Nature Conservancy in Vermont Awards $500,000 to Seven Conservation Projects

The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund will support the protection of 1,460 acres of critical habitat across the state.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Vermont has announced the new grant recipients of its Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund (VBPF), supporting land protection projects in priority regions across the state. In this round, TNC Vermont awarded $500,000 to seven conservation organizations, leveraging $2,792,423 in funding from other sources. The projects will protect 1,460 acres of land in areas that maintain regional forest connectivity, support biodiversity, and improve Vermont's climate resilience.

Why it matters

Vermont has a goal of conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, which requires a strong network of conservation partners. The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund is an investment in Vermont's conservation landscape to catalyze critical land protection work in key areas.

The details

The seven projects that were awarded funding this winter include protecting land in Hardwick, Waterbury, Grafton, Charleston, West Townshend, Bolton, and Weston. The projects will help protect corridors, rare plant species, bear habitat, river frontage, public access, and wildlife passage.

  • The next round of VBPF funding will open to applicants in Spring 2026.

The players

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

A global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Northern Rivers Land Trust

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest project in Hardwick.

Vermont Land Trust

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Wennberg Forest project in Waterbury.

Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Ledge Brook Headwaters project in Grafton.

Vermont River Conservancy

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Clyde River Conservation Connection project in Charleston.

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

A state agency that was awarded funding for the Simpson Brook Stepping Stone project in West Townshend.

Trust for Public Land

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Pinneo Forest project in Bolton.

Mount Holly Conservation Trust

A conservation organization that was awarded funding for the Maple Crossing project in Weston.

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What they’re saying

“Locally owned and managed town forests are essential to the lives of Vermonters. Buffalo Mountain Town Forest will give Hardwick residents and visitors ready access to outdoor recreation, contributing to community vitality while protecting clean water and preventing forest fragmentation.”

— Jack Travelstead, Board Chair, Northern Rivers Land Trust

“Healthy forests and waters are the foundation of healthy communities that support the diversity of life. To conserve 30% of Vermont's lands and waters we need to support a strong conservation ecosystem of partners, practitioners, and people committed to safeguarding nature into the future. The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund is one way The Nature Conservancy enables great conservation work from the ground up.”

— Eve Frankel, Vermont State Director, The Nature Conservancy

“The Mt. Holly Conservation Trust (MHCT) is proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy in Vermont to advance our mutual commitment to conserving Vermont's most ecologically important landscapes. With the support of the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund, we're able to protect strategic parcels that bolster habitat connectivity and climate resilience across the region. The Maple Crossing acquisition is a testament to that shared vision, enhancing the connection to the Awasos Wildlife Management Area.”

— Kim Royar, Board Member, Mount Holly Conservation Trust

What’s next

The next round of VBPF funding will open to applicants in Spring 2026.

The takeaway

The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund is an important investment in Vermont's conservation efforts, enabling a network of partners to protect critical habitats, improve climate resilience, and ensure public access to natural areas across the state.