Taking to the Skies for Local Conservation 

Earlier this month, Vanessa Johnson-Hall, Director of Land Conservation, joined DCR Land Protection Specialists for a flight hosted by LightHawk, an organization of volunteer pilots who donate their expertise, time, aircraft, and fuel to contribute to important conservation efforts. Pilot Kurt Fischer flew the group over many parts of Essex County, including the Great Marsh, and the 2,200 acres of land that make up Lynn Woods.

Thank you to Kurt and to LightHawk for making this possible!

News and Happenings

Go-Getters, Going Strong!

Many of you have been enthusiastically exploring trails throughout the county as part of Greenbelt’s Go-Getter Challenge; some of you have visited 50 properties already, congratulations! Go-Getter Dick Snellgrove, who recently completed his 50^th hike, shares, “It has been a lot of fun and definitely a challenge. Twenty-six of the properties were new to me so now I have many more opportunities for pleasant hiking.”

If you have not had a chance to join the Go-Getter Challenge, there’s still time! Visit as many Greenbelt properties as you can between now and May 1. Whether you visit 10 or all 50, you’re a Go-Getter!

For more information and to register, please click below. We’ll see you on the trails!

So Much to Learn about Spooky Animals!

On November 19, explorers of all ages came together at Vineyard Hill Reservation in Hamilton to learn about the spooky wildlife of the woods. As part of Greenbelt’s Family Nature Series, Andrew Prazar of North Shore Nature Programs covered it all—from the creatures creeping under logs, to the bats and owls up above. We are looking forward to even more Family Nature Series events in 2024!

EBSCO Volunteers Tackling Invasives

EBSCO employees joined us for a Corporate Conservationist workday to help in the effort to remove invasive Glossy Buckthorn at the Echo and Elizabeth How Reservations in Ipswich. Two hardworking crews cut back mature plants, removed new shoots, and hauled brush away from the trail—all while having a great time together! Thank you, EBSCO, for your excellent work, and for your commitment to Greenbelt.

For more information about becoming a Corporate Conservationist, please contact Rachel Horgan.

Give the Gift of Membership

This holiday season share your love of the outdoors by gifting a Greenbelt membership. As a member-supported organization, your gift supports the work Greenbelt does to protect local land, while connecting you and your loved ones to beautiful natural spaces and outdoor adventures. A gift membership includes a Greenbelt Guidebook with maps and descriptions of some of the best trails in the area.

Remembering Ben Staples

We are saddened by the passing of a longtime friend of Greenbelt, Ben Staples of Ipswich. Ben’s captivating photography has been a popular part of Greenbelt’s annual Art in the Barn event for more than a decade. You’ve likely heard his music at many Greenbelt events, and throughout the North Shore, with his band Labor In Vain. Ben was a Master Arborist, with a dedication to nature and its preservation.

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.