Mission, Role in Our Community, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement
Newton Conservators promotes acquisition, protection, and stewardship of natural and recreational open spaces in Newton for the benefit and enjoyment of all through education and civic engagement.
Role in our Community
We serve as leader, sponsor, and collaborative partner with the City, individuals, and other organizations. In all of these roles, we seek to use an anti-racist, multicultural lens to:
• protect and grow the open spaces in Newton
• educate the community about the value of open space and respect for the natural world
• promote safe and welcoming access to these spaces for all people
• stimulate individual and organizational action through advocacy, stewardship, and education
What We Do for Newton
Newton Conservators is a citizens group that advocates and works 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.
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; webinars; informative books and maps for self-guided tours; environmental study programs; grants to students, teachers, and conservation groups; stewardship; and a variety of other initiatives. We advocate for the protection of land through city acquisition and conservation restrictions and were instrumental in Newton’s enactment of the Community Preservation Act, which has enabled much land protection.
Since our founding in 1961, 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.
Vision: We envision a Newton where:
• open spaces exist and support biodiverse ecosystems of plants, insects, and other wildlife
• everyone values, feels safe and welcome in, and can enjoy our open spaces, both natural and recreational.
• diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice help to create natural and human communities that are healthy and resilient.
• wherever possible, open spaces are easily accessible from every village and connected to open spaces in adjacent communities.
• residents and businesses understand the importance of open spaces and practice good stewardship of the natural spaces around them.
Values: Our values are our key guiding principles
Love of nature and the health of the natural world
We understand the important interrelationships that foster healthy ecosystems and the health benefits that accrue from healthy ecosystems and being outdoors in nature.
Justice
We seek partners with differing experiences and views to build just and equitable practices in our open spaces.
Collaboration
We believe that long-lasting impact requires partnerships with diverse stakeholders including government officials, educators, scientists, and other organizations and individuals in Newton and nearby communities.
Credibility
We commit to integrity, reliability, accountability, inclusiveness, transparency, and science to build trust with all people.
Newton Conservators is organized under Chapter 180 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit with tax ID number 04-6116074.
How You Can Help
- Become a member of Newton Conservators
- Make a donation. Your tax-deductible contribution helps as “seed” money for matching funds, stewardship, funding for grants, student aid, nature studies, and land protection
- Advocate for open space through letters, email, and discussion with city officials
- Participate in open space stewardship via clean-ups and invasives removal
- Form a “Friends” group to monitor your neighborhood open space
- Protect land that you own
How You Benefit from Membership
By becoming a member of Newton Conservators, you will:
- Receive our 62-page Trail Guide, 2026 edition, to Newton’s diverse network of parks and conservation lands
- Learn about expertly-led nature walks, bird walks, webinars, and our Annual Meeting programs
- Explore and help protect the natural features and biodiversity of our region
- Receive our informative newsletter and E-Bulletins on issues of local interest
- Support the broad range of initiatives undertaken by Newton Conservators