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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The 165-acre Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke is among the most diverse natural areas in Southeastern Massachusetts. The property is exceptionally productive for wildlife, thanks in part to its conservation of a freshwater tidal marsh, a habitat of state and global significance. The opportunity to protect this land was presented to Wildlands Trust in 1995 by beloved South Shore philanthropists Herb and Paulie Emilson.

“Our philanthropy was always about helping people, and one day Paulie said she wanted to do something for the environment,” Herb recalls. “We wanted to do something special.”

They did just that. The Emilsons contributed the necessary funds not only to secure Willow Brook Farm, but also to establish it as one of the most important passive recreation sites in Wildlands’ portfolio. Now, the preserve hosts upwards of 20,000 visitors a year. After the Willow Brook project, the Emilsons’ interest in land protection only continued to grow, resulting in contributions that helped protect other iconic parcels.

Driven by a passion for helping their community, Herb and Paulie Emilson are giants of South Shore philanthropy. Their generosity has built hospital wings, art centers, YMCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs. It has also helped dozens of organizations, including Wildlands Trust, accomplish their missions.

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