On the Front Lines of Winter: Stewardship Team Steps Up to Ensure Public Access

This winter, Essex County has been measuring snow by the foot, not the inch — a sharp contrast to the relatively mild winters of recent years. While it may be beautiful to behold, the snow also presents a variety of challenges for public access and safety at Greenbelt properties. That’s where our Stewardship team steps in.

Across 40 Greenbelt locations with designated parking areas, the Stewardship crew works tirelessly after major storms to maintain safe public access. Using two plow trucks, the team clears snow from parking areas ranging from just a few spaces to over a dozen, as well as the lengthy driveway and sidewalks around Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation headquarters.

“We’re usually out there plowing as soon as the main roads are cleared,” says Mike Carbone, Director of Stewardship Field Operations. “Our goal is to make the properties accessible as quickly as possible, but with big storms like the ones we’ve had this year, it can take a couple days to get the job done. We’re working across the entire county — from Cape Ann to the Merrimack Valley — and that takes time."

Beyond restoring safe access, this snow removal work also makes winter exploration possible. Once parking areas are properly cleared, the public is welcome to enjoy Greenbelt trails for walking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, experiencing the outdoors during a quieter, more serene season.

To support Stewardship’s work, visitors are asked to be patient and avoid using Greenbelt parking areas during and immediately after snowstorms until plowing has been completed. This allows the team to work efficiently and safely and helps prevent damaging parking areas, vehicles, and surrounding habitats.