What Wildlands Trust does

Wildlands Trust is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) land conservation nonprofit founded in 1973 and headquartered at the Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Its primary mission is the permanent protection of native habitats, farmland, ecologically significant land, and watershed resources in Southeastern Massachusetts. The organization reports protection of 14,000+ acres across 59+ towns within a 1,700 square-mile service region that it states reaches 35% of the Massachusetts population. Its core product is land conservation itself (acquisition and conservation restrictions), supported by a public trail network across multiple preserves including Halfway Pond, Great Neck, Davis-Douglas Farm, and the recently opened Fieldstone Preserve in Avon.

Wildlands Trust operates a diversified programming portfolio delivered through several facilities and channels. The Stewardship Training Center at 549 Mast Road, Plymouth provides professional land-steward certification in partnership with Buzzards Bay Coalition, Barnstable Land Trust, and Plymouth County. The Community Conservation Barn at Davis-Douglas Farm hosts indoor programming including yoga, movement classes, and workshops. Public engagement spans VolunTuesday volunteer workdays, birding and mindfulness hikes, paid wellness programs, youth outdoor education, and the Wildlands Online virtual presentation series. Marketing is conducted through Instagram, Facebook, email newsletters, a content-rich website, community events, and earned media.

The business model is a multi-stream nonprofit revenue structure rather than a commercial revenue model. Streams include annual memberships starting at $50, tax-deductible donations and bequests, fees from paid programs (yoga, photography workshops, mindfulness hikes, land-steward training at $225 for a two-day program), corporate partnerships, and government grants. The organization has demonstrated significant grant capture from Massachusetts MVP ($860K), PARC ($425K), EPA SWIG ($100K), and MDAR Farmland Partnership Program, plus partnerships with municipalities including Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Scituate, and Cohasset. Leadership includes President Karen Grey, Chief of Staff Rachel Bruce, Director of Land Protection Scott MacFaden, and a programming team led by Amy Burt. The organization is accredited with a Charity Navigator four-star rating and a Candid (GuideStar) Gold Seal.

Name

Wildlands Trust

Legal name

Wildlands Trust

Website

https://wildlandstrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wildlands Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservation organization founded in 1973 that has protected 14,000+ acres across 59+ towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, offering land preservation, public trail access, professional stewardship training, and outdoor education programs to communities and municipalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recreation, Ecotourism & Access Rights (Hunting, Fishing, Camping) (AFAMAMAD), Facilities Maintenance & Environmental Services (Waste, Water, Trail Maintenance, Restrooms) (THAAAGAI), National Parks & Protected Area Visitor Services (Concessions, Guided Access) (THAAAAAH)

Keywords

• Land conservation services
• Conservation restriction management
• Environmental education programs
• Volunteer stewardship programs
• Outdoor recreation trails

Headquarters

HQ city

Plymouth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Program: Wildlands Trust generates revenue through annual memberships, with basic membership starting at $50. Members receive benefits including trail access, event discounts, and the Wildlands News newsletter.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization accepts tax-deductible donations and bequests as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (TAX ID # 04-2973205).
3. Program and Event Fees: Revenue generated from paid programs including yoga classes, mindfulness hikes, photography workshops, and training courses. Pricing varies by program type and membership status.
4. Grant Funding: Wildlands Trust receives grant funding from government programs including the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), EPA SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants, and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Farmland Partnership Program.
5. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsorship and partnership programs where businesses support conservation work in exchange for recognition and community engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Wildlands Trust permanently protects native habitats, farmland, and ecologically significant lands across Southeastern Massachusetts, having preserved more than 14,000 acres across 59+ cities and towns. It provides public access to conserved lands through a network of trails, runs professional land stewardship training at the Stewardship Training Center, and operates community education, youth, wellness, and volunteer programs supported by an annual membership program, donations, and government grants.

Product overview

Wildlands Trust is a 501(c)(3) land conservation organization offering a portfolio of conservation services and public programs focused on protecting lands and waters in Southeastern Massachusetts. Core offerings include permanent land protection across 14,000+ acres, public trail access through multiple conservation areas, and professional stewardship training at the Stewardship Training Center. Public engagement programs span outdoor recreation (hiking, birding, mindfulness hikes), wellness activities (yoga, movement classes), youth education, and volunteer stewardship opportunities. The organization operates facilities including the Community Conservation Barn at Davis-Douglas Farm and manages preserves like Fieldstone Preserve and Halfway Pond Conservation Area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Land Conservation Services Permanent protection of native habitats, farmland, and lands of high ecological and scenic value throughout Southeastern Massachusetts through conservation restrictions, acquisitions, and easements. The organization has protected more than 14,000 acres across 59 cities and towns.
• Trails & Recreation
• Stewardship Training Center (STC) Professional training facility at 549 Mast Road, Plymouth, offering the Seasonal Land Steward Training program (two-day course at $225) and courses in First Aid/CPR, trail maintenance, carpentry, native/invasive plant management, and tool safety. Partners with Buzzards Bay Coalition, Plymouth County, and Barnstable Land Trust to train land stewards across the region.
• Fieldstone Preserve 30-acre woodland preserve adjacent to D.W. Field Park in Avon/Brockton, featuring a 0.7-mile trail system with three entrances, opened in November 2024 to serve Brockton and Avon residents.
• Community Conservation Barn
• Youth Programs Outdoor education and nature programming for youth, including Brockton-based youth programs and partnerships for outdoor classrooms at schools such as Downey Elementary through the TREE Brockton initiative with Brockton Public Schools, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and Brockton Kids Lead the Way.
• Wildlands Online Virtual and hybrid presentation series featuring recorded educational content including bat talks, wetland restoration, birding, native plants, and nature education presentations, delivered in partnership with organizations including Living Observatory and Mass Audubon.
• Membership Program Annual membership program with benefits including trail access, event discounts, exclusive member events, and the Wildlands News newsletter; basic membership starts at $50 per year.
• Volunteer Programs Volunteer opportunities including VolunTuesday workdays, trail maintenance, and Adopt-A-Preserve monitoring programs supporting land stewardship across the trust's 14,000+ acres of conserved land.
• Community Garden Gardening program at Wildlands Trust headquarters at Davis-Douglas Farm providing plots for community members and hosting related events.

