massachusetts agroforestry access project (MAAP)

Agroforestry Demonstration Network

The Massachusetts Agroforestry Access Project (MAAP) will help Massachusetts put agroforestry on the map by building a network of farms and organizations implementing diverse agroforestry practices at multiple scales and in diverse contexts. MAAP recognizes agroforestry as a social movement and catalyst for both ecological restoration and community regeneration.

We are now accepting our first round of cohort participants! This unique two-year learning experience will help land stewards and farmers design, install, or expand agroforestry practices on their land and serve the growing community of landowners and service providers interested in practicing and promoting agroforestry in Massachusetts.

Apply to the Pilot Cohort!

Why Agroforestry?

Agroforestry challenges the paradigms that separate forestry and agriculture and limit our ability to manage landscapes in more integrated ways. A state-supported agroforestry program that encourages a more diverse and inclusive spectrum of land care strategies and opportunities that can be applied at multiple scales in many different contexts and cultures will deliver ecological, social, and economic benefits to communities across the Commonwealth.

Why a Demonstration Network?

Demonstration sites are places where landowners and forestry professionals can go to see agroforestry practices in action. They can act as new hubs of interaction that expand the current reach of DCR’s programing while supporting the innovative work of underserved landowners in both rural and urban areas.

Pilot Cohort

Please read through this information before applying! Applications are due September 15, 2026. If you have any questions about the project or application, do not hesitate to reach out to woodlandsconnect@rdg.coop.

The pilot cohort of the MAAP Demonstration Network (4-5 participants) will receive targeted financial and technical assistance from the Woodlands Connect Initiative to design, install, develop, and/or manage an agroforestry project(s) on their site.  The pilot will run for two years from January 2027-December 2028.  Participants will receive:

  • Annual stipend of $1500 for active participation in group sessions over two (2) years.
  • Peer-to-peer support to develop project concepts and learn about diverse, innovative, and afro-indigenous land management techniques.
  • Paid technical assistance from experienced agroforestry practitioners to design and implement your project.
  • Preliminary upfront funding to cover the costs of project installation/implementation, including trees, tree protection, fencing, soil amendments, special equipment, and labor. Participants will be supported to access additional implementation funding resources if needed.

As a public demonstration site, cohort participants will engage in peer-to-peer education goals and advance public awareness of and access to information about ecologically and culturally appropriate agroforestry practices in Massachusetts. Participants will be expected to:

  • Design and install (or further develop) an agroforestry project on-site
  • Travel to other demonstration sites and attend in-person workshops/retreats 2-3x per year. Financial means will not be a barrier to participate
  • Attend regular zoom calls to check in with pilot organizers, share project ideas and designs, learn, and collaborate with other participants
  • Host 1-2 on-site events/workshops during the pilot to build community with fellow private and underserved landowners (additional funding is available to support associated event costs)
  • Provide evidence of project progress and completion with a digital product (article, photo journal, video, zine, etc.) that can be shared with the general public
  • Remain a resource in the agroforestry community to assist with other projects and provide occasional updates on project successes/lessons learned

Ideal pilot participants will have the following qualifications and capacity:

  • A publicly-accessible land-based demonstration site (can range in size/scale)
  • Experience hosting public events (i.e. with accessible bathrooms, parking, insurance, etc.)
  • A passion for agroforestry education and implementation that aligns with the existing goals and values of the site/farm/organization/project
  • Capacity to commit time to engage in pilot learning goals and follow through on project implementation and on-going tree management and care.
  • Existing connections to and relationships with underserved landowners and communities

Selection Process
Your site will be a “best fit” for the pilot cohort if you meet all or most of the following parameters:

  • Capacity within your staff/organization to develop and implement a land-based project.
  • Demonstrated alignment with your farm/organization’s existing mission and projects; this should not be new initiative or an addition to an already full schedule of projects and programs.  Or, if it is a new endeavor, demonstrate strong capacity to launch and sustain the work.
  • Strong existing relationships/partnerships within the community you live/serve.
  • A geographic location central, nearby, or otherwise accessible to underserved landowners
  • Space and infrastructure to host public events for 50-100 people
  • Willingness to engage in an open collaborative learning process with other participants, develop relationships, and take ownership of the (first) cohort experience by providing honest and constructive feedback and direction to the Steering Committee.

If you are interesting in moving forward, you will be asked to share information about your site and project idea with the Steering Committee and answer the following questions. (*If you would prefer to share verbal responses instead of submitting written answers, please request to schedule a call with us on your application.) Applications are due September 15, 2026.

  • Describe your proposed agroforestry project and its primary goals.
  • Describe any related work already underway at the site.
  • Describe the major anticipated expenses, materials, or resources needed to implement your project.
  • Describe the long-term impact you hope this project will have on your site, organization, community, or other landowners, and explain your relationship to the communities you hope to serve.

Your answers will be reviewed by the Committee in September and selected participants will be notified by the end of October.  The pilot will launch in January 2027.

Download the Pilot Info Sheet (PDF)
Apply to the Pilot Cohort!
Pillars of Support

Financial Assistance

Payment to offset the investment of time in designing and learning about agroforestry systems as well as implementation funding to help bring your project to life

Technical Support

Targeted and culturally-sensitive guidance that listens to the unique needs and goals of each organization and site instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Community Networking

A network of peer practitioners to inspire, learn from, and pass on knowledge gained during the two-year cohort experience for the benefit of all land stewards.