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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Many nonprofits assess potential board members by the depth of their pockets and the size of their Rolodex. However, Wildlands Trust considers first and foremost how a person’s experience will add a new skill or perspective to the board conversation. Our board thrives as a mixed table of farmers, accountants, biologists, lawyers, foresters, and entrepreneurs, all bound by a commitment to protecting land.  

For the past three decades, the task of managing this diverse group has fallen on the capable shoulders of the three most recent board chairs of Wildlands Trust, Sam Chapin, Howard Randall, and Doug Hart (to be featured later in this series). Yet the vast contributions of these individuals go far beyond encouraging all to speak and ensuring all are heard. 

Born and raised in Southeastern Massachusetts, Howard Randall’s connections with landowners are unsurpassed. A community leader and true champion of land protection, Howard made it his personal mission to introduce Wildlands to any and every person with important land holdings. Brockton Audubon Preserve, Great River Preserve, the Cortelli Preserves, and Striar Conservancy are just a few of the signature land protection projects that he brought to Wildlands Trust. Howard’s relationships and commitment have led to the protection of thousands of acres of invaluable land across the region. 

Sam Chapin spent his boyhood summers on the shores of Plymouth’s Lond Pond, where he lives today and where his extended family still gathers each summer. Sam, a career engineer, drove efforts to purchase Davis-Douglas Farm and establish it as the Trust’s new headquarters. As chair of the two working subcommittees focused on fundraising and construction, Sam’s leadership of the Davis-Douglas Farm campaign opened one of the most important chapters in the evolution of Wildlands Trust. Sam serves as our current board chair.

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