Quantifiable outcome

• Protected 14,000+ acres of land
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Shaw's SupermarketminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Wildlands Trust was selected as a nonprofit partner in the Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program. During June, customers who purchase a $3 reusable bag at Shaw's Hanson store support Wildlands Trust.
• Paskamansett Bird ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-lead birding hikes at Great Neck Conservation Area. The club provides expert birding guides for Wildlands Trust events.
• Maxwell Conservation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlands accepted assignment of conservation restrictions from the all-volunteer Maxwell Conservation Trust in Scituate and Cohasset, adding 96 acres to their portfolio. This was Maxwell Trust's first expansion into new communities.
• Old Colony Planning CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in D.W. Field Park Initiative and speaker at Fieldstone Preserve grand opening. Collaborates on planning and implementation of conservation projects.
• Manomet Conservation SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in D.W. Field Park Initiative and TREE Brockton outdoor classroom project at Downey Elementary School.
• Brockton Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for TREE Brockton program building outdoor classroom at Downey Elementary School, with Wildlands Trust, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and Brockton Kids Lead the Way.
• Town of AvoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAvon purchased Fieldstone Preserve (30 acres) with funding from Massachusetts MVP program and private foundation via Wildlands Trust. Partner in D.W. Field Park Initiative.
• City of BrocktoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in D.W. Field Park Initiative. Mayor Robert Sullivan presented mayoral citation to Wildlands Trust for Fieldstone Preserve leadership.
• D.W. Field Park AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in D.W. Field Park Initiative for revitalization of D.W. Field Park in Brockton and Avon.
• SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Initiative, hosting webinars on municipal farmland protection tools including Community Preservation Act and Agricultural Commissions.
• OCPC (Old Colony Planning Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Initiative supporting municipal Chapter 61A farmland protection.
• Indian Head River CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between NSRWA, Wildlands Trust, Towns of Hanover, Pembroke, Hanson, and Plymouth County. Hosts Indian Head River Day with guided hikes and kayak paddles.
• Taunton River Watershed AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Taunton River Festival and Climate Cafe events. Collaboration on climate issues and solutions in Taunton River Watershed.
• NSRWA (North and South Rivers Watershed Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Indian Head River Coalition, river cleanups, and kayak/hiking events. Provides kayak equipment for IHR Day events.
• Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupported by MDAR Farmland Partnership Program for farmland protection initiatives.
• Buzzards Bay CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Seasonal Land Steward Training program, collaborating on professional stewardship training.
• Plymouth CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Seasonal Land Steward Training program.
• Barnstable Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Seasonal Land Steward Training program.
• Certified Rescue CoursesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides First Aid and CPR certifications for Seasonal Land Steward Training participants.
• Mass AudubonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for presentations on threatened shorebird nesting at Shifting Lots Preserve and Cape Cod.
• Living ObservatoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented 'What's New at Living Observatory' as part of Wildlands Online virtual presentations.
• NSRWAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides kayak equipment and guides for Indian Head River Day events, lending infrastructure to Wildlands Trust programs.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Trustees of Reservations: Massachusetts' largest conservation nonprofit, managing 120+ properties across the state. Direct comparator to Wildlands Trust in land protection, trail management, and public programming, with broader statewide scale and more developed stewardship training.
• Mass Audubon: Statewide conservation organization operating wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, and education programs. Already a Wildlands Trust partner; comparable in mission around land protection, public programming, and youth environmental education in Massachusetts.
• The Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation and creating parks close to home. Comparable in urban conservation work (similar to Wildlands' D.W. Field Park initiative), grant-funded acquisitions, and community park-building model.
• The Nature Conservancy (Massachusetts): Global conservation organization with active Massachusetts chapter focused on land and water protection. Comparable in conservation restriction work, government grant partnerships, and climate resilience projects in the same region.

Direct peers

• Buzzards Bay Coalition: Regional land/water conservation nonprofit in southeastern Massachusetts and a current Wildlands Trust partner on the Seasonal Land Steward Training program. Highly comparable in scale, regional focus, public engagement programming, and grant-funded project work.
• Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance: Regional conservation organization focused on the Pine Barrens of southeastern Massachusetts, including Plymouth. Operates in the same geography with overlapping land protection, public programming, and grant-funded stewardship activities.
• Barnstable Land Trust: Cape Cod-based land trust and a current Wildlands Trust partner in the Seasonal Land Steward Training program. Directly comparable in scale, mission, and stewardship training programming in southeastern Massachusetts.
• North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA): Watershed-focused conservation nonprofit serving southeastern Massachusetts and a current Wildlands Trust partner in the Indian Head River Coalition. Comparable in regional scale, public programming (paddles, cleanups), and government grant-funded project work.

Regional players

• Sudbury Valley Trustees: Regional land trust serving 36 communities west of Boston. Direct peer in the Massachusetts land trust ecosystem with comparable membership, trail, and conservation restriction model, though in a different geographic sub-region.
• Essex County Greenbelt Association: Regional land trust serving Essex County, MA, protecting natural, agricultural, and scenic resources. Comparable land protection, public access, and membership-driven operating model; not directly competitive due to different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/wildlandstrust
• Xx.com/wildlandstrust
• Facebookfacebook.com/WildlandsTrust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wildlands-trust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wildlands Trust