Do you have an idea for green space in your neighborhood. If you are interested in becoming a 2026 Community Client of GOGdesign (Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design), apply now at https://cogdesign.org/community-app/. The 2026 application process is in full swing.
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is pleased to announce that David McGlinchey will serve as the new Executive Director beginning January 5. Dave brings exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, deep experience in climate science, and a passion for river protection that will guide Mass Rivers into its next chapter of impact and growth. For more information visit https://www.massriversalliance.org/
Join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy on February 24 at the James Michael Curley House for a morning of gratitude and celebration. Enjoy light refreshments as they honor the dedicated Emerald Necklace volunteers and recognize the Volunteer Award recipients. Formal invitations will be sent in the new year. Contact Amanda at amorin@emeraldnecklace.org with any questions.
Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced it has received a generous $1.5M bequest from an anonymous donor for endowment funds supporting its ongoing work in conservation, including banking the seed of rare and endangered native plants in New England and preservation of its herbarium, and for creating a new endowment for communications and visual resources. Native Plant Trust confirmed that as of November 2025 over ten million seeds have been banked in their facilities, supporting the organization’s continued
work to protect biodiversity. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org for more information on its work to conserve native plants.
The Nantucket Christmas Bird Count takes place this year on Sunday, December 28. Bird Counts will be conducted throughout the country, so if you’re not in Nantucket you can find an event near you at https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count/join-christmas-bird-count. To register for Nantucket, email nantucketbirdcount@gmail.com
In 2023, Governor Maura Healey issued Executive Order No. 618, which called for Massachusetts to set nation-leading biodiversity conservation goals, including for coastal and marine environments, for 2030, 2040, and 2050. To meet this charge, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, alongside many partners, developed this ambitious 25-year plan to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain our health and well-being, food security, economy, and way of life.
Massachusetts is home to an extraordinary abundance and variety of life. This is biodiversity—all the species, habitats, and complex interactions that make up the astonishing web of life. It isn’t just found in distant, wild places—it’s all around us, even right in our backyards. Biodiversity is the foundation for life—it anchors our history, heritage, and culture, supports our health and well-being, food security and economy, and enriches our lives. It is also key climate solution—nature protects our communities from extreme weather, drought, floods, and heat. To read about the multi-faceted approach, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/biodiversity-goals-for-massachusetts
Wishing you a happy and delicious day free from politics, hate, and division. Just one day. Let’s celebrate nature, the environment, our trees, our wind and water. Let’s help those who are hungry. Do one good deed today.
In the face of the continuing and rising needs of hungry people around the world, in our nation, and on Martha’s Vineyard, especially in a time of natural disasters, wars, economic despair, cuts in humanitarian aid, and millions of displaced people, Martha’s Vineyard Crop Hunger Walk remains steadfast in its commitment to raising money in the fight against hunger through annual hunger walks. Over the course of 34 years, the MV CROP Hunger Walks have raised almost $700,000 (to be exact: $699,914) to benefit the poor and hungry around the world and on Martha’s Vineyard. Last year, we once again were one of the top walks in the nation, raising $41,130 – our best total ever and 30th highest in the country. We’re grateful for all our walkers and donors who join us year after year. We will gather at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven. Walkers will start in two or three stages as soon as each team has assembled and checked in. At the end of the walk, walkers will be welcomed back with a Walk Day Festival with music, food, and fun for all. We will gather at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven. Walkers will start in two or three stages as soon as each team has assembled and checked in. At the end of the walk, walkers will be welcomed back with a Walk Day Festival with music, food, and fun for all. For more information, and to register, visit https://events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks/event/marthasvineyard
Join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy on Tuesday, September 30 from 3 – 6 for a free open house at its Back Bay Fens Visitor Center at 125 The Fenway. Learn about the the work of the Conservancy, stewarding the Emerald Necklace parks while enjoying tours, games, and more in the historic Stony Brook Gatehouse. RSVP at https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/event/svc-open-house/
Founded in 2022, the Wild Wonder Foundation is dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community. They strive to make nature and nature journaling accessible to everyone by sponsoring the annual Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference as well as other events, educational workshops, field trips, teacher trainings, retreats, exhibits, grants, and other activities and projects in support of their mission. Application opportunities for micro-grants will be open through September 29.
They are committed to inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunity for everyone as they nurture and celebrate a diverse, global community of nature journalers. They strive to make events and resources free and/or low cost, and offer scholarships for those who face economic barriers, underrepresentation, and/or historic marginalization.
The birth of this foundation is a direct result of the 40+ years of dedicated work by award-winning author, educator, scientist, and artist John Muir Laws, a.k.a. Jack. He has created, nurtured, and grown a diverse, worldwide nature journaling community through his great generosity, inspired teaching, and boundless energy and joy.
