Congratulations, Cathy and Rachel!

It was more than 23 years ago that Cathy Coffin Lanois knocked on the old front door of the Allyn Cox house to inquire about volunteering for her local land trust. Today, we are wishing Cathy the very best as we congratulate her on her retirement from Greenbelt. Cathy has been a knowledgeable and effective leader of the Development and Community Engagement department, making it possible to fund the important work we do. While we can’t begin to describe all that she has done in her time with Greenbelt, we are grateful that Cathy has been an integral part of forever-protecting more than 9,000 acres of land. We will miss you, Cathy!

As Cathy steps down, we are thrilled to share that Rachel Horgan has accepted the position of Director of Development and Community Engagement. From her previous role of Assistant Director, Rachel brings extensive experience working with Greenbelt supporters through expanding membership, building community partnerships, and data-driven outreach and engagement in all parts of the County. We are so excited to have Rachel join the leadership team at Greenbelt.

News and Happenings

Hunting Season Safety—Wear your Blaze! 

With crisp air and fall colors at their best, it’s a beautiful time of year to be outside. Remember, it’s also hunting season here in Essex County. When you’re out on the trails, please put safety first. We encourage you, and your four-legged friends, to wear blaze-orange or other bright colors until deer-hunting season ends on December 31.

History & Cultures of the Great Marsh

On October 23, the Museum of Old Newbury hosted History & Cultures of the Great Marsh at The Governor’s Academy in Byfield. The conference, co-sponsored by Greenbelt, offered a day of learning and exploration for partner organizations and community members. A variety of engaging topics covered the diverse history and heritage of the Great Marsh, along with afternoon field-studies, and a tour of the new Alfond Coastal Research Center.

Poetry, Inspired by the Natural World

Led by January Gill O'Neil and Dawn Paul, over a dozen aspiring poets (and at least one professional guest poet!) met to draw inspiration from the Great Marsh on Saturday, October 7, at a Greenbelt-conserved property in Rowley. Participants practiced their skills through a series of prompts and quiet writing intervals, with time for reflection and observation in the idyllic setting. The expert facilitators gave everyone the opportunity to share, and provided constructive feedback to each person. Click below to read The Salem News interview with the poets!

We're Hiring!

If you love the outdoors and want to help protect the natural lands of Essex County, come join our team! Greenbelt is currently accepting applications for two full-time positions: Land Protection Specialist, working with the Land Conservation division; and Development Manager, working with the Development and Community Engagement department. These opportunities are based out of the headquarters at Cox Reservation in Essex.

Greenbelt seeks a diverse pool of candidates. In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, we aim to create an inclusive, equitable workplace where everyone is valued.

Remembering Joanne Patton

We are saddened by the passing of Joanne Patton. Joanne and her husband Major General George Patton IV were longtime residents of Hamilton, owning land known as Green Meadows Farm and Vineyard Hill along the Ipswich River. Joanne and George Patton were keenly interested in land conservation, and donated their first parcel of land to Greenbelt in 1975. Over the next 40+ years they donated additional parcels and placed conservation restrictions on others, totaling well over 100 acres. In 2019, the Patton family agreed to convey their entire 150+ acre property, Green Meadows Farm and Vineyard Hill, to Greenbelt, a lasting legacy for Joanne, George and the entire Patton family.

There's always a lot going on at Greenbelt! If you're interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, join our monthly Volunteer E-Newsletter list.