What’s New at Wildlands
Leadership Council Unites Over Nature, Hope, Chowder at Fall Supper
Wildlands President Karen Grey addresses the Leadership Council at the 2025 fall supper.
By Thomas Patti, Communications Coordinator
In late October, nearly 100 of Southeastern Massachusetts’ most influential conservation champions gathered at Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth to celebrate the work Wildlands Trust has accomplished in the past year. Wildlands hosts the Leadership Council fall supper each year to thank and unite the generous individuals who provide upper-level donor support to our mission.
It was a gorgeous autumn evening for the event. Under a tent outside the Community Conservation Barn, Leadership Council members were treated to an artisan charcuterie board, a raw oyster bar hosted by Island Creek Oysters, wine and beer from Pioppi’s Package Store, and handcrafted chocolates donated by Stuzzi Café & Sweet Shop. Inside the barn, attendees were served clam and corn chowder, and for dessert, apple and pumpkin pie. Each attendee also received a gift bag of fresh cranberries donated by the Gilmore Cranberry Company, along with a Wildlands Trust ceramic coaster.
Leadership Council members enjoy the charcuterie board at the fall supper.
Yet the highlight of the evening was neither the food tasted nor gifts bestowed, but the stories told and the company shared. Two guest speakers, invited and introduced by Wildlands President Karen Grey, commended Wildlands’ unassuming yet vital work at a critical moment in local and global environmental history.
“It is an honor of my job to know so many of you and to understand the different ways each of you helps to advance our mission. You are essential partners in our work to protect land across the region, and we could not do it without you .”
First, conservation photographer Jerry Monkman reflected on his 30-year career, capturing the places and people at the heart of New England’s natural heritage. As owner of EcoPhotography and Reel Quest Films, Monkman has provided Wildlands with breathtaking photo and video content for almost two decades. To open his remarks, Monkman noted that amid a chaotic upbringing, it was his ability to roam the forests, fields, and rivers near his northern Illinois childhood home that kept him healthy and whole. Years later, when a cancer diagnosis put his adventurous career on hold, it was the nature of his own backyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that saved him again. Monkman has been cancer free for over 10 years.
Jerry Monkman and his wife, Marcy.
“Having easy access to open space close to home, where I could go within a few minutes while I was sick and just spend an hour listening to the surf or meditating in the woods, I really believe had a strong impact on my recovery,” Monkman said. "I came to believe that easy access to open space is a basic human right, and we should all think of it that way.”
Monkman then recounted his mutually beneficial relationship with Wildlands.
“I just love working with Wildlands Trust,” he said. “They're awesome, fun people to work with. I've worked with environmental organizations from small land trusts all the way up to some of the biggest international organizations in the world. And I've got to say, Wildlands Trust is definitely one of the better-run organizations. They know how to get stuff done.”
Monkman then debuted his latest project for Wildlands, a promotional film narrated by President Grey centering on the theme, Saving Land for Everyone, Forever. Watch the film here.
Mass Audubon President David O’Neill addresses the Leadership Council.
The final speaker of the night was David O’Neill, President of Mass Audubon. “This is what community looks like,” he marveled at the start of his address, scanning the packed room. Amid turmoil and uncertainty at the federal level, O’Neill emphasized the importance of investing in local, tangible improvements to social and environmental well-being.
“Focusing on the negative is too easy,” O’Neill said. “I'm like, ‘Look, what can we do about this? What is in our agency to make a difference today?’ It's the work that's happening in communities all across the country to do great things as a bulwark against what's happening in D.C. What Wildlands Trust is doing each and every day is what we all have to do. And we have to magnify that more than we've ever done before.”
O’Neill concluded by highlighting the Nature for Massachusetts campaign, which is advocating for the state to dedicate $100 million of existing tax revenue each year to advance land and water conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resiliency. Spearheading the effort is the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition, a group of over 50 environmental organizations, including Mass Audubon and Wildlands Trust.
The Leadership Council enjoys light refreshments and good company under a tent outside the barn.
“Nature is a unifying force,” O’Neill added. “It should not be a political issue. It should be something that brings us together, and it does each and every day. And we need more of it. We need to protect it, and in places that don't have it, we need to offer it.”
