You Can Help Protect Evergreen Farm

We are delighted to announce an exciting new land campaign aimed at safeguarding Evergreen Farm, a cherished piece of land comprising rare wildlife habitat, farmland, and forested uplands. Greenbelt needs to raise $100,000 by May 2024 to complete the funding for this vital conservation effort.

Your donation will make a tangible difference in preserving this precious land. By conserving Evergreen Farm, we will not only protect crucial farmland but also safeguard 18 acres of critical habitat for the endangered Blanding’s Turtle. You can read more about our Evergreen campaign here.

News and Happenings

Gentle Trails Program Launched

Take Greenbelt at your own pace! We're thrilled to announce the launch of a new curated collection of 21 properties with GENTLE TRAILS perfect for those seeking leisurely strolls and breathtaking views. Greenbelt has taken the guesswork out of finding a walk that’s best for gentle exploration. The Gentle Trails collection offers three levels of activity: Gentle Strolls, Easy Walks and Moderate Hikes. Features include short, gently-sloping trails, peaceful viewing platforms and scenic places to rest amidst the beauty of nature. Whether you're embarking on your first outdoor adventure with little ones or simply craving a rejuvenating escape, Greenbelt has something special for everyone. For a comprehensive list of properties offering gentle trails and tranquil vistas, click the button below and start your next outdoor adventure with Greenbelt.

Osprey Camera is Live!

Greenbelt staff headed onto the salt marsh behind LobstaLand Restaurant in Gloucester last week to set up the Osprey webcam for another exciting year of osprey viewing. The webcam, which was first installed at the LobstaLand location in 2018, is a solar powered system that streams wirelessly from 6am to 6pm daily. Annie and Squam, the nesting pair who have inhabited the site for the past several years should be arriving soon—so be on the lookout! Annie typically arrives first and may have to fend off a young suitor or two while she awaits the arrival of her mate, Squam. Learn more about these majestic birds of prey here.

Volunteer at Art in the Barn—Sign Up Open!

Join us as a volunteer and become a part of Greenbelt history when you sign up for a shift at our signature event, Art in the Barn. Now in its 35th year, this fine art exhibit and sale hosts over 150 artists and welcomes hundreds of guests over the course of a few days, with a portion of proceeds supporting Greenbelt's work. Our success depends on our loyal volunteers. Sign up here before May 1, 2024 and receive a free Volunteer T-Shirt!

Gravel Riding Greenbelt Trails 

For bicyclists, it is the road less traveled: getting off paved roads and onto the network of trails, including those on Greenbelt properties, that run through Essex County. Gravel riding has been part of Tour de Greenbelt since 2018, and volunteer Noah Leavitt loves finding those trails and hidden areas. “We have some beautiful quiet roads around the area, but I think that exploration is really what drives me to gravel riding,” said Leavitt. Read more from our discussion on gravel riding with Noah Leavitt here. For information about the May 4th gravel-ride meet up and other gravel rides visit our events website.   

Welcome Kelly

If you’re at a Greenbelt event, say hello to our new Events & Admin Coordinator Kelly Hiselman. 

A longtime nature enthusiast, Kelly joined Greenbelt after serving as a volunteer in the office, on the trails, and at Greenbelt's signature events. She is thrilled to contribute to Greenbelt's mission through community engagement. Kelly loves to experience the natural beauty of Essex County on long walks, often using the GreenbeltGo app to discover new trails. Through Greenbelt, she has a certificate in Wilderness First Aid.

Conserving Paradise: Behind the Scenes with CR Stewardship

Conservation Restrictions (CR) are an important part of Greenbelt’s work to protect Open Space from development. Our Stewardship Department is responsible for the vital role of monitoring CRs on over 10,000 acres across 250 properties in 25 of the 34 cities and towns in Essex County, resulting in hundreds of CR visits each year. These properties range in size from 0.1 acre in Rockport to the 2,100+ acres of Lynn Woods. Assistant Stewardship Director Mike Carbone talks more about this work and its importance.  

Doris Rust, front center, with Mail Crew in 2010

Remembering Doris Rust

Long-time Greenbelt Volunteer, Doris Rust, passed away this month at the age of 100. Part of Greenbelt's "Mail Crew," a dedicated team of volunteers that meet monthly at Cox Reservation to help assemble mail, Doris was a fixture of this incredible crew for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Doris was the wife of the late Howard E. Rust and lived for many years in Annisquam. She loved the outdoors (including ocean swims into her mid-nineties), and actively volunteered at Greenbelt as well as many other organizations, including her local Garden Club.