The Institute carries out its mission through grants from private, state, and federal sources and collaborations with stakeholders in the community. The Institute began its work with a series of case studies on small forest-based enterprises in western Massachusetts. These studies focused on landowners who make part or all of their living from their forests – in creative and sustainable ways. Additional funding allowed the studies to be compiled into a book, Profiles from Working Woodlands: Exploring Forest Based Enterprises in Western Massachusetts. In November 2004, the Institute co-sponsored a conference with local organizations to share these exciting stories with landowners interested in creating similar businesses from their own woodlands, strengthening and diversifying the local economy while preserving a precious resource.

The Massachusetts Woodlands Institute will build upon these initial efforts by exploring funding opportunities for program development and through continued collaborations with local organizations.