The Massachusetts Governor’s office has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to protect hundreds of acres of forest in western Massachusetts.

A total of $951,000 will fund three projects in Belchertown, Huntington, and Wendell, preserving some 430 acres as forest reserves through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program.

“Our forests are some of our most valuable natural resources. Protecting them means cleaner air, healthier wildlife, and more places for people to get outside,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Allowing forests to grow older and stronger will help them absorb more pollution and carbon from the air, supporting healthier communities for the future.”

The initiative is part of the state’s Forest as Climate Solutions program, which aims to designate 10% of Massachusetts forests as reserves where trees can grow naturally with minimal human impact or intervention.

The town of Belchertown received $392,500 to conserve 127 acres within the Quabbin Reservoir watershed, expanding recreational opportunities near the Jabish Brook Conservation Area.

In Huntington, the Northeast Wilderness Trust was awarded $425,000 for a 223-acre parcel along the Westfield River. The parcel will connect more than 1,500 acres of already protected land and preserve important habitats.

In Wendell, the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust received $133,500 to protect 80 acres as part of the 11,000-acre Bullard Ridge Reserve.