"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees." - Chief Qwatsinas, NUXALK NATION
Protecting Turtle Island for Future Generations
Turtle Land Conservancy (TLC) is an Indigenous-led, non-governmental land trust dedicated to protecting and restoring Turtle Island through place-based, culturally grounded stewardship. We practice regenerative land management guided by Traditional Ecological Knowledge to restore habitat, support biodiversity, and ensure continued access to harvesting areas and education in cultural traditions. Our work bridges community well-being, food sovereignty, and cultural resilience to sustain "All Our Relations" for the next seven generations.
Turtle Land Conservancy Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax‑deductible to the extent permitted by law under IRC Section 170.
Our Initiatives
Explore our programs and projects that align with our mission. We are dedicated to advancing Indigenous food sovereignty, community wellness, and the implementation of regenerative practices that protect and restore land and water relatives.
Land Trust Program
Protecting and restoring vital ecosystems across our region.
Turtle Land Conservancy secures and restores lands that sustain native habitats, clean water, and cultural places. Through land protection, habitat restoration, and collaborative stewardship agreements, we prioritize places that provide food, medicine, and meaningful access for tribal members and the wider community.
Cultural Stewardship
Reviving and practicing Traditional Ecological Knowledge on the land.
We center Indigenous knowledge and protocols in how land is cared for—reviving seasonal practices, protecting sacred sites, and supporting ceremonies and cultural access. Our stewardship strengthens cultural continuity by ensuring the land remains a living classroom for elders and youth.
Community Education
Hands‑on learning that builds understanding and access.
Our workshops and resources teach regenerative techniques, respectful access, and Indigenous land rights. Programming ranges from youth apprenticeships and elder‑led skill shares to public workshops that clarify how communities can support equitable land access and conservation.
Food Sovereignty
Supporting access to culturally significant foods and resilient food systems.
We maintain harvesting areas, manage native plant restoration, and run managed harvests and food shares that prioritize elders and families. By combining regenerative land care with hands‑on training, we strengthen local food security and create pathways for youth to learn traditional harvest practices.
We are a proud member of The Compact and MLTC
The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc. was founded in 1986 as a nonprofit regional support organization serving six local land trusts. Today, they provide 39 local and regional land trusts and watershed associations with specialized technical expertise to preserve Cape Cod's most critical natural areas.
The mission of the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is to advance land conservation across Massachusetts by providing education, tools, networking and advocacy for land trusts and their partners.
The purposes of Turtle Land Conservancy are to acquire, preserve, and protect natural, cultural, and historical resources, watershed habitats, ecosystems and archaeological sites; to practice and encourage sound conservation strategies, including sustainable land management guided by traditional cultural practices and land stewardship; to preserve native lifeways and access to waters; to engage in, honor, educate, and train others about conservation, stewardship, and maintenance of open lands, wetlands, woodlands, and ecosystems and their importance in identity to Indigenous peoples; and to engage in related conservation, educational, scientific, and charitable activities that, among other things, advance the philosophy, policies, and customs of Indigenous peoples and their rights.
We Need Your Help
Support Indigenous-led Conservation
As Turtle Land Conservancy completes our first full year, we are grateful for everyone who has supported our vision of conservation rooted in reciprocity, cultural continuity, and community well-being. With your help, we can continue building the capacity needed to deepen our impact and expand this important work.
Get in touch
Telephone: 774-521-8489
General Inquiries: clerk@turtlelandconservancy.org
President E-mail: waban@turtlelandconservancy.org
Address: 156 Taunton Ave, PO Box 532, Seekonk, 02771, Massachusetts, United States