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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Like many organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wildlands Trust had to rethink its practices for a new world that discouraged people from being together. It was a time when several important projects needed to close quickly, including Sylvester Field, a high-priority land protection project in the town of Hanover.

With an engaged and willing seller, the challenges became all about fundraising. How could we close a $500,000 fundraising gap when we could not visit potential donors? Would people contribute to a project site unseen?

David DeGhetto, a former Wildlands board member and longtime supporter, understood the predicament. With a passion for projects that bring together land and historic preservation objectives, David was drawn to Sylvester Field and offered his assistance. Working with Wildlands, he set up a generous matching fund that established the momentum and enthusiasm required for a local fundraising campaign. The idea of having their gifts matched by the fund compelled over 150 new donors to step forward and provide the support needed to save these important historic fields.

David DeGhetto’s true passion is finding ways to repurpose historic structures slated for demolition, but protecting historic lands is a close second. We celebrate David as a man committed to safeguarding the future by protecting what is truly special about the past.

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