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Wildlands' Community Welcomed Back at Opening Day 2022

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Read Time: 2 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

On May 1, the Wildlands community came together at our Davis-Douglas Farm headquarters, in Plymouth, to kick off the 2022 programming season. Near-perfect spring weather was a bonus for all who attended our Opening Day celebration, making for a fun and relaxing Sunday afternoon that surely left many visitors daydreaming of the summer days ahead! 

Friends of all ages, people and pets, families, returning members, staff, volunteers, and first-time visitors enjoyed local beer and live music on the lawn, explored craft activities and games, and learned all about the Wildlands Trust community, the work we're doing, and the various opportunities to join us--at our programs and events, as volunteers, and through membership.  

The Conservation Barn was open for visitors to peruse information tables about current offerings and initiatives at Wildlands, or to purchase soft pretzels, fresh out of the oven. Many visitors enjoyed lengthy conversations with our staff and volunteers inside the Barn, while some of our youngest visitors dropped in just long enough to find the lollipops that adorned the display areas.

Wildlands’ Programming and Outreach Manager Claire Johnston said, “We are thrilled to have people interested in learning about us, what we’ve been doing, and what’s to come!” And our entire staff loved seeing all of the smiling faces and the steady buzz of activity around our headquarters that day. We can't wait to keep the momentum going as our 2022 programming season gets underway, so be on the lookout for more fabulous events to come!

Wildlands Introduces Planned Giving Society: Hathaway Legacy Partners

Read Time: 2 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

Shifting Lots Preserve, Plymouth

Wildlands’ new planned giving society recognizes those who have included Wildlands Trust in their estate plans. Its name is inspired by the life of Mary Chilton Hathaway, a visionary conservationist who had the courage and strength to make the world she inherited a much better place. Mary spent her life in Kingston, Massachusetts – attending Kingston High School and later teaching at Silver Lake Regional High School, where she chaired the English Department. An enthusiast of physical activity, Mary always chose walking over driving. Several decades ago, Mary began noticing, with alarm, how much land was being lost to development, and thus began her battle to protect the wild spaces of Southeastern Massachusetts. Because of her energy, tenacity, and her own gifts of land parcels, future generations will know the enjoyment of open spaces and quiet woodlands.*

Watch for a response card in future mailings, inviting you to let us know if you have already included Wildlands in your will, or if you would like to learn more about ways to join the Hathaway Legacy Partners. Options for planned gifts include bequests, trusts, real estate, insurance policies and more. 

By joining the Hathaway Legacy Partners, you can help us continue to protect the natural beauty of our region and preserve the quality of our air and water. Members will be listed in the Conservation Barn at Wildlands’ Davis-Douglas Farm headquarters and invited to an annual luncheon to learn more about the progress we’re making together. We hope to see you there!

For more information or help with any estate questions, visit our Hathaway Legacy Partners page or contact Sue Chamberlain at schamberlain@wildlandstrust.org or call 774-343-5121 x114.

* Obituary of Mary Chilton Hathaway, Boston Globe (Boston, MA), 15 January 2022. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/mary-hathaway-obituary?id=32255666

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Shifting Lots' Shorebirds Are Counting on You!

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Read Time: 1 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

The Piping Plovers are back at Shifting Lots for the 2022 season! Protective fencing was installed around the birds’ nesting area at the end of March by staff and volunteers from Wildlands Trust and the Friends of Ellisville Marsh. The shorebirds are expected to begin laying their first eggs in early May, and will remain at the preserve throughout the summer months.

In preparation for the birds’ annual return, Wildlands’ staff and volunteers set up information tables at various times throughout the month of March, talking with visitors and providing informational materials about the value of wild beaches and marshes, the ways we manage the land to support wildlife, and how visitors’ actions can help to protect this important habitat. In case you missed this on-site educational opportunity, our team has created a short summary to provide you with all the “need-to-know” information about Shifting Lots Preserve and its shorebird protection.

Join Us for Opening Day 2022 at Wildlands Trust!

Read Time: 1 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

Spring is in the air! Temperatures are warming, flowers are blooming, and the annual greening of the landscape is underway. At Wildlands, we are celebrating the promise of an exciting season of programming with our “Opening Day” at the Conservation Barn at Davis-Douglas Farm.

