Marilynn Atterbury exudes positive energy wherever she goes. As quick to laugh and compliment those around her as she is to roll up her sleeves and get to work, she is valued for her welcoming presence and tireless efforts to support and beautify all things Wildlands. Marilynn wears a variety of hats at Wildlands Trust, filling positions as member of the Board, chair of both the Stewardship Committee, member of the Barn committee, Adopt-a-Preserve volunteer, Trailblazer, and she’s one of Davis-Douglas Farm’s primary gardeners. And, while this makes for a very full plate, Marilynn loves every bit of it! She says she is “passionate about taking care of Davis-Douglas Farm in all capacities,” and she makes every effort to do just that! She has been instrumental in the creation and maintenance of both the pollinator and native species foundation gardens on the property, and planned and planted a new wildflower meadow in front of Wildlands’ office. In addition to her contributions to Wildlands’ headquarters, Marilynn also spends a lot of time at her favorite place, Shifting Lots Preserve, for which she is the Adopt-a-Preserve volunteer. She derives great joy from helping to care for the preserve and contribute to the protection of its threatened plovers. She views Wildlands’ ability to connect individuals and the community with nature and conservation as one of its most important roles.
Marilynn spent 35 years in Maryland, fulfilling a passion for breeding and raising champion Thoroughbred horses for the Show Hunter ring, before returning home to Massachusetts and joining the Wildlands community. In addition to her involvement with Wildlands Trust, Marilynn is also on the Membership Committee for the Herring Ponds Watershed Association and is an active member of the Friends of Halfway Pond hiking group. She loves gardening, has a talent for making natural wreaths and decorative arrangements, and enjoys kayaking on the pond near her Plymouth home.