Standing Up for Conservation: NCLT Joins Advocacy Efforts in D.C. 

Anna Wilkins, Director of Conservation and Climate, took to Capitol Hill to champion the future of our forests, farms, and conservation programs at the annual Land Trust Alliance’s Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. This important event serves as a national platform to advance critical land trust policy priorities, equipping conservation leaders with advocacy training and the opportunity to engage directly with legislators to strengthen the political influence of the land trust community. 

Anna joined fellow Massachusetts conservation advocates in meetings with lawmakers, discussing key environmental challenges and pushing for policies that ensure the protection of our landscapes for generations to come. One resounding takeaway from her time in Washington?   The sheer importance of advocacy.  

“Our legislators and their staff want to be educated by us on how policy is impacting their constituents, for better or worse. They need education on issues and challenges we are facing.” – Anna Wilkins, NCLT

Many policymakers were unaware of the staffing constraints hindering conservation efforts—a stark reminder of why these conversations are crucial in shaping the future of environmental policy. 

As coordinator for the Nashua Wild and Scenic Rivers and Forest Legacy Project, Anna was able to represent the many landowners and partners who have been directly affected by federal funding freezes. Anna was able to share these personal stories to Elizabeth Warren, Jim McGovern, Lori Trahan, and other policymakers shaping the future of federal conservation efforts in Congress.

It reminds us all of a fundamental truth—advocacy matters, and we all have a role to play. Whether it’s educating ourselves on conservation policies, supporting local initiatives, or simply spreading awareness, every voice contributes to protecting the natural spaces we cherish. The challenges are real, but so is our collective ability to drive change.