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    Across America, land trusts are redefining what it means to advance conservation. Why are some land trusts so innovative? And how can more land trusts get to that level?

    That’s what our Land Trust Leadership Program is for. We recruit leaders from land trusts that are poised for growth — and empower them to make it happen.

    The multi-year program starts with a training retreat for executive directors. The next year each executive director is joined by a board member for a second retreat. Coached by top experts, participants explore mission and strategy, leadership skills, financial management and fundraising. Then they put their ideas into action, with targeted, small grants from the Alliance to move them forward.

    For more information, contact Renee Kivikko, vice president of education, at 269-324-2880 or rkivikko@lta.org
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    “This was the most effective training I have had on any topic in the last 10 years, bar none.”
    — Vaughn Maatman, Land Conservancy of West Michigan

    Multiplying impact

    So far, nearly 200 land trusts have taken part in the Leadership Program. The outcome is stronger, smarter leadership at 1 out of every 8 land trusts (and counting). Our goal is to expand the program to 28 new land trusts every other year.

    Alumni have gone on to grow their staff, develop strategic conservation plans, launch new community programs and serve in more prominent roles.