies of our region by protecting and restoring its land and waters… for today and for future generations.

Fields Pond Foundation
Provides financial assistance to nature and land conservation organizations that are community-based and that serve to increase environmental awareness by involving local residents in conservation issues.

Great Barrington Land Conservancy
Dedicated to preserving and enhancing the community's natural resources and distinctive character through land use planning, conservation, and limited development initiatives, the Conservancy attempts to achieve these goals by: encouraging managed growth and development; promoting public discourse on matters relating to land use and growth management; acquiring rights to property, including scenic and preservation easements; protecting open space.

The Land Trust Alliance
The national leader of the private land conservation movement, promoting voluntary land conservation across the country and providing resources, leadership and training to the nation's 1,200-plus nonprofit, grassroots land trusts, helping them to protect important open spaces.

Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program
A voluntary program which offers a non-development alternative to farmers and other owners of "prime" and "state important" agricultural land who are faced with a decision regarding future use and disposition of their farms. The program offers to pay farmers the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farmland in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which precludes any use of the property that will have a negative impact on its agricultural viability.

Massachusetts Audubon Society
Works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. With more than 100,000 members, cares for 32,000 acres of conservation land, provides educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocates for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Statewide network of 43 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for conservation, education, and advocacy work.

Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
The state agency responsible for the management and conservation of the state's fisheries and wildlife, including rare and endangered species.

Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition
Increases the effectiveness of land trusts and conservation organizations in Massachusetts in working with the legislature and governmental agencies on issues of direct interest to the conservation movement.

The Nature Conservancy (Massachusetts Chapter)
The Conservancy has played an active role in land conservation in Massachusetts. The opening of the Massachusetts Chapter Office approximately ten years ago has led to the protection of more than 22,000 acres of threatened habitat. Currently owns and manages more than twenty nature preserves across the state.

Open Space Institute
Protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats and sustain community character. Achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, special loan programs, and creative partnerships.

Southern Berkshire Regional School District
The Southern Berkshire Regional School District, in partnership with families and other participating citizens, welcomes all students into a challenging, lifelong commitment toward personal success and academic excellence.

The Trustees of Reservations
Since 1891, has been saving the Massachusetts landscape for people to enjoy. Conservation work has helped protect more than 53,000 acres across the state; cares for 23,687 acres on 95 reservations and inspires conservation awareness through a variety of educational programs.