Mission Statement
Newton Conservators Inc. promotes the protection and preservation of natural areas, including parks, park lands, playgrounds, forests and streams, which are open or may be converted to open spaces for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of Newton for scientific study, education, and recreation. It further aims to disseminate information about these and other environmental matters.
A primary goal is to foster the acquisition of land and other facilities to be used for the encouragement of scientific, recreational, educational, literary and the other public pursuits that will promote good citizenship and the general welfare in the City of Newton. In order to accomplish these purposes, the Conservators solicits funds and other gifts as is appropriate to carry out its goals. It is further empowered to use and invest these assets.
The Newton Conservators is organized under Chapter 180 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and no part of the net earnings or other assets of the corporation inure to the benefit of any private individual or corporation.
Newton Conservators is committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all people in Newton’s open spaces by:
- planning and evaluating all of our activities through a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) lens
- continually educating ourselves and our constituents about DEIJ issues
- building authentic relationships with regional organizations serving historically marginalized people
- working to include previously underrepresented people on our Board and among our members, program participants, and open space visitors
- diversifying all with whom we partner and do business.
What We Do for Newton
Newton Conservators is a citizens group that advocates for Newton’s open spaces. We are Newton’s land trust. We are a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Newton’s open space, for wildlife and for the community.
Our most recent success is in saving much of Newton’s remaining large acreage through the use of funding from the Community Preservation Act, which Newton adopted in 2000. Our advocacy and public education programs were instrumental in bringing about the enactment of the CPA in Newton.
History
Enormous development pressures in the 1950s, including several proposals for 20-story buildings, inspired the formation of the Newton Conservators. We were organized as a citizen advocacy group to guard what remained of Newton’s open land and to guide the city in its appropriate use.
Since our founding more than 40 years ago, we have been instrumental in preserving over 350 acres of open space and creating several major parks for public enjoyment. We have also helped enact ground-breaking environmental ordinances for protection of wetlands, clean air, energy conservation, road salt limits, and tree preservation.
Our Mission
The Newton Conservators protects open space and enhances the community’s enjoyment of Newton’s natural places in a variety of ways.
We encourage the proper use and protection of parks, playgrounds, conservation areas, lakes, ponds, and streams for recreation, education, and scientific study. We introduce people to these natural resources through spring and fall walks, informative maps for self-guided tours, environmental study programs, grants to teachers and conservation groups, and a variety of other initiatives.
We protect land through direct ownership and the enforcement of conservation restrictions.
How You Can Help
- Make a donation. Your tax-deductible contribution helps as “seed” money for land acquisitions and as money for grants, student aid, and nature studies
- Form a “Friends” group to monitor your neighborhood open space
- Advocate for open space through letters, email, and discussion with city officials
- Participate in open space clean-ups
- Donate land or conservation restrictions on land that you own
- Become a member of the Conservators
How You Benefit from Membership
By becoming a member of the Newton Conservators, you will:
- Receive a 70-page guidebook to Newton’s diverse network of parks and conservation lands
- Learn about expertly-led nature walks, canoe trips, bird walks, and bike tours
- Explore and help protect the natural features and biodiversity of our region
- Receive our informative newsletter and alerts on issues of local interest
- Support the broad range of initiatives undertaken by the Newton Conservators
