Looking Back with Gratitude: Dave Rimmer Reflects on 25 Years at Greenbelt

Greenbelt’s mission — to conserve land, protect wildlife habitat, and connect people to the natural world — has been at the heart of my work for the past 25 years. I feel incredibly fortunate that the final chapter of my career was spent helping to advance these goals. Somehow, a quarter century has flown by, and now I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the lasting impact Greenbelt has made and the small part I may have played along the way.

It’s often said that it’s better to be lucky than good and I certainly feel lucky to have landed at Greenbelt, where I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from so many outstanding people. I’m especially grateful to the three leaders who shaped my time here: former President Ed Becker, who hired me and supported the essential balance between work and family; former President Kate Bowditch, who placed her trust in me and championed the much-needed growth of the stewardship department; and current President Chris LaPointe, whose deep commitment to conservation and clear understanding of stewardship have made him a true pleasure to work alongside. I hold each of them in the highest regard.

I couldn’t begin to name everyone who made my time at Greenbelt so meaningful, but I’m deeply grateful to all the staff, Board members, and volunteers who left a lasting impression. From the original stewardship team who welcomed me in 2001 and showed me the ropes, to today’s all-star crew who will carry the work forward, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some truly exceptional people.

Several Board members from my early years stand out in particular. Al Creighton was kind and passionate advocate for land protection; Tom Ellsworth, a steadfast champion of stewardship from the very beginning; and Bill Faissler, who quietly contributed in countless ways behind the scenes. As a skilled IT expert and devoted conservationist, Bill — along with his wife Diane — made a generous gift that brought the stewardship barn to life. Fondly known as “Bill’s Barn,” it remains a lasting symbol of his enduring legacy.

Among the many remarkable volunteers I’ve had the pleasure of working with, Beth Cooper truly stands out. Her genuine love of flowers and birds is infectious, and her unwavering support has meant so much over the years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with so many thoughtful and interesting volunteers during my time at Greenbelt.

Where do I even begin with all the impactful projects I’ve been part of over the years? Opening Seine Field in Gloucester to the public taught me valuable lessons early on about neighborhood diplomacy, contractor coordination, and above all, patience. The Donovan Reservation in Hamilton and Essex was an ambitious undertaking, involving the opening of a public property on a scale previously unseen at Greenbelt. Then there was the Patton family land in Hamilton and Topsfield, which became the Vineyard Hill Reservation and Iron Ox Farm, a complex project that required close collaboration across multiple departments.

Building the stewardship barn on Cox Reservation in 2004 and expanding Greenbelt’s headquarters in 2007 were also transformative milestones that enhanced our capacity and presence.

My lifelong passion for birds also profoundly influenced my work, from conducting annual common tern surveys in the Great Marsh to protecting vital grassland species. Most notably, the Osprey Program began with a single nesting platform at Cox Reservation in 2008 and has since grown into a thriving conservation program and model for others. I’m deeply grateful that these projects were part of our stewardship efforts and thankful to everyone who supported them along the way.

My career at Greenbelt rarely felt like “work.” It was fun, challenging, rewarding, and deeply inspiring — time spent outdoors alongside incredible staff, Board members, and volunteers. While saying goodbye to the people and places I hold dear won’t be easy, my wife Mary and I, our two sons, and pup Tally are excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to continuing to lead the Osprey Program — a privilege I will continue to embrace with passion each year.

To my Greenbelt family, I send my warmest wishes and look forward to seeing you in the woods and on the marshes. To my own family — get ready to spend a lot more time with me. I’m profoundly grateful to have played a part in building a  lasting legacy at Greenbelt.