About Us

The Massachusetts Woodlands Institute (MWI), a subsidiary organization of the Franklin Land Trust (FLT),  is a non-profit organization that encourages and assists landowners in responsibly managing their woodlands. We believe that taking an active role in managing your woods will benefit wildlife, the local community and economy, and can provide you with financial, recreational, and personal rewards.

MWI administers the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Forest Stewardship Program and the Foresters for the Birds Program in partnership with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Massachusetts Audubon. We also work with the United States Forest Service to help people learn about the bird and wildlife friendly nature of responsible woodland management and to find local wood products through the Western Mass Woods directory and marketplace. 

Work with Franklin Land Trust

The Franklin Land Trust is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works with landowners and communities to protect their farms, forests, and other natural resources significant to the environmental quality, economy and rural character of our region. By working with FLT, MWI is able to offer expertise and assistance to landowners about permanently conserving their land, as well as managing and caring for the land.

In its 18 years of existence, the Institute has conducted research on forest use, wildlife enhancement and marketing of forest products; offered educational programs to landowners, rural businesses and the general public; developed and implemented standards for responsible, third-party verified forestry practices; and assisted in certifying that landowners and small businesses meet such standards. MWI is housed at shared offices with Franklin Land Trust in Shelburne Falls, MA.

MWI History

The Massachusetts Woodlands Institute was founded as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2001 with a mission to help landowners and the general public maintain the rural environment, promote conservation and enhancement of forests, farms and businesses in the rural environment; and foster community and business development.

The Institute was founded as a sister organization to the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative (MWC), a landowner-based harvesting, processing and marketing cooperative covering Western Massachusetts. The primary objectives of the Cooperative was to support high-quality forestry on members’ properties, protect the local environment, and promote the use of local wood products. The Cooperative closed its doors in 2011.

"New Partnership Protects Woodlands, Supports Landowners," (FLT Fall Newsletter 2012)

History of the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative (MWC, 2011) 

Resources and Reports

Cultivating Edible Woodland Mushrooms - Resources and Readings (2023)

Understory Crop Feasibility Study: Landowner Overview (MWI report, 2008)

Understory Crop Feasibility Study: Technical Report (MWI report, 2008)