Presented by Mike Francis
Superintendent, Charles River Valley Management Unit, The Trustees of Reservations
Since its founding in 1891 by Charles Eliot, an open space visionary and protege of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, The Trustees’ mission has been to preserve, protect and care for properties of exceptional scenic, historic, recreational and ecological value in Massachusetts. As land is being developed and open space is being fragmented at a rapid pace of an estimated 40 acres per day around the state, The Trustees are working to mobilize and inspire a critical mass of people and partners who care about quality of life in their communities and will work to protect and enjoy them.
The Trustees of Reservations own and manage more than 100 reservations, all open to the public. Of these, 37 properties are in the greater Boston area including: working farms such as Powisset Farm in Dover and Moose Hill Farm in Sharon; tranquil woodlands such as Rocky Woods and Rocky Narrows in Medfield and Noanet Woodlands in Dover; formal gardens and historic homesteads such as the Bradley Estate in Canton and the Old Manse in Concord; and beautiful landscapes such as World’s End in Hingham.
In addition to owning and caring for 100 reservations, consisting of nearly 25,000 acres in more than 70 communities, The Trustees hold conservation restrictions on more than 16,000 acres of privately owned land and have worked with communities and other conservation partners to assist in the protection of an additional 16,000 acres. The Trustees’ affiliate, Boston Natural Areas Network, owns 39 community gardens and advocates for urban wilds and greenways in the city of Boston.
A member-, donor- and endowment-supported organization, The Trustees provide hundreds of year-round programs and events that inspire people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate and care for natural, scenic, and cultural landscapes and landmarks across the Commonwealth.
Followed by: The Wellesley Trail System
Presented by Peter Rovick
Member, Wellesley Trails Committee
