Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the past year and all that Greenbelt accomplished, one thing is clear beyond measure: none of it would have been possible without the extraordinary community support we received across Essex County. This growing commitment to our mission was evident in the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the record attendance at events. My sincere thanks go to all who shared their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help safeguard the natural spaces that make our region so special.
While 2025 was one of Greenbelt’s busiest and most impactful years, I want to highlight just a few of our many achievements.
- Conservation — In total, we protected nearly 700 acres of land across eight communities. Key acquisitions included 133 Essex Street/Chebacco Woods (Hamilton), DeNormandie Woods (Gloucester/Manchester), and Hoyt/Silver Brook Farm (Merrimac). In addition, we monitored more than 6,200 acres of private land through our Conservation Restriction Program.
- Stewardship — In addition to maintaining all our public properties, our Stewardship team added an accessible trail and parking area at Dodge Farm in Hamilton and a new boardwalk at Tompson Street Reservation in Gloucester. They also launched critical habitat restoration projects at Donovan Reservation in Hamilton and Castle Neck River Reservation in Ipswich.
- Engagement — Beyond our signature events, our team organized over 100 free public programs, giving diverse audiences opportunities to connect with nature, learn from experts, and build community. To date, more than 300 people are also taking part in our Go-Getter Trails Challenge, running through this coming spring.
- Volunteers — Our more than 300 dedicated volunteers were integral to all aspects of our work, from maintaining properties and providing office support to assisting at events and monitoring Osprey nests. We also launched the new Stewardship Corps program, which has attracted strong interest from volunteers eager to roll up their sleeves and help clear trails.
Last year, we also heard directly from you through our community survey, receiving more than 1,000 responses. The results showed a great appreciation for Greenbelt and its many programs, educational initiatives, and outreach efforts, while also offering new ideas to help shape our work in the years ahead.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to build on all this community goodwill and support. A new land campaign is underway to protect the 125-acre Streeter property in Wenham, which includes forests, farmland, trails, and a critical public drinking water resource. Additional conservation projects across the county are also in the works, and I look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.
Thank you again for your ongoing dedication to Greenbelt. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year!
Sincerely,
Chris LaPointe
President