What is this?

The Harvard Press has launched a series of articles spotlighting local organizations and all the great work they do. Each article in this series will feature a Q&A with a representative of a local organization. The idea is to inform readers about the organizations in town, what they do, and how to get involved. If you would like your organization to be featured, please contact the editor at editor@harvardpress.com or 978-456-3700.

This week we're featuring the Harvard Conservation Trust.

Becca Day-Newsham (left) and Denis Wagner lead a Conservation Trust New Year's Day walk in 2009. (File photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Organization name: Harvard Conservation Trust
Q&A with Executive Director Marylynn Gentry

How would you describe the group?

The Trust is a local, nonprofit land trust protecting Harvard's natural resources and scenic beauty.

What are the purpose, mission, and/or goals of the group?

The Trust's mission is to preserve the unique character and natural resources of Harvard. To that end, they actively seek to protect the town's rural and agricultural character; open lands for outdoor education and recreation; areas of historical significance or natural beauty; and the town's water resources, marshlands, swamps, and natural wildlife.

What would you most like people to know about the group?

Since we are a nonprofit entity, the Trust's work complements, but operates differently from, the town's governmental body, the Harvard Conservation Commission. While the Conservation Commission is a town board appointed by the Board of Selectmen and tasked with regulatory functions and the maintenance of town-owned conservation land, the Trust is an independent, non-governmental organization. As such, we remain nimble and can devote our time to creatively pursuing potential acquisitions—especially where the Town might be hampered from acting directly by statutory restrictions, financial circumstances, or timing. We focus specifically on protecting land, taking care of the land we own and hold conservation restrictions on, and holding events that promote our outdoor world.

Are there activities planned for this year?

The Trust holds many events throughout the year. "Foraging for Food in your own Backyard" is the latest upcoming event to be held on Nov. 16 at 7:30 pm at the Harvard Historical Society. The Trust also has an extremely well attended annual New Year's Day walk; the popular Tree-For-All in the spring (where members receive a free tree and non-members are charged a small fee); and the Run For the Hills 5K trail race in September. The Trust annually awards prizes at the Bromfield School Science Fair and has a presence at the elementary school's Earth Day Fair. The Trust often holds Walks and Talks, or partners with the Harvard Library and the Warner Lecture Series to bring topics of interest to the town. All events are open to the public. Event details are posted on the Trust's website: www.harvardconservationtrust.org.

When was the group formed?

On June 16, 1973, Albert Anderson, Frank Coolidge, Larry Finnegan, Erhart Muller, and Edward Squibb came together to form the Harvard Conservation Trust.

Is there a history to the group? What brought the group together?

Concerned about unwanted development spoiling the town's rural character, the group formed with the express purpose of protecting land in perpetuity for future generations to benefit from and enjoy. Since then, the Trust has helped to protect more than 600 acres for conservation – including the land surrounding the town beach, Watt Farm, Barba's Point, and Dean's Hill.

Are there memorable moments, interesting stories, or events that you would like others in town to know—or perhaps ones many people already know about?

At a meeting long ago, Cloyce Reed, one of the Trust's first trustees, arrived with an acorn in hand. She drew a memorable analogy: "From this little nut grows a big tree. So too will the Trust grow from something small to something great." And with that, the Trust's oak tree logo was born.

Who may join?

Anyone may join the Trust, whether a resident of Harvard or not. The exciting news is that we have recently been issued a $10,000 challenge from an anonymous donor. For every new member or for existing members who increase their contribution from the previous year, our donor will match that donation up to $10,000.

Membership in the Trust is truly appreciated as it helps further our mission. We recently updated the website so residents can join, renew, or donate online at www.harvardconservationtrust.org.

Who might be most interested in your group?

Anyone who cares about clean drinking water, clean air, healthy living, educational outings, fun events, scenic vistas and protecting Harvard's rural character would be interested in what the Trust has to offer.

When and where does the group meet?

The Board of Trustees meets on a monthly basis and committees meet as-needed. Committees include: Conservation (land protection), Stewardship (the management of the land), Finance, and Discovery (membership and events). Anyone who is interested in serving on the board or on a committee is encouraged to contact the office at info@harvardconservationtrust.org.

How can you contact the group for general information and/or membership?

General inquiries can be directed to info@harvardconservationtrust.org. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and can be reached by calling 978-456-9292.

Does the group have a website?

Our website has been recently updated, with printable trail maps coming soon! Visit www.harvardconservationtrust.org to join, renew, donate, read recent news and learn about upcoming events.

—Questions written by Sydney Blackwell