Meet Our High-Flying Hero

Greenbelt has just acquired a cutting-edge addition to our conservation toolkit - the DJI Mavic 3E drone!  This state-of-the-art drone is not your average flyer; it's a powerhouse capable of crafting high-resolution maps and capturing breathtaking aerial footage of our beloved Greenbelt properties.

Our new drone isn't just about stunning visuals. It's a game-changer for how we tackle conservation challenges. From pinpointing encroachments on conserved lands to monitoring climate-related issues like flooding and wildfire damage, the Mavic 3E gives us an unparalleled aerial perspective to safeguard our natural treasures.

And guess what? We're not just winging it. Two of our dedicated staff members are now certified Remote Pilots with a Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meaning they're ready to soar into action and fly our drone commercially.

But here's where you come in! Every family member needs a name, right? We believe our drone deserves one too. Help us christen our newest team member by casting your vote on our shortlist of names or suggesting one of your own. Click the link below and be a part of Greenbelt history!

News and Happenings

Conquer the Trails:  North Shore's Thrilling Trail Run Series!

Race across trails in the North Shore while participating in a heart pounding series of seven trail runs in seven months. Among these adventures awaits the crown jewel: Greenbelt's renowned 5K and 10K runs at the picturesque Vineyard Hill Reservation, nestled between Hamilton and Topsfield, scheduled for August 24.

The course guides participants over the rolling terrain of Vineyard Hill, weaving through Bradley Palmer State Park, tracing parts of the Bay Circuit Trail, and offering sweeping vistas across Greenbelt's iconic Shaw Field. While the trails boast ample space for runners of all paces, conquerors must confront the formidable challenge presented by Vineyard Hill itself!

Registration is now open!

Something is Aflutter at the Cox Reservation

Pollinator news is the latest buzz at Cox Reservation! Thanks to our amazing volunteers and dedicated Stewardship Department, we're gearing up for something truly special this spring.

We've been hard at work preparing the garden beds, all in anticipation of what's to come – a vibrant pollinator paradise! From enticing host plants for butterflies and moths to irresistible blooms for native bees and hummingbirds, every plant has a vital role to play.

Visitors are welcome to Cox Reservation any time of year, and this spring, get ready to witness nature's magic unfold right before your eyes as the gardens burst into a symphony of colors and life.

Calling All Artists!

Do you have a passion for art and conservation?  The 2024 Art in the Barn jury is seeking talented artists to showcase their work in our annual event! Now in its 35th year, Art in the Barn is not just an art show but a celebration of nature's beauty and artistic expression.

From paintings to ceramics, sculptures to pastels, we invite artists of all mediums to apply and share their unique vision with our community.  Your participation not only enriches our event but also contributes to the vital conservation efforts of Greenbelt in Essex County.

Not an artist yourself but love art and Greenbelt? Save the date June 14 and 15 for an unforgettable experience, where all will be welcome to walk the grounds and view incredible art by local artists. All art purchases help to support Greenbelt's conservation mission! 

Submit your application today at ecga.org/artinthebarn and let your creativity flourish in the heart of conservation.  Help us paint a brighter future for Essex County!

Wild Storms Wreak Havoc on Greenbelt Trails

Hold onto your hats, nature lovers! With climate change increasing the intensity of storms, Greenbelt is facing an uptick in damage to beloved properties as a result of severe wind, rain and flooding. 

Donovan Reservation bore the brunt of nature's wrath during a powerful January storm.  The relentless onslaught of torrential rain carved deep gashes into the gravel trails, gouging out channels with sheer force.  In its wake, the landscape bore witness to the staggering loss of material, with tons of earth eroded away, leaving behind gaping scars.

But fear not- Greenbelt's Stewardship Team continues the important work to keep our properties open and maintained for free public use, including the significant restoration of trails at Donovan. Read more about this recent storm, and our response, below:

Introducing Jeannette Miranda

We are thrilled to introduce our newest addition to the team, Jeannette Miranda, as our Conservation Fellow. Jeannette brings a wealth of experience and passion for conservation, having previously served as a Greenbelt GIS Intern. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Geo-Information Science, with graduation expected in May 2024, Jeannette is poised to make significant contributions to Greenbelt.

In her role as Conservation Fellow, Jeannette will spearhead critical projects at the intersection of technology and conservation. Her responsibilities include drafting trail and kiosk maps, digitizing survey plans, and conducting GIS analysis to support our conservation initiatives. With her expertise in database management and project reporting, Jeannette will play a pivotal role in advancing our land conservation efforts. Additionally, she will provide valuable support in training and capacity-building within our GIS team, ensuring that our organization remains at the forefront of conservation technology. We are excited to welcome Jeannette and look forward to the impactful work she will accomplish with us.

Join the Go-Getter Trails Challenge Today!

Explore Essex County’s Greenbelt trails in our exciting Go-Getter Trails Challenge!  With 50 stunning properties awaiting your discovery, there’s adventure around every corner.

Signing up is a breeze – just visit our website, register, and grab your printable tracking form.  Then, start exploring.  Whether you tackle two trails or all fifty, you’re a Go-Getter in our eyes.  You can check out the leaderboard here.

Plus, all participants are honored at our Annual Meeting with special recognition for those who tackle all 50 properties.  There is still time – the challenge ends on May 1, 2024.  Don’t miss out – join the adventure today!

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.