In ecology, a keystone species is one whose impacts on its environment are larger and greater than would be expected from one species. Keystone selects and educates forest owners and community leaders who have a significant impact on their communities. The program offers these important, Keystone people information about forest ecology, sustainable forest management, wildlife habitat enhancement, and land protection through a combination of lectures, field trips, discussions and take home resources. The goal of Keystone is to promote forest conservation and stewardship.

Since 1988, Keystone (originally Coverts) has trained over 350 people who have direct control of over 20,000 acres and are involved with more than 200,000 acres (e.g., work with a land trust, local conservation commission, sportsmen club). 

Participants in the annual 3-day training program are chosen competitively from a pool of applicants that includes forest landowners, and members of land trusts, town conservation commissions, and other conservation organizations. Applications are reviewed for applicant experience, connectedness within the community, special skills, and diversity.

After the training program, Keystone Cooperators continue to receive information and resources to keep them well informed.  Periodically, there are additional training opportunities. 

In return for participating in the program, Keystone Cooperators agree to return to their respective communities and serve as spokespersons or advocates for forest conservation. The activities of these volunteers are limited only by their own creativity, and have included:

• Organize neighborhood and community gatherings
• Articles in the local paper
• Joined town boards
• Create important habitat on their land
• Informal conversations with neighbors or local  landowners about forest management and protection
• Programs with local schools; radio or local access cable television programming
• Serving on a local town board
• Becoming involved in a local land trust or conservation effort

The Keystone Project is a competitive program. Applications will be reviewed for applicant experience, connectedness within the community, interest in informing the decisions of others, special skills, and diversity.

2026 Annual Training: October 29 - November 1

Apply to Keystone

If you have any questions, contact Paul Catanzaro:
E-mail:  paulcat@umass.edu
Phone:  (413) 545-4839