Through laughter, stories, handshakes, and hugs, the unifying force of nature was on full display at last month’s fall supper. We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous members of the Leadership Council, who make our work possible.
Wildlands hosts two Leadership Council appreciation events each year, the fall supper and a spring preserve tour. Learn more and join the Leadership Council at wildlandstrust.org/leadership-council.
Welcome, Jason Risberg! (+ More Staff Updates)
Wildlands is ecstatic to welcome Jason Risberg to our team! As GIS Manager, Jason will help us protect, monitor, and promote our conservation lands through mapping and spatial analysis. Get to know Jason in the bio below.
Wildlands has also bid farewell to beloved staff members Sue Chamberlain and Zoë Smiarowski. Read on for reflections on Sue and Zoë’s diverse impacts and shared dedication to our mission.
Jason Risberg, GIS Manager
Jason Risberg
Wildlands Trust may seem like an unlikely destination for a 20-year Coast Guard veteran. But by following his fascination with maps, Jason Risberg has charted a surprisingly direct path between the two. As Wildlands’ GIS Manager, Jason leverages the power of geographic information systems to enhance all aspects of our work.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Jason fell in love with nature through family camping trips across the country. In his early 20s, Jason joined the Coast Guard, where he assisted with search and rescue, law enforcement, and port security. While stationed in Boston, he worked on an Aids to Navigation team, helping maintain buoys and lighthouses on the Massachusetts coast. Planning his next move after two decades of service, Jason discovered GIS. Trading nautical charts for trail maps, he found, is less of a leap than one might expect.
Jason explains GIS as a blend of cartography and data science. "If it’s something on the face of the Earth, GIS can be used to help explain it,” he said.
As such, Jason envisions a role for GIS in every aspect of Wildlands’ mission. Applications include maps and infographics to draw new audiences to our trails, spatial analyses to prioritize lands for protection, and invasive plant inventories to inform stewardship strategies.
Jason started taking GIS classes in the Coast Guard before enrolling at Salem State University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in cartography and GIS in 2023 and is set to complete his master’s degree this summer. Before Wildlands, Jason completed a GIS internship with Essex County Greenbelt.
“One of most important things we can do as society is to protect natural resources so generations to come will be able to enjoy these green spaces,” he said.
Jason is excited to move to Plymouth with his wife and explore new restaurants and natural areas with friends and family.
Sue Chamberlain, Donor Relations Manager
Sue Chamberlain (right) at a Leadership Council appreciation event in 2022. Photo by Ken Grille.
Sue Chamberlain served as Wildlands’ Donor Relations Manager for 12 years until her retirement in March. During her tenure, Sue forged and fostered relationships with generous individuals across the region, connecting our work with crucial support from the communities we serve.
“Sue is the consummate fundraising professional, and we were very fortunate to have her for the past 12 years,” said Wildlands President Karen Grey. “Sue ‘does’ fundraising; she doesn’t just talk about it. She is constantly meeting with people, drafting notes, or talking on the phone. She was beloved by the staff and donors alike and we will miss her. Sue’s many accomplishments include creating the Leadership Council for major donors (now almost 200 strong!) and establishing the Hathaway Legacy Partners for people making planned gifts to Wildlands Trust. Happy retirement, friend!”
"I have been so fortunate to work for such a good cause—saving land for future generations and helping ensure clean water, air, and beautiful vistas,” Sue said. “I have loved my time at Wildlands—seeing such growth of scope and range, getting to know wonderful donors and staff, and being part of the effort to preserve Southeastern Massachusetts. Many thanks to so many people who generously supported important land preservation and ambitious projects in places like Brockton. And, my thanks to an excellent staff and leadership team who made my job so much easier and fun. I miss everyone!"
Rob Kluin became Wildlands’ new Donor Relations Manager in May. Read his staff bio here.
Zoë Smiarowski, Stewardship Programs Manager
Zoë Smiarowski builds a bog board at Wyman North Fork Conservation Area in Bridgewater.
In July, Wildlands said goodbye to Zoë Smiarowski, who served as Stewardship Coordinator and then Stewardship Programs Manager for three impactful years. Zoë’s promotion came shortly into her time with Wildlands, when the fledgling Stewardship Training Center needed a day-to-day leader with a rare combination of stewardship and outreach skills. Zoë also helped transform Wildlands’ volunteer program, fostering a dedicated, enthusiastic, and loyal volunteer community through our ever-popular VolunTuesdays.
