Mass ECAN April News
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Mainstreaming Nature Based Solutions
May 1, 2025
Clark University
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Join us in Worcester for our in-person conference! Mass ECAN conferences are an opportunity to connect with peers, learn and share about climate adaptation efforts throughout the state, and grow our capacity to accomplish this work together as a community.
The conference will have ample networking time and sessions around our theme of Mainstreaming Nature Based Solutions. See the agenda here! We’ll keep updating this as speakers are confirmed.
If your organization is able to cover conference registrations, we kindly ask for a donation of $25 here to directly support venue, meals, and other conference costs. Mass ECAN is hosted by UMass Extension, so donations are processed through UMass Amherst. Thank you!
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Thank you to our Sponsors!
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out.
Benefactor-Level
Supporter-Level
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Every month, we highlight someone in our community of practice so you can learn about a variety of adaptation work and "meet" a new colleague!
Francelis Morillo Suarez
Clean Energy and Climate Planner II
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
Bio: Francelis joined MAPC’s Clean Energy Department in 2021 where she provides technical assistance to communities for their climate mitigation  and resilience work in the Greater Boston region. Additionally, she is a co-coordinator for MAPC’s North Suburban Planning Council subregion, consisting of nine cities and towns, through which she assists municipal staff by hosting monthly meetings and providing resources and support. Francelis received a Sustainability Certificate and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Italian Studies from Wellesley College, and most recently, received a Climate Change & Health Certificate from the Yale School of Public Health. She looks forward to continuing to advocate for centering  racial equity in plans, policies, programs, and community engagement throughout her work and beyond.
Climate Adaptation Project: To accelerate climate resilience in the MAPC region, Francelis provides support for the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant Program. This Program helps municipalities and community based partners advance and implement strategies that protect people, places, and communities from the impacts of climate change. MAPC is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the FY 2025-2027 grant program. Learn more here.
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Funding Opportunity: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is currently seeking proposals for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grants. Due 2:00pm on April 4. Apply here.
Funding Opportunity: MAPC has opened its EOI period for Accelerating Climate Resilience grants. For the first time, eligible lead applicants also include entities that work in and serve the people of the MAPC region. Submissions due April 9. See more here.
Funding Opportunity: The Southeast New England Program (SNEP) funded through the EPA is accepting applications for their watershed implementation grants through April 18. Apply here.
Funding Opportunity: The Network for Landscape Conservation is accepting proposals for the 2025 Catalyst Fund to accelerate the pace and practice of landscape conservation and stewardship across the U.S. Proposals due May 16. See the RFP here.
Event: As part of the UMass Sustainable Solutions Lecture Series, learn about Tim McPhearson's (New School) work on nature-based solutions for cities and their potential in enhancing social justice. April 9 at 12pm. Register here.
Event: The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is hosting an Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Coastal & Marine Environmental Changes listening session. Resource managers, researchers, policymakers, and community members knowledgeable about coastal ecosystems are invited to participate. April 9 at 4pm. Register here.
Event: The next MA Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Lunch & Learn webinar includes TNC speakers discussing nature-based solutions to remove carbon pollution and adapt to climate change. April 10 at 12pm. Register here.
Event: Hosted by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and partners as part of a year-long series, this month’s webinar explores The Changing Landscape for Migratory Forest Birds. April 15 at 12pm. Register here.
Event: The Environmental Business Council is hosting its 3rd Annual Stormwater Summit. The event will cover the many challenges of managing stormwater in our changing world. May 2 from 9am - 3pm. Register here.
Job: MA State Director, The Nature Conservancy, Boston. Lead the State Business Unit and partner closely with TNC’s Northeast Division as it executes conservation goals. Apply here.
Job: Resilience Planning Team Manager, Stantec, location flexible including Boston. Lead mission-driven work and support company strategic initiatives in line with climate adaptation and resilience services. Apply here.
Job: Senior Staff Attorney, Charles River Watershed Association, Boston. Represent CRWA in administrative processes and legal proceedings at the local, state, and federal levels to advance the mission of enhancing the Charles River and its watershed. Apply here.
Job: Director - Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon, Lincoln. Inspire staff, donors, and volunteers in the community to work together to achieve ambitious goals to engage new audiences, address the effects of climate change, and protect and steward natural habitats. Apply here.
Job: Aquatic Mitigation Specialist, MA Department of Fish and Game, Boston. Help recruit, track, and manage ecological restoration projects that offset unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources. Apply here.
Job: Environmental Analyst IV, Mass DEP, Boston. Coordinate stormwater-related activities within the Surface Water Discharge/NPDES Program. Apply here.
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The Coastal Relocation Network is a peer-learning network focused on supporting climate and planning practitioners in preparing for community-driven relocation to reduce flood risk and increase climate resilience for coastal communities. The Network meets ~ every other month and has an email listserv to share questions, ideas, and resources. It is convened by The Nature Conservancy, Urban Harbors Institute at UMass Boston, Communities Responding to Extreme Weather, and UMass Amherst Extension, with support from a CZM Coastal Resilience Grant.
By joining the network, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow practitioners, and access events including the 1st Annual Massachusetts Coastal Relocation Workshop. If interested in joining the Network, please ask to Join the Group or email Kim Starbuck.
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Learn from fellow Mass ECAN members at upcoming conferences!
April 16-18: Stone Living Lab (SLL) Conference. UMass Boston. Join professionals from the education, private, and public sectors for keynote discussions and breakout sessions about nature-based resilience in urban coastal settings. Register here.
April 23: Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Symposium. Omni Mount Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, NH. Connect with the regional climate adaptation science community at special symposium sessions. Register here.
May 1: Mass ECAN Conference on Mainstreaming Nature Based Solutions. Clark University, Worcester. Hope to see you there! Register here.
May 23: Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) Fieldday. Northeastern University, Boston. Join BSLA in this new, annual, in-person conference intended for all who design, make, and care for landscape architecture in New England. Registration coming soon.
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In case you've been wondering what to read next:
Happy Earth Month! Celebrate by attending clean-ups and events across the state, pledging to take action, and by getting outside to enjoy our beautiful planet!
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