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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“He would be very pleased to see the Wildlands Trust of today,” says Rusty Briggs about his late father and longtime Wildlands Trust board member, Lebaron R. Briggs III. 

A consummate executive, Lebaron spent his free time roaming his beautiful land in South Plymouth and masterminding its protection. He stands apart as a man with a plan for his land.  

Today, Halfway Pond Conservation Area is a rare ecological gem, complete with pine barrens, wetlands, mixed-oak forests, and beautiful pond shoreline. Rare plants and wildlife abound. The property was protected through Lebaron’s extraordinary planning and leadership, which inspired his children and others to donate more land to this magnificent preserve. Halfway Pond Conservation Area stands apart as the largest and most ecologically significant parcel in the Wildlands portfolio. 

Lebaron’s children, Peggy and Rusty (pictured above), and extended family are still intimately involved with Wildlands Trust. The Briggs family legacy around land conservation will live on for generations and continue to inspire the work we do. 

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