Conservation in Action Fall 2025 Newsletter Ambitious land campaigns in Hamilton and Wenham will permanently protect nearly 200 acres
Greenbelt’s 2025 Annual Fund
Your Annual Fund gift helps Greenbelt conserve wildlife habitat, working farmland, and beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors. Please consider a gift before year-end!
ecga.org/annualfund
133 Essex Street/Chebacco Woods 66 Acres in Hamilton
DOROTHY KERPER MONNELLY
Growing community support strengthens efforts to safeguard irreplaceable forest, farmland, and trails.
“I support Greenbelt’s Annual Fund because I believe in its mission and the lasting impact of every contribution. Each gift helps protect local farmland, wildlife habitat, and beautiful outdoor spaces, while connecting people with nature.”
Building on an already impressive year, which has seen the permanent protection of more than 650 acres — including vital working farmland across Essex County — Greenbelt is keeping the momentum going this fall with significant conservation projects in Hamilton and Wenham. The 133 Essex Street/Chebacco Woods project in Hamilton will protect 66 acres of woodland, active agriculture, and a popular trail network. In Wenham, the Streeter Conservation Project is comprised of forest, farmland, and trails, along with a National Register-listed First Period house. With decades of conservation expertise and strong community support, Greenbelt is confident these irreplaceable landscapes will be permanently safeguarded.
“These two campaigns represent an extraordinary opportunity to protect land that is central to the character, well-being, and resilience of the entire region. Together, these properties safe - guard drinking water, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and expand access to outdoor recreation.”
Betsy Shields Chair, Greenbelt Board of Directors
Chris LaPointe, President
Read more about these projects on page 3
EXPLORING BOUNDLESS LANDSCAPES
Dear friends,
Cycling has always been my gateway to outdoor exploration and adventure. As a child, I was fortunate to grow up in a time and place where the woods felt boundless, and I could ride for miles along winding farm roads. As I grew older, I came to understand that property lines, ownership, and real estate decisions are all layered over that same landscape — and very little is truly permanent. Today, I still pursue my love of cycling here in Essex County as much as possible, even commuting to the office in Essex this time of year, when weather and daylight permit. My favorite routes wind through town conservation land, private trails, state parks, and, most meaningfully, many Greenbelt-protected properties, including those we are currently working to conserve in Hamilton and Wenham. Over the years, I’ve come to know the roads and trails I most frequently use almost by heart — where the tricky roots and muddy spots lie, where deer or dogs might dart across my path, and even where the owls call in the early morning hours. Cycling is my way of connecting — both physically and mentally — with this extraordinary place we call home. On these rides, I’m constantly reminded of, and deeply grateful to, the thousands of people who make our work possible: generous donors and corporate sponsors; engaged local communities and government agencies; dedicated Board members, staff, and volunteers; and the trusted partner organizations we collaborate with throughout the year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
Betsy Shields Ipswich
VICE CHAIR VICE CHAIR
Alison Falk
Essex
Bill Zola
Rockport
TREASURER Timo Fritzinger Wenham ASST. TREASURER Pauliina Swartz West Newbury SECRETARY David Chapin Gloucester Brad Aham, Newbury | Sarah Hammond Creighton, Manchester | Doug DeAngelis, Newbury Jim Dondero, Salisbury | Stephen Goeben, Rockport Jessica Grigg, Boxford | Mary Ellen Kelly, Beverly Holly Langer, Boxford | Josh Lerner, South Hamilton Peter Loring, Prides Crossing | Annie Madden, West Newbury | Nancy Pau, West Newbury | Jonathan Sherwood, Amesbury | Regina Zaragoza Frey, Manchester
I am proud to lead an organization at the forefront of ensuring that this kind of conservation — and the access it provides to the natural world — continues across the county for generations to come. Sincerely,
STAFF LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT Chris LaPointe
Land Conservation Vanessa Johnson-Hall, Director
Stewardship, Planning & Technology Abby Hardy-Moss, Vice President Stewardship Field Operations Mike Carbone, Director Development & Community Engagement Rachel Horgan, Director Finance & Operations Joanne Flannery, Director
Chris LaPointe President
Learn more about Greenbelt’s full staff ecga.org/staff
Essex County Greenbelt Cox Reservation Headquarters 82 Eastern Avenue PO Box 1026 Essex, MA 01929 978 768 7241 ecga@ecga.org ecga.org
2
ecga.org/current-projects
CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
LEARN MORE
HAMILTON
133 Essex Street/Chebacco Woods WOODLAND, ACTIVE AGRICULTURE, & TRAIL NETWORK In late July, Greenbelt reached an agreement to purchase and permanently protect 66 acres of ecologically significant land at 133 Essex Street in Hamilton. Adjacent to Chebacco Woods, the property features mature forestland, dramatic rocky outcrops, vernal pools, and prominent working farm - land along Route 22 (Essex Street) and Chebacco Road. It also connects directly to the trails in Chebacco Woods, a popular year-round destination for outdoor recreatio n in the region. Currently the subject of development proposals, this property has long been a focal point for local conservation eff orts, and Greenbelt looks forward to completing this long-awaited project by successfully raising the funds for its purchase by year-end. Protecting this property will increase the total conserved acreage around Chebacco Woods by more than 20%, enhancing this beloved regional resource and the many benefits it provides to the community.
