Welcome, Rebecca!

Wildlands kicked off 2025 with a new addition to our team! Join us in welcoming Rebecca Cushing (she/her), one of two full-time Land Stewards coming aboard this winter. (Stay tuned for the introduction of our second Land Steward, set to start in February!) Get to know Rebecca in the bio below, and be sure to say hello when you see her on the trails!

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What do art education and land stewardship have in common? More than you might think, as evidenced by Rebecca Cushing’s full-circle journey to Wildlands Trust. 

Raised in Plymouth by parents from inner-city Boston, Rebecca grew up with a “casual” love for nature. It was a different passion she pursued in college, studying art, secondary education, and art history at Bridgewater State University. After graduating, Rebecca moved to Georgia, where she taught elementary school art for one-and-a-half years. But the stunning salt marshes and ancient live oaks of the Georgia coast had other plans for Rebecca, capturing her heart and sending her down an exciting (albeit hotter and buggier) new path. Rebecca returned to school, earning a second bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in coastal ecology and minor in environmental science from the College of Coastal Georgia. Equipped with new ecological knowledge and skills, Rebecca joined St. Simons Land Trust in 2022 as a land steward technician. Her background in art and education came into play early and often. 

“As a creative person, you rely on your skills of observation,” Rebecca said. “You have to slow down, pay attention to details, be curious about what’s around you, and share that appreciation with others. It’s the same in conservation, when you’re trying to empower communities to take care of their natural lands.” 

Rebecca joined Wildlands in early 2025 to apply what she has learned to the ecosystems that backdropped her youth. As a Land Steward, she spends most of her time outdoors, monitoring and maintaining Wildlands’ protected areas. Rebecca is excited to serve people as much as nature, promoting public access, volunteerism, and education so future generations can have trails, views, and wildlife to enjoy. She moved back to Plymouth to be close to her family, including her young nieces and nephew. In addition to exploring local preserves with these budding naturalists, Rebecca enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and running. She also continues her artistic practice of block printing and painting, always inspired by the natural world. View her amazing work here. 

2024 Wildlands Highlights: A Year to Remember

Staff holiday hike at Stewart/Person Preserve in Kingston. From left: Tess Goldmann, Amy Burt, Zoë Smiarowski, Russell Keirstead, and Paul Gallerani.

By Thomas Patti, Communications Coordinator

As a small, ambitious organization with a big, never-ending job, we at Wildlands Trust often forget to pause and reflect on our progress and accomplishments. The online support of the Wildlands community offers a welcome reminder of the far-reaching impact of our work. Your engagement with our website and social media accounts proved that 2024 was a year to remember at Wildlands. Read on to revisit the stories that excited, inspired, and informed you this year.

On behalf of all of us at Wildlands, thank you for another great year of protecting, stewarding, and connecting the lands and waters that sustain our local and regional communities. Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply liked and shared our posts, we couldn’t do it without you.

Top news articles of 2024

The following Wildlands news articles received the most views this year. To receive stories like these directly in your inbox, sign up for our monthly E-News here.

1. Partnership Creates Public Preserve in Bridgewater 

Photo by Jerry Monkman.

Read the article here.  

In October, a public ceremony marked the opening of Wyman North Fork Conservation Area in Bridgewater, 96 acres of permanently protected land with over a half-mile of frontage on the Taunton River. The assemblage may be new, but its constituent parts—Wildlands’ North Fork Preserve and the Town of Bridgewater’s Wyman Meadow Conservation Area—have long, intertwining histories. Read more about the creative partnership that made the project possible, 25 years after the land’s protection. 

2. Human History of Wildlands: Shifting Lots Preserve 

Photo courtesy of Roger Janson, via Friends of Ellisville Marsh.

Read the article here. 

In February, Wildlands Key Volunteer Skip Stuck delivered the first entry in an ongoing series called “Human History of Wildlands,” in which we recount the rich and varied cultural pasts of Wildlands’ most cherished preserves. In his fascinating debut article, Skip traces the history of Shifting Lots Preserve in Plymouth, from its Indigenous legacy and agricultural heritage to its modern-day protection and restoration. 

"Human History of Wildlands” has continued with great success, including captivating histories of Great Neck Conservation Area in Wareham; Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke; Stewart/Person Preserve in Kingston; Tucker Preserve and the Indian Head River Trail in Pembroke, Hanson, and Hanover; Crystal Spring Preserve in Plainville; and Halfway Pond Conservation Area in Plymouth. Read them all here. 

3. Wildlands Bids Farewell to Erik Boyer, Max Phelps 

Read the article here. 

As in any ecosystem, change is constant at Wildlands. This summer, two staff departures left big hiking boots to fill in our regional conservation community: Director of Stewardship Erik Boyer and Programming Coordinator Max Phelps. Read more about both of their impactful careers at Wildlands. 

