IIT Spring Newsletter 2026 - A New Approach for Easement Monitoring

IIT has an incredible group of dedicated volunteers that take on the task of annually monitoring IIT's thirty-five conservation easements. This year, we aim to make that process easier. IIT is using a new conservation software, Landscape, which is used broadly by land trusts throughout the country. Landscape allows us to track all owned properties and conservation easements in one easy-to-access database. IIT’s Preserve Steward, Jack Taylor, passed the nasty winter weather by entering all conservation easements into the new software so that it is ready to go for the 2026 season.

We are excited this year, to test drive the Landscape App for all monitors who are interested in learning how to use it. Through this free App, monitors can access their assigned property, take GPS-coordinated photos and record their report in real time, which is immediately accessible to staff. This streamlined approach takes pressure off our monitors who, until now, needed to take photos and fill out separate paper forms; then scan, upload and send them to IIT, or drop off the physical forms to our office. Having these moving parts adds to our monitors list of responsibilities as well as IIT staff, to ensure all elements of the report are submitted.

Using this new approach, IIT hopes to cut down on the amount of work expected of our volunteers and staff members, while also providing more accurate reporting of photo locations.

Interested in being a volunteer monitor? We are always looking for new families and individuals to join us. If you’d like to learn more or volunteer your time, contact Easement Monitoring Chair Sue Stafford or Chloe Joule.