Join us for this free event on Sunday, May 1 (12pm-4pm) to enjoy the beauty of our Plymouth headquarters, learn about Wildlands Trust and some of the exciting projects we have planned, and find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Gather your friends and family, and plan to spend the afternoon with us! You’re welcome to bring a picnic of your own or purchase snacks at the barn, and IndieFerm beer will be available for purchase. In addition to live music and lawn games throughout the event, there will be a guided nature walk/craft activity for children at 12pm, and an Adopt-a-Preserve training program at 1pm, for adults interested in making a monthly commitment to help monitor Wildlands’ preserves. 

(*Pre-registration is only required for the two scheduled events. Visit: https://wildlandstrust.org/events/2022/5/1/opening-day for the link to the Eventbrite registration.)

7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day – Today and Every Day 

Read Time: 4 min

By Kyla Isakson, Membership and Digital Media Coordinator

Friday, April 22, 2022, marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This celebration was established in 1970 to educate the public about environmental conservation and encourage the support of legislation that aims to protect nature, wildlife, and the health of the human population. Now, it is a global event that brings together millions of people to raise awareness, make change, and contribute to environmental conservation and stewardship. 

Here are 7 ways you can celebrate Earth Day – today and every day! 

  1. Go Outside 

    One of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day is to go outside! Bike, hike, paddle, and explore all that nature has to offer. Take some time to feel the warm sun or cool breeze on your face, smell the fresh spring air, and listen for signs of spring. Taking time outdoors can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health, so take a moment today to go outside! 

    Not sure where to go? Visit our website for trails in your area. 

  2. Choose Sustainable 

    There are many ways you can make sustainable choices. Many plastic products have eco-friendly alternatives — like metal straws, reusable cotton shopping bags, and insulated travel coffee cups. You can also reduce energy use and save money by switching to LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. Going green and making eco-conscious decisions doesn’t have to be complicated, and one small change can make a big impact!

    Find ways to save at MassSave.com.  

  3. Clean Up 

    The next time you take a walk around your neighborhood, on a local trail, or at the beach, grab a trash bag (and maybe some gloves) to pick up waste left behind. If trash is not picked up in these areas, it can end up in our waterways or be eaten by animals. Respect your local environment, and always dispose of waste properly. Remember to pick up after your pet too! 

  4. Volunteer 

    Taking time to volunteer with an environmental organization can be a fun way to get involved and see the results of your contributions to conservation. Organizations rely on the dedication of their supporters, working as a team to achieve their goals for the benefit of the community. A great way to provide continuous support is to join Wildlands’ Adopt-a-Preserve program, where volunteers take a couple of hours each month to walk a preserve and report back on its condition. Volunteer with Wildlands! 

  5. Support Local 

    Protecting agricultural land is part of Wildlands' mission to preserve the natural heritage of our region. When you purchase locally grown food, you support our region's family farmers and help keep our agricultural heritage alive. Freshly picked produce is nutritious and delicious, and purchasing locally sourced products reduces your carbon footprint. Supporting local establishments helps small businesses thrive, strengthens the local economy, and builds a sense of community among us. In a time when people often opt for the convenience and uniformity of big stores, it is important to remember to shop locally! 

    As a Wildlands member, you receive discounts at local farms and retailers with your valid membership card. 

  6. Encourage others 

    Earth Day is a terrific way to get involved in local land protection. Whatever way you choose to celebrate the day, take a moment to encourage others to join your support of environmental conservation. Invite them to a volunteer event, recommend a sustainable product, or give the gift of Wildlands! As a member, they will receive more information about our organization and what we do to protect the land we love. Gift a membership to someone today! 

  7. Give Back 

    Take time to reflect on how you can give back to the environment. Showing your support and donating your time, goods, talent, or money helps to maintain and improve the quality of life for people and wildlife in the community. Donating your time and talents through volunteering and offering special assistance gives organizations the capacity to do more. Donating goods and money can help provide the necessary tools and materials to sponsor youth programs that educate and connect the next generation to nature, or support trail stewardship that ensures the maintenance of valuable properties for years to come. 

    Donate today to help Wildlands continue to protect land and provide education and recreation for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts, now and in the future. 

 

Sources 

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/earth-day/