We also welcomed new bright minds and friendly faces to our team. Amy Burt started as our new Programming Coordinator in August. Two Land Stewards are joining us in the new year. Stay tuned! 

4. Remembering Malcolm MacGregor 

Photo by Drew Lederman.

Read the article here. 

Wildlands said goodbye this year to our dear friend and colleague, “Trail Guy” Malcolm MacGregor, who died in May at 81 years old. We are still grieving his loss and fondly remembering his warm presence, impactful work, and legendary hikes. Revisit our tribute to Malcolm in the article above. 

5. Wildlands Raises Over $71,000 for Willow Brook Farm 

Photo by Rob MacDonald.

Read the article here. 

In September, we shared the uplifting news that Wildlands raised nearly $72,000 in public donations to upgrade Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke, far surpassing our campaign goal. Our preserve improvement project, which includes replacing and repairing boardwalks, removing invasive plants, repairing the parking lot, improving trail signage, and building covered picnic tables, is well underway, so stay tuned for updates! Thank you to all who helped make 2024 the year we secured the future of this beloved natural sanctuary. 

6. Hartwell Family Preserve Donated in Pembroke 

Read the article here. 

In 2024, we celebrated the addition of the Hartwell Family Preserve to Wildlands’ ever-growing land portfolio. We extend our deep gratitude to Belle and Michael Barnes, who donated this 7.9-acre Pembroke woodland to Wildlands Trust in honor of Belle’s mother, Thelma Hartwell. Read more about the outsized ecological significance of our new preserve. 

Top social posts of 2024

The Wildlands community showed its support on social media, as well, resulting in nearly 1,000 new followers this year across Facebook and Instagram (@wildlandstrust). The most liked, commented, and shared posts of 2024 reflect the projects and updates that resonated with you this year. Click on the images below to view the full posts.

Rachel Bruce appointed to MLTC board

Willow Brook Farm planter box fundraiser

CZM grant in Plymouth, Duxbury, Kingston Bay

50 Remarkable Years, 50 Remarkable People

Willow Brook Farm volunteers

2024 Spring Open House

VolunTuesdays

D.W. Field Park Master Plan completed

Wildlands Maps on Avenza App

Give a Hoot About the Park - D.W. Field Park, Brockton

D.W. Field Park in Brockton Expands by 30 Acres

On to 2025! Thank you for your continued support as we work to protect more of the places you love.

Leadership Council Fall Supper: Chowder, Oysters, and Gratitude

Wildlands President Karen Grey addresses the Leadership Council at this year’s fall supper.

On October 26, members of Wildlands Trust’s Leadership Council gathered at Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth for our annual fall supper, where we thank those who provide higher-level donor support for our mission of regional land conservation. 

On the gorgeous fall evening, about 80 generous individuals were treated to clam chowder, fresh oysters, wine, assorted desserts, and, most importantly, the camaraderie and good cheer of Southeastern Massachusetts’ most ardent conservation supporters. Wildlands board member and key volunteer Marilynn Atterbury crafted flower arrangements and other stunning decorations for the event, turning the Community Conservation Barn into a cozy yet elegant autumnal venue. 

Wildlands key volunteer Marilynn Atterbury crafted flowers and other decorations for the event.

Before dinner, Wildlands Trust board chair Sam Chapin addressed the Leadership Council, expressing deep gratitude for their generosity while looking ahead to a promising future made possible by their support. 

“The annual Leadership Council dinner is a wonderful opportunity to thank our donors for their support,” Chapin said. “The oysters, chowder, and company were all great!  I was particularly pleased to speak with a number of new people at this year's event.” 

Wildlands board chair Sam Chapin delivers remarks to the Leadership Council.

Later in the evening, Wildlands President Karen Grey recognized members of the Leadership Council who made remarkable contributions to our mission this year. In true Wildlands fashion, she gifted these high-impact individuals with hammers, so they can carry on their hard work. 

The fall supper is one of two annual events that Wildlands Trust holds to honor the Leadership Council, the other being a preserve tour each spring. 

Karen Grey awards an honorary hammer at the Leadership Council fall supper.

We hope you will join this special community! To learn more, visit wildlandstrust.org/leadership-council or contact Donor Relations Manager Sue Chamberlain at schamberlain@wildlandstrust.com or 774-343-5121 x114. 

Hunting Season Safety

Updated: October 2024

Hunting season is back upon us this fall in Massachusetts! Wildlands Trust has four properties that permit hunting during this time:

• Great River Preserve, Bridgewater

• South Triangle Pond Conservation Area, Plymouth

• Striar Conservancy, Halifax

• Barnes Rymut Preserve, Halifax

Hunting is prohibited on all other Wildlands Trust properties.

Still, boundaries can be confusing and hunters sometimes cross into prohibited areas unknowingly. Please be mindful when you are out in the woods this year, wherever it is that you like to hike, run, or ride. The best way to protect yourself is to wear blaze orange like our staff does!

