Dudley Conservation Land Trust

DONATE

About Us

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) land trust responsible for stewarding 470+ acres of conservation land in Dudley, Oxford, and Charlton MA.

Our Vision

To preserve the natural resources and agricultural heritage of our community through collaborative land protection partnerships and active public engagement.

Collaborative Land Protection Partnerships
Active Public
Engagement

Our Mission

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust seeks to:

  • Provide for the acquisition and protection of local land and open space
  • Promote conservation education, passive recreation, and wildlife habitat
  • Preserve the rural, natural and scenic character of our community

… for current and future generations

Commitment to Our Community

DCLT is a Dudley-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting the land, wildlife, and natural beauty that define our community. Our work starts locally—preserving open spaces, maintaining trails, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the outdoors.

We partner with organizations like Mass Audubon, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Towns of Dudley and Oxford to protect habitats and expand public access to nature. Together, we’re building a healthier, more vibrant community for people and wildlife alike.

Tree and branch removal is an important task to keep our trails clear.

Board of Directors

Meet the DCLT all-volunteer Board of Directors — all members of our local community who care deeply about the future of our community and our planet.

A Brief History

Did you know that our sanctuaries cover 470+ acres, and adjoin other conservation land totaling 1,000 acres! WOW! How did we get here?

Organizational History

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust formed in 1991 to promote agricultural land conservation. After a period of dormancy, the organization was officially reactivated in 2004 and shortly thereafter gained federal tax-exempt status. Our conservation priority is to expand existing wildlife corridors to allow for the greatest diversity of native animals and plants. DCLT is working to conserve land which connects from Charlton, across Dudley, and into Oxford.

Land Acquisition

  • In 2026, we conserved 21.33 acres on Whiting Road in Oxford to create the Kulisa-Tierney Preserve with portions spanning across Dudley and Charlton as well.
  • In 2025, we protected 23 acres of the Antos Farm on Marsh Road in Dudley, along with the historic Perron House and its adjacent lot.
  • The year before that, in 2024, we added to our Slater Woods sanctuary with a parcel of land acquired from Richard Lavallee. This includes pristine woodland and added significant shoreline on beautiful and undeveloped Peter Pond.

  • Sanctuaries at Tufts Branch, Slater Woods, Wieloch Woods, Keekamoochaug, and Leovich Landing were established between 2006 and 2019.
Chet Kulisa
Nancy Vajcovec

Our Founder and Legacy Donor

Our founder, Chet Kulisa, and his wife, Ann, truly made a difference in protecting open space. They had a passion for protecting the land for the birds and other wildlife, which inspired the founding of DCLT. Upon Chet’s passing, he left a significant financial bequest to the organization, along with a large parcel of land for future conservation.

Nancy Vajcovec, a tireless DCLT volunteer and an active member of many Dudley community groups, also left a meaningful legacy gift to the organization in her will.

Together, these gifts from Chet, Ann, and Nancy have strengthened the foundation of DCLT, ensuring our ability to protect our natural resources and create a lasting impact on the community. Their legacy gifts serve as a testament to the power of generosity and the enduring importance of conservation efforts.

Over the years, many individuals have generously contributed their time, skills, and financial support to help DCLT carry out its mission.

How can you help? Find out how to become a Legacy Donor.