Stow Conservation Trust (SCT) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that serves the community of Stow, MA.   We are YOUR local Land Trust.  Our purpose is to assist in and promote the conservation of land in Stow.  We feel our membership provides a rich resource for the town in achieving these goals.  Founded in 1977, Stow Conservation Trust is a 100% volunteer organization.

There are 200+ families in Stow who are members of SCT. We are stewards of almost 1000 acres of land, with 11 reservations, 21 conservation restrictions, and 12-15 miles of trails.

SCT’s mission is to protect natural areas and farmland in the Town of Stow, in perpetuity, for the reciprocal health and well-being of wildlife, ecosystems, and all people. Through conservation of our natural lands and working farms, stewardship, and community collaboration, we safeguard scenic and historical lands, clean water sources, local food systems, and healthy biodiverse ecosystems.  Our efforts support climate change mitigation, dark night skies, educational experiences, and inclusive access to nature for everyone, enriching the quality of life for current and future generations of those in our community and beyond.

Our Approach

 

We focus on three major areas to fulfill our mission:
 

• Land Protection. We strive to work with individual landowners, the Town of Stow, land trusts, state and federal entities, indigenous communities and other organizations to protect land in perpetuity, using legal mechanisms or otherwise. We acquire conservation lands that we manage as  reservations open to the public; we accept and hold Conservation Restrictions (CRs) on lands with deeds held by others; and we assist other stakeholders to achieve conservation, housing, cultural, recreational, and access goals through a collaborative process.   
   

• Stewardship. We manage a team of volunteer stewards and others to maintain and enhance the ecological function and public enjoyment of our reservations, and we regularly monitor our CRs and work with landowners to uphold our obligations under each unique CR by protecting its conservation values. Our stewardship work includes invasive species control, habitat restoration and management, trail building and maintenance, monitoring, and ongoing adaptation to changing circumstances, aspiring to ground this work in established sources of conservation science, including Indigenous knowledge systems, and to continue learning how these ways of knowing can guide more responsible and relational care for the land.
   

• Education. Using a variety of methods, we educate the public and ourselves on topics close to our mission, giving people the opportunity to experience, be inspired by, and learn from nature and its traditional indigenous stewards about conservation and our natural world to inspire and promote environmental action.  

​
 

Our Values

Collaboration

We believe that conservation is most effective when rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and trust.  We strive to build deep relationships with landowners, partners, and our community to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.

 

Integration of Nature and People
We work for a future where people and nature mutually thrive and are more fully integrated.  This means supporting biodiversity, ecological resilience, and sustainable land use—while also ensuring equitable access to nature, housing, clean water, local food systems, and the healing power of green spaces for all members of our community.  

 

Stewardship

We understand stewarding the land with integrity should be grounded in the most current conservation science that include and are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems, reflecting enduring relationships with land and guiding adaptive management and restoration to ensure ecological health and resilience, public enjoyment, and long-term protection.  This involves moving beyond harmful policies and practices of the past.

Stewardship also means upholding our legal and ethical obligations and maintaining welcoming public access to nature.

​

Teamwork

As a volunteer-led organization, we amplify our impact through shared purpose, respect, and mutual support to create a just community where people and nature thrive together.  We recognize the strength that comes from working together, at times through courageous and respectful disagreements, while  deliberating the best course of action to move forward. Reciprocity, collaboration, and shared purpose—among our Board, volunteers, and partners—augment our collective impact.  

 

Learning

We believe human and ecological well-being are inseparable.  Therefore, we foster a culture of curiosity and growth, continuously seeking new knowledge, learning from history, and embracing innovation and action. We invest in the education of our Board, volunteers, and community to deepen environmental awareness and inspire stewardship.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We believe that inclusive access to land and nature is essential for both ecological and societal well-being. We strive to build trust and reciprocity with all members of our community, including acknowledging and learning from the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land—the Nipmuc, Massachusett, Agawam, and Pawtucket. We work to identify and address barriers to access, and to create a welcoming environment where all people, including those who have been historically marginalized and excluded, can connect with and benefit from nature.

 

Protection, care and celebration of the land.  Over the years, this has resonated with Stow citizens.  It is a continuing process of appreciation for what the land gives us – from the bugs and skunk cabbage to the tall trees and diversity of birds; from its contribution to a healthy environment to providing a buffer from congestion, crowding, and heavy demands that come with too many houses too quickly.  Whether you go out on the land or not, it has a significant impact on us all.