LINCOLN — Mass Audubon, New England’s largest nature-based conservation organization, just got a generous early holiday gift from MathWorks, a Natick company that develops mathematical computing software.
“It’s really exciting,” Mass Audubon’s chief conservation officer, Jocelyn Forbush, said in regards to MathWorks’ $25 million donation. “It’s really going to allow us to lift our conservation aspirations even higher than they already are.”
Forbush said the money will be used on land conservation, and restoring the properties that need work. She also said it’ll help the group meet its goal of “protecting 30% of the land in Massachusetts by 2030, and creating new open spaces for people to enjoy.”
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Forbush said Mass Audubon protects more than 40,000 acres worth of protected properties in Massachusetts.
“It’s a historic gift,” she said of MathWorks’ donation — the largest given to Mass Audubon in its 127-year history.
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Attempts to reach MathWorks officials for comment were unsuccessful.
However, in a written statement, MathWorks CFO and SVP Tim Moran said: “The opportunity for nature to play a role in fighting climate change is more vital than ever. Between Mass Audubon’s 127-year history of conservation and MathWorks’ commitment to its local communities and green initiatives, we’re confident this kind of partnership will inspire even more corporate social responsibility and lead to the protection of outdoor spaces that benefit people and wildlife across the state.”
MathWorks’ donation comes in the form of a seven-year commitment — $7 million in year one and $3 million during each of the next six years. It was announced during Mass Audubon’s annual meeting last week in Boston.
Privately held MathWorks specializes in mathematical computing software. It employs about 6,000 people in 34 offices throughout the world and has annual revenues of about $1.25 billion, according to its website.
“This extraordinary commitment to protecting the nature of Massachusetts is nothing short of transformative, and we are forever grateful for MathWorks’ overwhelming generosity,” said David O’Neill, president of Mass Audubon, in a statement. “It’s so heartening to see a world-renowned company like MathWorks prioritize the natural world, and we are honored they are entrusting us to carry out such important work.”