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EnglishWhat Does Highstead Do?
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Highstead is a regional conservation non-profit that works to accelerate land protection across New England and beyond. It does this through three connected activities: conducting and sharing conservation research, practicing stewardship on its own land, and convening people and organizations to collaborate on land protection. Its stated approach is to unite people and science, guided by the Wildlands & Woodlands vision.
The three pillars of Highstead's work
Highstead describes its work through three themes on its site:
- Land inspires us. Highstead began in 1982 as an arboretum focused on protecting land in Redding, Connecticut. It now works as a champion for land conservation throughout New England and beyond.
- Connections propel us. It takes an integrated leadership approach, connecting people, resources, and science to address environmental challenges, with the Wildlands & Woodlands vision lighting the way.
- Research guides us. It conducts, curates, and amplifies research that is vital to securing the attention and resources required for proactive land conservation.
How the pieces fit together
The organization's stated mission is to increase the pace of land protection through science, sound stewardship, and collaboration. In practice, that means:
| Activity | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Science and research | Conducting, curating, and amplifying research relevant to land conservation |
| Stewardship | Managing land — the organization grew out of an arboretum in Redding, Connecticut |
| Collaboration | Connecting people, resources, and science, and working through networks and partnerships |
The Wildlands & Woodlands vision
Highstead names the Wildlands & Woodlands vision as the framework guiding its work. This is the organizing idea behind its leadership approach — it shapes how the organization connects people, resources, and science to address environmental challenges.
Research and insights
Highstead publishes research, news, and perspectives on conservation topics. Examples from its site include work on meadow management, a profile of conservation efforts for the Northern Metalmark butterfly, and participation by its senior ecologist in an art history and ecology workshop. It also hosts events, such as the RCP Network Gathering and an Open Trails Day at Highstead.
Getting involved
Highstead's site invites people to get involved and to work together on conserving land. If you want to understand the organization in more depth, its Insights section collects its latest research, stories, and events, and its site also offers a fuller account of its history and current programs.