Thank YOU for supporting Greenbelt

As the year comes to end, we would like to give a heartfelt thanks to you and the many supporters, volunteers, community partners, and business sponsors who make the work we do at Greenbelt possible.

With your help, we are conserving local land and working farms throughout Essex County: protecting healthy ecosystems and drinking water, increasing climate resilience, protecting wildlife habitat, and expanding trails and outdoor spaces for all to enjoy—for free!

Thank you for being a part of protecting these local lands.

News and Happenings

Sawmill Brook—Success!

On December 15, Greenbelt and the Town of West Newbury partnered to successfully protect 32 acres of land next to West Newbury’s Mill Pond and Pipestave Hill Conservation Areas. This property is now owned by the Town and will be managed as part of the adjacent conservation areas. In 2024, the Town will grant Greenbelt a Conservation Restriction on the land to satisfy the requirements of the Community Preservation Act. Conserving this land expands the existing trail systems, protects the water quality of Mill Pond, and preserves wildlife habitat, wetlands, and upland forests.

Thank you to the West Newbury residents who voted in support of this project, and to all who contributed to conserving Sawmill Brook!

Greenbelt featured in The Nature Conservancy's Year in Review

The Nature Conservancy's Massachusetts 2023 Year in Review features Greenbelt for our commitment to utilizing the most cutting-edge data in our work, including the new BioMap data produced by TNC and MassWildlife. Greenbelt's Conservation Prioritization Project and the recently closed Crystal Lake Watershed project were featured by TNC as leading examples of ways in which organizations can use BioMap data to achieve strategic conservation goals.

Check it out on page 6 of the Year in Review.

Greenbelt is Growing!

Have you always wanted to work in Conservation? Join us at Greenbelt, your local land trust! The Development and Community Engagement department is currently accepting applications for an Events & Administrative Coordinator. This is a full-time position, based at Cox Reservation in Essex, though responsibilities include working at events throughout the county.

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. Join us!

Join us for the 2024 Film & Lecture Series!

From interactive storytelling of Abenaki Animal People, to the instinctual migration of monarch butterflies, the 2024 Film & Lecture Series offers plenty to learn and explore through this year’s theme: Wildlife Wonders. The series includes four thought-provoking events starting January 17. All events are FREE, but registration is required.

Welcome to Lynnfield Woodlot

Earlier this month, the Stewardship team installed the sign at Lynnfield Woodlot, officially welcoming visitors to one of Greenbelt’s newer properties, and our first in the Town of Lynnfield. Visitors will find an inviting new parking area at the start of a new loop trail. This Greenbelt trail also offers a connection to the Lynnfield Center Water District’s Willis Woods, over 500 acres of protected space.

Keep an eye out for more maps and a new kiosk to come!

Taking a Hike at Tompson Street

Pups and their people got together at Tompson Street Reservation on December 10 for Greenbelt’s Mutt Strut. Volunteer Ann Mahoney led the group for a fantastic hike through the Reservation and up to Eagle Rock. Even with a few minutes of rain to wrap up the event, tails were wagging and a good time was had by all!

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.