Read below for an essay excerpted from 50 Remarkable Years, 50 Remarkable People, Wildlands’ 50th anniversary book honoring the partners and volunteers who have made remarkable contributions to land conservation in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Read “The Next Remarkable Chapter,” our series introduction by President Karen Grey.

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In 2012, Wildlands Trust protected and restored a 250-acre urban open space with 4.3 miles of nature trails in Brockton, the largest city in our region. Today, as part of our commitment to providing access to nature for all people, Wildlands carries a full suite of programs and services specifically designed to support this environmental justice community that falls near the bottom of state rankings for open space.  

At first, building relationships with local schools and learning to navigate Brockton politics was a daunting task. So when two prominent city leaders stepped forward to help us find our way, we felt grateful and relieved. These kind faces were Joyce Voorhis and Mary Waldron. 

Some of our earliest work in Brockton was with the public high school, where Joyce Voorhis, the science department chair, paved the way for Wildlands Trust to coach the school's Envirothon team. Over the past eight years, the Brockton team has earned some impressive accolades, including first prize for their current issue project in 2018. Joyce and her Wildlands Trust collaborators were recognized with the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education in both 2017 and 2019.  

Mary Waldron knows and loves her city. She abounds with enthusiasm for anything that might create a better future for the people of Brockton. As Executive Director of the Old Colony Planning Council, Mary has advocated for incorporating open space objectives in city planning. She has made important introductions for Wildlands Trust and has generously shared her long contact list with us as we lead a project to restore the beloved 800-acre D.W. Field Park, Brockton’s most important open space asset. 

Purchase 50 Remarkable Years, 50 Remarkable People today: wildlandstrust.org/shop50