Mass Audubon

A momentous day yesterday, as the State Legislature sent its comprehensive climate bill to Governor Maura Healey’s desk. This culminates a year of hard work by our advocates and partners across the environment and energy space, Gov. Healey and Secretary Tepper’s team, and the legislature. The bill ramps up development of new solar and other clean energy projects, while establishing new protections for nature and EJ communities, alongside many other policies that are mission-critical to meeting net zero emissions by 2050.?? Kudos to Sen. Mike Barrett and Rep. Jeffrey Roy for their leadership and for their dedication and commitment to seeing this bill through. Thanks as well to Gov. Healey for prioritizing these siting reforms--we are looking forward to seeing your signature on this bill!?

Last month, Mass Audubon members and supporters gathered at GBH in Boston, at watch parties on Cape Cod and in western Massachusetts, and online to attend our 128th Annual Meeting. This year, we celebrated the power of people to steward the nature we need, to be the voice for wildlife, and to inspire future generations to protect the environment. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating many amazing individuals, from teachers to volunteers to donors, who allow Mass Audubon to be a force for nature. You can watch the full meeting here -> https://lnkd.in/eaR2Xw9K

We're looking for a Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations Coordinator to collaborate closely with Philanthropy Department colleagues in Lincoln and across the state to provide administrative and project management skills to engage Mass Audubon’s robust portfolio of institutional donors. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ewRR6s5m.

Big news! We just received a $25 million federal grant—the largest in our history—to work with several nonprofit conservation partners to protect more than 10,000 acres of forests and wetlands in the Connecticut River Watershed. These funds, in addition to the $75 million we’ve committed to raising privately, are a critical part of the solution to meeting the state’s goal of protecting 30 percent of its land by 2030 and safeguarding our most biodiverse and carbon-rich lands to help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Read more: https://bit.ly/4flR0zt

After months of delay, the Climate Bill – with new protections for nature and EJ communities during siting of new solar and other energy projects – passed the MA Senate yesterday. We're optimistic that this will pass the House next, then head to Gov. Healey's desk to be made law. Many thanks in advance for the leadership of Energy Committee Chairs Barrett and Roy, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and the Healey Administration. Stay tuned for more updates.

Many thanks to Energy Committee Chairs Rep. Jeffrey Roy and Sen. Mike Barrett for their diligent work to revive the climate bill.?This work is mission critical for keeping MA’s net-zero greenhouse gas emission goals alive. We’re especially excited to see the bill’s provisions to improve the siting and permitting of solar and other energy projects.?If enacted, these will ensure a better balance that keeps our best natural landscapes intact while also accelerating the pace of clean energy.? ? We eagerly await seeing the MA Senate and House pass this bill next week, and for Gov. Maura Healey to sign it immediately—the atmosphere cannot wait. https://lnkd.in/ecDr5G4E

New online program alert! We are excited to announce our new Conservation in Action Certificate Program. Over 11 weeks, explore the basics of land conservation, ecological restoration, environmental advocacy, and motivating others to engage in conservation. After, you'll have the chance to participate in hands-on experiences around the state. Ready to take action? Learn more, check out the schedule, and register:?https://bit.ly/3XN1Nvj

Highlight of the week: coming together for our annual staff outing, this year at our Wildwood property in Rindge, NH. ? After a morning of nature walks, archery, mushroom hunting, paddling, and more, Mass Audubon staff came together over lunch to celebrate employee milestones and the organization's exciting accomplishments so far this year. ? We capped the day with some friendly competition, racing cardboard boats on the lake. Collaborating and connecting with colleagues from across the state is always energizing, inspiring, and a whole lot of fun. We are already looking forward to next year!

Mass Audubon President David O'Neill shares how we, along with partners like MathWorks, can address our climate crisis and reverse biodiversity loss. "As climate change worsens, we need to move as quickly as we can to stabilize global temperatures. [The Catalyst] fund can serve as a model in the global effort to protect 30 percent of the world’s land by 2030, capably illustrating how the power and beauty of nature is an essential tool to fight climate change and loss of biodiversity." https://lnkd.in/edRhfgSW

Make a difference in your community. Our Forum for Safe Rodent Control features New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals. Learn about their proven, wildlife-safe pest control approaches, then use this new knowledge to advocate for an end to rodent poison use in your community. Tune in on Wednesday, October 9 at 6pm for this virtual panel discussion hosted by Mass Audubon, New Hampshire Audubon, and Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Register: https://bit.ly/3TqGPB1 Barred Owl ? Jenny Zhao