While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, Mass Wildlife recommends that all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting season wear blaze orange clothing as a precaution, and that pets wear an orange vest or bandana for visibility.

You can learn more at mass.gov/topics/hunting.

Have a great fall, and stay safe!

Meet Wildlands' Volunteer Hike Leaders

If you’ve ever joined Wildlands for a guided hike, chances are you were met with the smiling face of a volunteer. Wildlands relies on friendly, knowledgeable, and trained volunteers in the communities we serve to connect new audiences with the lands we protect.

After a successful volunteer hike leader training series last winter, there are several new guides you might encounter on your next Wildlands hike. Read on to get to know all of our volunteer hike leaders. Thank you, volunteers, for the time and passion you lend to our mission!

If you would like to support Wildlands programming, please email events@wildlandstrust.org.

Janine Anderson

(She/her)

Home: Pembroke 
Programs I lead: Guided hikes (mostly sweeping), Adopt-a-Preserve (Willow Brook Farm; Pudding Hill Reservation; Tucker Preserve, including Rocky Run, Ludden’s, etc.), anything involving trail building/maintaining.
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Trail building (have worked on/maintained Cross Vermont Trail for past 6 years on vacations), camping, getting young people outdoors via Girl Scouts, certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor guide and ANFT Forest Therapy Guide, certified to use a chainsaw (it's a thing!), and Pembroke Farmers Market. I love being outdoors. I also have a full-time job in the financial services world. 
Why Wildlands? When going through my divorce, I joined several Wildlands hikes, especially the "Hike & Hops."  I mentioned that Tucker didn't feel safe as a single woman walking alone (it wasn't marked well at the time) and was told that I could volunteer to help "blaze" it for better navigation. I became a member, attended volunteer trail work parties (love!), and got hooked. That property is now on my regular rotation, so it is a safe place for others. My next goal is to lead more hikes for young people and families so we can all get back to nature and slow down a little—at least briefly. Wildlands is an amazing, inclusive, supportive organization that truly cares for outdoor spaces. 

Mike Arsenault (he/him) 

Home: Marshfield 
Programs I lead: Over the years I have led/swept many hikes at Hoyt-Hall Preserve and the other Marshfield properties. I also volunteer for the Marshfield Recreational Trail Committee. 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Being outdoors is what I enjoy: hiking, fishing, photography, sports, and just plain sitting.  
Why Wildlands? Hoyt-Hall Preserve is my base; this is where my involvement with Wildlands began, helping to create and maintain it. 

Ann Chadwick-Dias (she/her) 

Home: Originally from West Bridgewater but have lived in Carver for over 34 years 
Programs I lead: Guided hikes (mostly sweeping), Adopt-a-Preserve (Halfway Pond Conservation Area), anything Wildlands asks me to do! 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Hiking, biking, paddling, birds, and overall conversation and protection of wetlands. I sit on the Carver Conservation Commission. 
Why Wildlands? Steve and I used to hike at Halfway Pond and noticed the Wildlands Trust signs. We were first met by Wildlands team members Erik and Marilynn to "Adopt a Preserve." We became members, and then we started doing hikes with Malcolm MacGregor, who we miss and remember every time we step onto any trail in Plymouth. Then, we just started doing volunteer work events and other engaging programs at Wildlands Trust. We've been volunteering for 3-4+ years now and we love everything Wildlands does. It's an awesome way to contribute to the community and volunteer for an organization that is growing rapidly, overseeing conservation properties in 57 (and counting) South Shore communities. 

Justin Cifello

(He/him)

Home: Grew up in Middleborough and Wareham, and now live in Bourne.

Programs I lead: Walks about plants and natural history, as well as invasive species removal and trail-building projects.

Outdoor interests & hobbies: I'm interested in all things nature, especially native plants, insects, and their intersection with human history and culture. I'm also an organic farmer.

Why Wildlands? I was first introduced to Wildlands through my workplace at Bay End Farm, which has land in conservation through the Trust. Wildlands is appealing to me because they serve the whole of Southeastern Massachusetts and have a diverse array of properties, programs, and personnel. As an avid hiker always on the hunt for a new place, Wildlands is a great local resource.

Stephen Dias

(He/him)

Home: Originally from West Bridgewater. Live in East Bridgewater. But, I love hiking and the history in Plymouth.  
Programs I lead: Guided hikes (Halfway Pond Conservation Area, Indian Head River Trail, Tucker Preserve, and others), Adopt-a-Preserve (Great River Preserve and Striar Conservancy), and will be adding more this year.  
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Hiking, running, biking, birds, and conservation. History of all things, particularly military and geopolitical History. I pick up trash twice a week along a very busy road. Overall interested in environmental protection. 
Why Wildlands? When I stopped working full-time as a UPS driver, I really wanted to stay active and physically fit. I started hiking Wildlands properties, “adopted” a few preserves, and then started doing work projects. Volunteering with Wildlands Trust is just a win/win: being outside in nature, contributing to my community, and working with an awesome team of people. 

