The Connecticut River Valley boasts some of the Commonwealth’s most important natural and historic resources.  Open expanses of fertile farmland, lush river corridors, diverse recreation areas, and mature upland forests make this region one of the most ecologically and culturally significant in the eastern United States.

Over twenty years ago Valley Land Fund (VLF) was formed to protect the special places of the Connecticut River Valley.  We have saved more than 8,000 acres, including pristine mountain ranges and rich forest lands, historic family farms, vital wetlands, and essential wildlife habitat.  These projects have contributed to the health and economies of local communities, protected the character of the Valley, and assured that future generations will be able to walk the land and swim in the rivers of western Massachusetts.

However, much work still lies before us. Residential and commercial development continues to threaten some of our most important landscapes. Mass Audubon estimates that the Commonwealth loses 40 acres of open space a day to development (http://www.massaudubon.org/news/index.php?id=19&type=news). That’s 14,600 acres of forests, farms, wetlands, and wildlife habitat lost every year! This loss increases our dependency on produce shipped in from other parts of the U.S.  It also furthers the fragmentation of our forests, and means more flooding because of runoff from paved roads, driveways, and parking lots.  Unfortunately, it also means that 71% of our wildlife habitat does not have permanent protections.

Valley Land Fund is the only land conservation organization serving Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. With more than twenty years of experience and supporters in more than forty towns, VLF has the capacity to think strategically and act quickly.  As a dynamic all-volunteer organization with decades of conservation experience, we have the ability, knowledge, and connections to move swiftly on complex projects.  We are local people with local commitments facing local challenges head-on, and we welcome your support.