Susan Caron
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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For about the entire half-century of Wildlands’ operation, the Town of Marshfield has been a leader in locally driven land preservation. Since 2005, two extraordinary town volunteers have maintained that distinguished history: Susan Caron and the late Karen O’Donnell.
Susan and Karen alternated stints as Chair of the Open Space Committee, with Susan serving from 2005 to 2011 and 2021 to the present. Karen assumed the Chair in 2011 and served until 2021, when health issues forced her to step down. She continued to serve on the committee until her untimely passing in the fall of 2022.
Under Susan and Karen’s leadership, the Marshfield Open Space Committee has completed dozens of projects, preserving a wide array of landscapes and habitats across a town that includes extensive coastline, much of the North and South River corridors, and hilly upland terrain. The Town placed Conservation Restrictions with Wildlands Trust on each acquired property.
Karen O’Donnell
Wildlands has relied heavily on Susan and Karen’s guidance and local knowledge. Beyond their project and procedural expertise, they have been a joy to work with—always maintaining good humor in the face of whatever challenges or deadlines arise. Every community in Wildlands’ service area should be so fortunate to have dedicated volunteers like Susan and Karen.
Purchase 50 Remarkable Years, 50 Remarkable People today: wildlandstrust.org/shop50