LP&CT Earns Renewal of National Accreditation
Awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

August 4, 2025 – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the natural spaces they love. Since 1990, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, has been doing just that for the people of Lowell. Now Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust announces it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence.

“Accreditation means a lot to Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust—and to our community,” says Sheila Kirschbaum, President. “Accreditation is based on steps we’ve taken to ensure that the land we conserve and protect today will reap benefits for our community in the future.”

“Renewing our accreditation shows that the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Lowell,” said Jane Calvin, Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary – will be protected forever, making Lowell an even greater place for now and in the future.”

The Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.

“We are proud to recognize Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”

Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust is one of 1,281 land trusts – and one of the few urban land trusts – across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

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