Topic: Access & Inclusion

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) is dedicated to addressing the historic disparities in conservation work by committing to inclusive community outreach and events, diverse hiring practices, safe and equitable access to nature, clean water for all our communities, and amplifying stories from communities of color. They have taken steps to act on this commitment through their Relearning Highlands History series and related initiatives.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes more than $15 billion in specific funding for Tribal Governments and Entities. Programs funded by the law span several sectors, including transportation, water, resilience, energy, environment, and broadband.

On April 11, 2022, the Biden administration launched the $1 billion “America the Beautiful” Challenge, which will fund locally led ecosystem restoration and conservation projects throughout the United States.

New research from Harvard Forest and published in "Environmental Research Letters" shows striking disparities in the distribution of conserved land across multiple dimensions of social marginalization in New England - and creates a tool to help address them. But Harvard Forest authors Lucy Lee and Jonathan Thompson - with colleagues Neenah Estrella-Luna of Boston, and Kate Sims and Margot Lurie ('21) of Amherst College - didn't stop at identifying the problems. They also created tools that will be part of the solution.

Highstead and The Conservation Finance Network presented a 5-part series of webinars featuring panel discussions, case studies, and networking opportunities for participants to take a deep dive into tangible, innovative approaches to conservation funding and financing.