Zoë is now pursuing a master’s degree in plant biology through the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program.
“I am so grateful for my time at Wildlands and for the opportunity to get to work with so many incredible colleagues, volunteers, and partners,” Zoë said. “I will certainly miss the community, but I’m confident that all the programs are in incredible hands. I look forward to cheering on the organization.”
In late July, over 40 Wildlands staff members, partners, and volunteers attended a farewell party for Zoë, a testament to her talent for building community around environmental stewardship.
Two recent hires are stepping up in her absence. Rebecca Cushing, who joined us in January, will spearhead Wildlands’ volunteer efforts as Stewardship & Volunteer Coordinator. Callahan Coughlin, who came aboard in February, will oversee STC programs as Stewardship & Training Coordinator.
We thank Sue and Zoë for their dedication to Wildlands’ mission and congratulate Jason, Rob, Rebecca, and Callahan on their exciting new positions!
Reacquaint yourself with our entire staff at wildlandstrust.org/staff.
Leadership Council Brunch Honors High-Impact Donors
On June 13, Wildlands Trust honored its Leadership Council with a brunch at idyllic Whip’s Farm in Plymouth.
Leadership Council members provide upper-level donor support to Wildlands. With an annual gift totaling $500 or more, Leadership Council members help secure Wildlands’ status as a premier regional land trust in New England.
“The Leadership Council gathering at Whip’s Farm was a resounding success in all the ways we envisioned and hoped for,” said Donor Relations Manager Rob Kluin. “Foremost, we wanted the event to celebrate and showcase the circle of remarkable people who are supporting Wildlands Trust’s mission at the ‘leadership’ level of giving. Their consistent and generous support makes them integral partners in our work. The event’s setting at Whip’s Farm, with its spectacular views of lands permanently protected by Wildlands, cast an inspiring spotlight on what successful land conservation partnerships look like and how they benefit people and nature. In sharing words of gratitude under a tent filled with Leadership Council friends, Wildlands President Karen Grey highlighted Wildlands’ impacts and the timely need for its continued efforts. Growing the base of our most generous Leadership Council donors will be vital to keeping in step with that ever-growing demand.”
Click through the photo gallery below for more sights from the Leadership Council brunch. Photos by Ken Grille.
After a delicious brunch catered by Rye Tavern, attendees heard from local and regional conservation leaders about the work that the Leadership Council helps support. Wildlands Board Chair Sam Chapin introduced President Karen Grey, who spoke about the unique partnerships that Wildlands has fostered over the years by adopting a community-first mindset. David Gould, Director of the Town of Plymouth’s Department of Energy & Environment, corroborated Grey’s remarks, praising Wildlands as a holistic partner that makes big ideas possible.
To put a bow on a perfect day, many attendees joined Wildlands staff for a walk from Whip’s Farm to Eel River Preserve, Wildlands’ abutting riverside property.
To show its appreciation for Leadership Council members, Wildlands holds a supper at Davis-Douglas Farm each fall and a preserve tour each spring.
Thank you to all the members of the Leadership Council, who provide vital support to our work to protect and restore the natural beauty of Southeastern Massachusetts.
To join the Leadership Council, visit wildlandstrust.org/leadership-council or contact Donor Relations Manager Rob Kluin at rkluin@wildlandstrust.org or (774) 343-5121 ext. 113.
Solstice Celebration Unites Regional Conservation Community
Drumming with Pride at the Solstice Celebration.
On the longest day of the year, the future of Southeastern Massachusetts got a little bit brighter.
Our Solstice Celebration on June 21 was a resounding success, made possible by the dedication of our community and the generosity of our sponsors. Together, we raised nearly $8,000 for our work to save land, for everyone, forever. Above all, we strengthened regional support for land conservation through a day of unity and fun. About 150 attendees chose to spend the first sunny Saturday in weeks with us, making one thing clear: the lands, waters, and wildlife of Southeastern Massachusetts will be in good hands for many solstices to come.