133 Essex Street/Chebacco Woods 66 Acres
BLACK & WHITE WARBLER: GEORGE MCLEAN
WENHAM
Streeter Property FOREST, FARMLAND, & TRAILS
Greenbelt is working to permanently protect roughly 125 acres of forest, farmland, and trails, while also safeguarding a significant public drinking water resource that serves nearly 90,000 people. The Streeter property in Wenham, also known as “Old Farm,” comprises 140 acres, including two existing houses. Greenbelt plans to work with Historic New England to protect the 1689 National Register-listed main home and the surrounding 15 acres with a Historic Preservation Restriction before selling it to a private buyer. Additionally, Greenbelt is exploring options for the sale of the smaller cottage, potentially as an affordable unit. Greenbelt plans to acquire the remaining approximately 125 acres for permanent protection. With funding and project closure anticipated in spring 2026, we look forward to inviting the community to explore this beautiful property.
Streeter Property 125+/- Acres
DAVID ALDEN-ST.PIERRE (2)
STREETER FAMILY PHOTO
3
CONSERVATION MILESTONES
Preserving Vital Farmland 260 ACRES CONSERVED IN 2025 AND COUNTING
Hoyt Farm | MERRIMAC 122 ACRES
Over the past year, Greenbelt has protected significant agricultural acreage throughout the region, securing vital funding for farmland conservation projects, including 260 acres protected this year and more than 440 acres slated for protection in 2026. In June, Greenbelt purchased and protected the 122-acre Hoyt Farm in Merrimac, which will be renamed Silver Brook Farm in honor of its history and the stream running through the property. Greenbelt also helped the Herrick family permanently protect their 138-acre dairy farm in Rowley through an Agricultural Preservation Restriction earlier this year. Building on this momentum, Greenbelt helped secure funding for the protection of the 441-acre Bartlett Farm in Salisbury, one of the largest, multi-generational farms in the region. This project is expected to be completed in 2026. Together, these projects will protect more than 700 acres of irreplaceable farmland, helping to ensure the region’s agricultural economy remains vibrant into the future.
HERRICK FARM ROWLEY 138 ACRES | 2025 HOYT FARM MERRIMAC 122 ACRES | 2025 BARTLETT FARM SALISBURY 441 ACRES | 2026
FARMLAND CONSERVATION TOOLS In addition to purchasing and protecting farmland, Greenbelt also uses Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APRs) and long-term ground leases to keep land permanently available for farming, support local farmers, and ensure agriculture thrives.
4
STEWARDSHIP
Donovan Habitat Restoration IMPROVING GRASSLAND BIRD HABITAT Earlier this year at the John J. Donovan Reservation in Hamilton, Greenbelt’s Stewardship team cleared invasive plants from stonewalls in the upper fields, restoring critical grassland habitat for declining bird species such as bobolinks, meadowlarks, and grass- hopper sparrows. This work not only revitalized the open fields and improved conditions for wildlife, but also highlighted Greenbelt’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and climate-resilient land management.
DeNormandie Woods Conservation Area 330 ACRES OF HABITAT, WATERSHED LAND, AND TRAILS GLOUCESTER AND MANCHESTER
DeNormandie Woods is part of a larger 1,400-acre expanse of protected land preserved over decades spanning Manchester, Gloucester, and Essex. Acquired by Greenbelt in late 2024, this ecologically rich property also contains a network of trails — ranging from gentle carriage paths to more challenging woodland tracks — making DeNormandie Woods an inviting destination for year-round recreation.
“Opportunities to protect such a large expanse of land in this region are increasingly rare, making this project a landmark achievement.” Chris LaPointe, President
New Boardwalk Improves Safety TOMPSON STREET | BRAY STREET ENTRANCE This summer in Gloucester, the Stewardship team rebuilt a 36-foot wooden boardwalk over a stream and wetlands at Tompson Street Reservation. The new boardwalk reinforces a heavily used trail connection, providing safe and reliable access to the property’s broader trail network.
Viburnum Woods 111 ACRES OF FOREST, TRAILS, AND STREAM HABITAT HAVERHILL
Greenbelt celebrated the opening of the Viburnum Woods Conservation Area this June, which includes recently protected Parsonage Hill and a previously land-locked Greenbelt parcel. Conserved in partnership with the City of Haverhill, these woodlands play an important role in preserving water quality in the region. Named for the native mapleleaf viburnums thriving in its understory, this property offers a newly redesigned trail network, perfect for exploration.