Betsy Hall

(Any and all pronouns)

Home: Plymouth 
Programs I lead: Mindful Meditation, Full Moon Hikes, trail hikes. I am also an Adopt-a-Preserve monitor for Halfway Pond Conservation Area.
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Wildlife, plants, people 
Why volunteer? Because I enjoy hiking with others, introducing people to meditation nature hiking, and encouraging people to support Wildlands Trust. 

Jessamyn Kennedy

(She/her)

Home: I live in Onset, MA; originally from Hudson, MA.
Programs I lead: I lead hikes with Wildlands such as the Lady Slipper Stroll, some Hike & Hops, and other general hikes.  
Outdoor interests & hobbies: I enjoy studying edible plants and native flora and fauna, plus how ecosystems function and how they all relate.  
Why Wildlands? I volunteer with Wildlands because I love the properties. I got involved because I used to run at Great Neck Preserve three times per week and would report trail issues through Instagram before I realized I could volunteer. I love what Wildlands does and believe strongly in the importance of conservation and wild spaces. 

Debbie Leavitt

(She/her)

Home: Plymouth; I grew up in Avon. 
Programs I lead: Leading and sweeping guided hikes. I also monitor South Triangle Pond Conservation Area as my “adopted” preserve.  I am also interested in other volunteer opportunities with the Trust. 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Hiking, biking, kayaking, camping (backwoods and campsites), skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowshoeing, winter hiking, yoga, meditation, and reading. 
Why Wildlands? I was nicknamed "the outdoor kid" by my mom growing up.  At my job, I was nicknamed "nature girl" because I would go outside in any weather. I have always found such happiness and peace outdoors. When I heard about Wildlands Trust from a friend and looked into all that Wildlands does, I knew that I wanted to get involved. I love all the other programs that Wildlands Trust offers: the lecture about bats, the stargazing during the winter... So many wonderful opportunities to learn. Wildlands Trust is an ever-growing and amazing organization.   

Rob MacDonald

(He/him)

Home: Hanson; originally from Randolph 
Programs I lead: Guided hikes 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Wildlife, plants, natural history, cultural history, photography 
Why Wildlands? I began volunteering with Wildlands Trust around 1999 and saw it as a means of contributing to the protection and care of our local wild spaces. 

Dan Murphy

(He/him)

Home: Brockton 
Programs I look forward to leading: Night hikes, leaf peeping, family events 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Backyard birds, walks in the woods, geocaching 
Why Wildlands? I love being outdoors, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Wildlands Trust manages Brockton's Stone Farm Conservation Area adjacent to my home, and I got involved first in the Adopt-a-Preserve program to help out there, and recently jumped into the hike leader program.  

Skip Stuck

(He/him)

Home: Sagamore Beach 
Programs I lead: Full Moon Hikes, Hike & Hops, kids’ hikes, nature hikes 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Local history 
Why Wildlands? I've been volunteering since I retired 9 years ago. I love virtually everything the Trust does, and they encourage me to do virtually everything I want to do. 

Paul Vicino (he/him)

Home:  Born and raised in Wareham, but I have called Halifax my home since 2018.
Programs I lead: I enjoy talking about the history of places I hike if known, night/full moon hikes, big gathering hikes, and themed hikes, like a Halloween hike—this is my third year leading one at Striar Conservancy. I am also an Adopt-a-Preserve volunteer at several properties and often visit properties where I am not an active steward and do work there. I also help out whenever asked if I am available.
Outdoor interests & hobbies: I enjoy playing outside and do all my cardio outdoors—hiking/walking, backpacking/camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and kayaking. I go to the gym and enjoy reading and watching movies.
Why Wildlands? I became a volunteer about 4.5 years ago because I was already hiking Wildlands’ properties and I wanted to give back. Now hiking and trail work have become my jam. I do trail work as I hike. I arrange trail days with Wildlands and other organizations for my co-workers. My daughters do their community service hours that are required for high school graduation by joining me on my trail work days. I enjoy sharing the trails I love by leading and sweeping on Wildlands hikes. Open space is important for a healthy community, and helping to maintain and expand it is my way of giving back. We are lucky to live in a place with so many great places to hike and explore, and I love to explore.

Brian Vigorito (he/him) 

Home: Pembroke 
Programs I lead: Mostly birding and naturalist walks. I am also the president of the South Shore Bird Club. 
Outdoor interests & hobbies: Birds, mammals, nature photography 
Why Wildlands? The Wildlands properties near my home helped spark my interest in nature, and I believe strongly in the importance of conserving land locally.