Sunny skies set the perfect backdrop for our busy schedule of events. Local poet Tzynya Pinchback kicked off the day with a captivating poetry reading, introducing listeners to her work as our Writing the Land poet for D.W. Field Park in Brockton. Then, a performance from Drumming with Pride got community members bobbing their heads and tapping their feet on the Davis-Douglas Farm lawn. A guided hike took nature lovers to the Beech Tree Clearing across the road at Emery Preserve. At the craft zone, artists of all ages experimented with cyanotype photography, nature stamping, fairy houses, gnome homes, and chalk art on the Community Conservation Barn patio. Various raffle prizes enticed visitors inside the barn. There, visitors also designed appreciation banners, sharing their reasons for supporting land conservation. Throughout the day, Larry Nelson of 95.9 WATD hosted a live broadcast of the event, including interviews with Wildlands staff members. Food from the Filling Station food truck and drinks from Second Wind Brewing Company offered delicious lunch options for all.
Click through the photo gallery below for more sights from the Solstice Celebration.
With the event, Wildlands hoped to unite existing members and welcome new members to our community. In addition to providing crucial financial support to our work, members demonstrate public buy-in to our work, helping us secure funding and partnerships to maximize our impact. Indeed, several new members joined Wildlands at the Solstice Celebration, helping us reach our spring membership drive goal! Thank you to all who lend their support to our mission. To become a member, visit wildlandstrust.org/membership.
Before the event, Wildlands President Karen Grey and Donor Relations Manager Rob Kluin spoke with WATD about the event, as well as about Wildlands Trust more generally and how people can support our work. Take a listen:
Thank you for making our Solstice Celebration an event we won’t soon forget!
We extend our sincere gratitude to the many local businesses that generously donated prizes to our raffles. Finally, a huge thank you to our event sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Tufankjian Honda of Plymouth
Supporting Sponsor
95.9 WATD
Tiny & Sons Auto Glass
Rockland Trust
Community Sponsors
Rotary Club of Plymouth, MA
Morrison’s Power Equipment
Friends
Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors
Gary D. Richmond
Richmond’s Inc.
Welcome, Rob Kluin!
Wildlands Trust is ecstatic to welcome Rob Kluin to our growing staff! As Donor Relations Manager, Rob will forge and foster relationships with generous individuals and businesses across Southeastern Massachusetts, securing vital support for our mission. Get to know Rob in the bio below, and reacquaint yourself with our whole staff at wildlandstrust.org/staff.
Rob replaces longtime Donor Relations Manager Sue Chamberlain, who retired this spring after 11 years of service to Wildlands. We look forward to honoring her at our Leadership Council brunch next month. Stay tuned for more reflection on Sue’s impactful career.
If you would like to support our work to protect the region’s remarkable lands and waters, Rob would love to hear from you! Say hello at 774-343-5121 ext. 113 or rkluin@wildlandstrust.org.
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Rob Kluin, Donor Relations Manager - ☎️ 📧
A people person and a nature person, Rob Kluin is a rarity in the conservation field. As Donor Relations Manager, Rob leverages his networking and communication skills to connect Wildlands Trust with vital support from the communities we serve.
Growing up in the Adirondacks, Rob developed a lifelong respect for land protection and stewardship. At a crossroads in his career, Rob knew he wanted to settle in a place with the same reverence for the natural world. As he flipped through an atlas for potential next stops, Plymouth’s ragged coastline caught his eye. Then came a serendipitous job offer that made his dream a reality. Rob moved in near Shifting Lots Preserve, where he got to know Wildlands’ far-reaching work. Two decades later, Rob jumped at the chance to put his people skills to work for the organization that helped him fall in love with the region.
“I truly love people, and Wildlands brings people together for the common good,” Rob said. “That’s a very positive and impressive thing in a world of so many differences. I would love for my legacy to be that I opened doors for new people to support Wildlands’ mission.”
As Donor Relations Manager, Rob collaborates with the Wildlands team to grow the donor base and maintain strong relationships with existing contributors. Before joining Wildlands, Rob held senior communications and marketing positions with corporate and nonprofit organizations, including Manomet Conservation Sciences and Plimoth Patuxet Museums. He continues to serve on Manomet’s board of trustees and was vice president of the board for Cape Rep Theatre for eight years. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the State University of New York and a master's degree in Corporate Communications from Ithaca College.
Outside of work, Rob enjoys gardening, traveling, cooking, swimming, and spending quality time with his family, friends, and cat Mocha.