5
ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY
The Trails Are Calling: Go-Getter Challenge Gains Momentum THROUGHOUT ESSEX COUNTY
The 2025-2026 Go-Getter Trails Challenge is off to an impressive start! Since its June launch, more than 280 participants — including individuals, couples, families, teams, and even the occasional dog — have registered to explore Greenbelt’s protected properties across the region. From craggy coastlines and quiet woodlands to tran -
quil marshes and windswept meadows, these outdoor enthusiasts are uncovering hidden gems, making unexpected discoveries, and reaping the health benefits of time spent outside. You can be a Go-Getter too! The challenge runs through May 30, 2026, so there’s plenty of time to join the fun — it’s free, open to all, and perfect for every pace. Whether you prefer to hike, bike, run, stroll, snowshoe, or simply wander, the challenge offers the perfect excuse to get outside and explore. Visit 5, 10, even 25 properties and earn your Go-Getter badge — or go for all 50 and claim ultimate bragging rights as a member of the Trailblazer’s Circle!
KATE BOWDITCH
SECRET SQUIRRELS TEAM
280+ Explorers in Trails Challenge
12 Teams and counting
255+ Properties explored so far!
ecga.org/trails-challenge SIGN UP TODAY!
Glow Mural Project BLENDING PUBLIC ART, COMMUNITY SCIENCE, AND HABITAT RESTORATION
In collaboration with Merrimac-based artist Jenn Houle, Green belt installed glow-in-the-dark murals at four of our properties from August through October, creating a unique nighttime art experience. The murals were designed to highlight the impact of light pollution on native pollinators while giving visitors a chance to explore nature after dark in a new and inspiring way. At each site, community members were also invited to use their phones to participate in the Globe at Night community science program, gathering real data on how light pollution affects moths, bats, bees, and other vital species. Following the season’s data collection, each mural site was seeded with native flowering plants in collaboration with The Monarch Gardener, leaving behind lasting pollinator habitat. The murals will rotate to new Greenbelt properties each year, expanding the project across Essex County. This initiative was made possible through a Creative County Initiative grant from the Essex County Community Foundation.
Artist Jenn Houle in her studio with the hand-painted, glow-in-the-dark tiles she displayed at four Greenbelt properties this summer and fall.
6
Greenbelt Business Sponsors
“We are deeply grateful to our donors, volunteers, and business sponsors — your support makes our vital land conservation work possible.” Rachel Horgan, Director of Development & Community Engagement
CORPORATE CONSERVATIONISTS
Greenbelt Hosts GovsPLUS Students for a Day of Fun and Discovery
This July, a curious and enthusiastic group of middle school students from Lawrence visited Greenbelt’s Bailey Reservation in Haverhill for an action-packed day of learning and exploration.
SUPPORTER Advanced Building Analysis Brad Aham, Financial Planner, Highland Financial Group
PARTNER Glovsky & Glovsky Richardson’s Farm
Guided by Greenbelt staff and volunteers, the students took part in a variety of hands-on activities that highlighted biodiversity, water quality, and the often-over - looked life in freshwater habitats. Rick Roth of the Cape Ann Vernal Pools team also captivated the group with his menagerie of live frogs, turtles, snakes, and salaman - ders. The outing concluded with a short hike through Bailey’s woodlands and along Chadwick Pond. GovsPLUS (Powerful Learners Unlocking Success) is a tuition-free academic enrich - ment program hosted by The Governor’s Academy in Byfield for motivated middle school students from Lawrence. Greenbelt first connected with GovsPLUS in 2022 thanks to longtime friend and for - mer Board member Spencer Purinton, a Governor’s Academy Trustee, and has been hosting summer outings ever since.
PROTECTOR Bird Watcher’s Supply and Gift Cape Ann Tree Service, Inc. Citizens Private Bank ALLY Benjamin Nutter Architects Slow River Studio Wild Birds Unlimited, Danvers ADVOCATE Andrew Sidford Architects Donohoe Survey, Inc. Galanis Consulting New England Running Company
PG Trionic, Inc. CONTRIBUTOR Essex River Cruises & Charters Maritime Gloucester Mayflour Munroe Velo Stephen Kozowyk, Photographer
Tour de Greenbelt ROAD & GRAVEL ROUTES
Vineyard Hill Trail Run 5K/10K WOODLAND ROUTES
Monthly Walks COUNTY-WIDE
GRAY SERGI
Greenbelt in Motion! With 50 + Greenbelt events throughout the year, there’s sure to be something for all activity levels! COME JOIN US ecga.org/events
7
PO Box 1026 Essex, MA 01929 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Please Renew Your Mem- bership Today!
Protecting land and nature for you, our communities, and the future
Printed on FSC-certified paper containing 30% post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
“If you have already included Greenbelt in your estate plans, or are considering doing so, please let us know! We would love the opportunity to thank you for your generous commitment to land conservation.”
Your legacy gift to Greenbelt will protect the land you love in perpetuity, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come. It’s as easy as including Greenbelt in your will or naming us as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy. ecga.org/planned-giving
Rachel Horgan Director of Development & Community Engagement rachel@ecga.org
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease