Land Protection Course Prepares Next Generation of Conservation Doers

Zoë Smiarowski (far left) and her team went on a field trip to the Chiltonville village of Plymouth during the land protection course’s retreat weekend at the Stewardship Training Center.

By Zoë Smiarowski, Stewardship Programs Manager 

In the winter of 2022, while dreaming up ways that Wildlands Trust’s new Stewardship Training Center (STC) could support Massachusetts’ conservation community, the STC Advisory Committee agreed on the incredible need to develop our next generation of land protection professionals—the ones who strategize, communicate, and execute opportunities to save natural and agricultural lands from development. One committee member, Dr. Paul Catanzaro, had taught land protection classes at UMass Amherst, but there was motivation from these discussions to create a course for both students and professionals.  

“One of the greatest gaps our STC advisors identified was the very limited opportunities for people to learn the practical nuts and bolts of land conservation transactions,” said Wildlands President Karen Grey. “How could we feed the pipeline of land protection professionals without more training and education opportunities?” 

With this seed of an idea planted, conservation community partners came together to help it grow. Sponsored by UMass Extension, the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, and Mass Audubon, with support from the Trustees of Reservations, MA DCR’s Working Forest Initiative, and Wildlands Trust, “Land Protection Tools & Techniques” was a 10-session course co-taught by Christa Collins (formerly of Sudbury Valley Trustees) and Olivia Lukacic (of the Trustees of Reservations) over the fall of 2024. Admitted through a competitive application process, the 22 course participants included municipal employees, land trust stewardship professionals, environmental science college students, and more. Lessons addressed core land protection skills, including Landowner Outreach & Relationships, Project Selection, Partnerships, Transactions, Due Diligence, and Finance.  

Field trip during the land protection course’s retreat weekend, attended by Wildlands Land Protection Assistant Tess Goldmann (second from right) and Director of Land Protection Scott MacFaden (far right).

At the end of the semester, the class convened at the STC for a weekend-long retreat. Students networked with each other and practicum leaders, including Rob Warren, formerly of the Trustees of Reservations, and our very own Karen Grey. To gain hands-on experience after weeks of virtual training, students went on field trips across Plymouth to meet landowners with whom Wildlands has worked on land protection projects. This was an incredible opportunity to learn by doing, which is how many in the land protection field have launched and advanced their careers.  

As a student in the course, I relished the opportunity to learn how land gets protected in Massachusetts. As Wildlands’ Stewardship Programs Manager, I am fortunate to care for the diversity of conservation land in the Trust's portfolio. Entering my second year with Wildlands, I developed a curiosity about the many intricate steps it takes for valuable and vulnerable land to enter our stewardship. I was particularly interested in the people-centered aspect of land protection, as it mirrors my current job of connecting volunteers and professionals with land stewardship knowledge and skills. As I advance through my career, I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself and diversify my contributions to conservation goals, and this course was a great opportunity to do just that. 

Indeed, one of the most valuable things I learned in the class was the importance of people to the land protection process. Understanding landowners’ unique connections to place and building soft communication skills are critical parts of the equation. Even though we had spent weeks hearing and reading about foundational land protection knowledge, being “thrown out” into the world to meet face-to-face with landowners was an immense learning experience. 

Field trip during the land protection course’s retreat weekend.

Additionally, students had to complete a final project that addressed a personal learning goal in the land protection field. Wildlands’ Land Protection Assistant Tess Goldmann and I wanted experience in grant-writing, a crucial component of financing land protection projects. At the end of the retreat, students shared their projects with the class. I was highly impressed with my classmates’ work and left feeling grateful to have such a dedicated community of conservation-minded folks in my network. 

The Monday morning following the retreat, I was relaying my excitement to Wildlands board member and key volunteer Marilynn Atterbury about how incredible the class has been. My understanding and appreciation of land protection work has undergone a night-and-day transformation through this class. As my career progresses, I am grateful to have this foundational knowledge to advocate and help others understand the state’s abundance of land protection options. I have no doubt that this course will provide long-term support to the Massachusetts land conservation field. We are so fortunate to have incredible mentors, teachers, and students ready to take on any challenge to ensure a healthy, connected environment in their communities.  

Leadership Council Fall Supper: Chowder, Oysters, and Gratitude

Wildlands President Karen Grey addresses the Leadership Council at this year’s fall supper.

On October 26, members of Wildlands Trust’s Leadership Council gathered at Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth for our annual fall supper, where we thank those who provide higher-level donor support for our mission of regional land conservation. 

On the gorgeous fall evening, about 80 generous individuals were treated to clam chowder, fresh oysters, wine, assorted desserts, and, most importantly, the camaraderie and good cheer of Southeastern Massachusetts’ most ardent conservation supporters. Wildlands board member and key volunteer Marilynn Atterbury crafted flower arrangements and other stunning decorations for the event, turning the Community Conservation Barn into a cozy yet elegant autumnal venue. 

Wildlands key volunteer Marilynn Atterbury crafted flowers and other decorations for the event.

Before dinner, Wildlands Trust board chair Sam Chapin addressed the Leadership Council, expressing deep gratitude for their generosity while looking ahead to a promising future made possible by their support. 

“The annual Leadership Council dinner is a wonderful opportunity to thank our donors for their support,” Chapin said. “The oysters, chowder, and company were all great!  I was particularly pleased to speak with a number of new people at this year's event.” 

Wildlands board chair Sam Chapin delivers remarks to the Leadership Council.

Later in the evening, Wildlands President Karen Grey recognized members of the Leadership Council who made remarkable contributions to our mission this year. In true Wildlands fashion, she gifted these high-impact individuals with hammers, so they can carry on their hard work. 

The fall supper is one of two annual events that Wildlands Trust holds to honor the Leadership Council, the other being a preserve tour each spring. 

Karen Grey awards an honorary hammer at the Leadership Council fall supper.

We hope you will join this special community! To learn more, visit wildlandstrust.org/leadership-council or contact Donor Relations Manager Sue Chamberlain at schamberlain@wildlandstrust.com or 774-343-5121 x114. 

Spooky Stories from the Halloween Night Hike

Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke.

On Friday, October 25, courageous hikers from across Southeastern Massachusetts will descend on Striar Conservancy in Halifax for a Halloween Night Hike, Wildlands’ annual evening stroll brimming with frights and thrills (but mostly laughs, nature appreciation, and good company).

Click here to register—if you dare…

Below is a preview of the tales hike leaders Amy Burt and Paul Vicino will share on the hike. If you’re joining us, we recommend waiting until then to hear these stories in full fright-tastic effect! But if not, enjoy these spine-chilling tales, and feel free to pass them along to fellow fans of the macabre.

Happy Halloween from Wildlands Trust!

---

A Hair-Raising Hike in the Appalachians

By Amy Burt, Programming Coordinator

Every year, people embark on the Appalachian Trail and return safely, each with their own story to tell. There are those who have been less fortunate, either living to tell the tale, or leaving the living to solve the pieces. In the fall of 2003, a young woman (name redacted for privacy) left to explore only a portion of a trail in Western Massachusetts. She planned for a three-day, two-night hike and would take her loyal companion, a scruffy four-legged mutt. 

Her first day was successful. She arrived at her campsite and pitched her tent. Her dog warmed by the fire as she made them both dinner. When it was time for bed, the dog hopped in the tent and coiled itself under the blankets, and the young woman zipped the tent closed. It was a restless first night. She needed reassurance, and as always, her pup knew a little lick on the hand was all she needed to go back to sleep.

Day two had an early start when a couple passed her tent talking. She peeked out her tent and got a glimpse of the two. She felt they must be through-hiking—they looked really prepared. And with that thought, she began to pack up and hit the trail. Despite her restless night of sleep, she felt wide awake. The young woman and her dog had an excellent day, winding the trails, crossing bridges, and seeing the colors of fall. It was unfair that the sun would be setting soon, but if they hiked a bit farther, they would have a lean-to to sleep in. At that moment, it was decided that would be their place to rest.

They arrived at the lean-to and got to work. The dog sat beside the woman as she made them dinner. They ate and settled in for the night. This night, they both fell asleep quickly, with the crisp breeze filling the lean-to.

From a hard sleep she awoke, covered in sweat. Sitting up, she was startled by the view of an open forest until she remembered she was in the lean-to. She shuffled her hand under the blankets towards her dog, felt a sniff and a little lick, and instantly was relieved. She giggled—her dog, almost completely out of view, must have wrapped itself in the covers. 

Her ease was short-lived, as she soon heard something running in the woods. It sounded like it was running towards her, right towards the opening of the shelter. In an instant, she was up with her headlight on and pocketknife in hand. With a swift step out of the lean-to, she faced the running shadow as it approached. There was a realization of horror as out of the trees her dog came into view. He had blood on his muzzle and ran past his owner growling with his teeth bared. 

The woman did her best to recall the final moments of that night when questioned by police and paramedics. The forensics of the scene said it was rabbit blood on her dog and inside of the shelter, but she could not help but ask the question: what had licked her hand?

---

Horror in Local History

By Paul Vicino, Wildlands volunteer

Paul will share some of the violent history of Halifax and the region, including King Philip’s War, when a settler was killed just down the street from Striar Conservancy. A triple murder later occurred on the same road, by descents of the settlers…

He will also discuss the Bridgewater Triangle and invite others to share their uncanny experiences in this storied hotbed of paranormal activity.

Hunting Season Safety

Updated: October 2024

Hunting season is back upon us this fall in Massachusetts! Wildlands Trust has four properties that permit hunting during this time:

• Great River Preserve, Bridgewater

• South Triangle Pond Conservation Area, Plymouth

• Striar Conservancy, Halifax

• Barnes Rymut Preserve, Halifax

Hunting is prohibited on all other Wildlands Trust properties.

Still, boundaries can be confusing and hunters sometimes cross into prohibited areas unknowingly. Please be mindful when you are out in the woods this year, wherever it is that you like to hike, run, or ride. The best way to protect yourself is to wear blaze orange like our staff does!

While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, Mass Wildlife recommends that all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting season wear blaze orange clothing as a precaution, and that pets wear an orange vest or bandana for visibility.

You can learn more at mass.gov/topics/hunting.

Have a great fall, and stay safe!

Human History of Wildlands: Crystal Spring Preserve

From left: Sister Chris Loughlin, Wildlands President Karen Grey, Wildlands Director of Land Protection Scott MacFaden, and Sister Barbara Harrington.

By Skip Stuck, Key Volunteer

On May 6,1949, Sister Bernardine wrote a letter to Mother Margaret Elizabeth of the religious order of the Dominican Sisters.  It starts: "Dear Mother, I am really much too excited to write... We have just returned from visiting and touring the grounds. Mother, do please come up to see the place. I can't do justice in writing about it, but I'll try." Sister Bernardine was writing about the property we now know as Crystal Spring Preserve in Plainville. Her excitement runs through the nearly three-page letter, in which she praises the property’s beauty and marvels at the opportunity it presents the order to fulfill its educational and spiritual mission. The next day, the property owners, the Toner family, began drawing up the papers to transfer the land to the Dominican Sisters. 

Although the human history of Crystal Spring Preserve certainly does not begin here, perhaps its spiritual history does. 

Plainville: Natural & cultural history 

Grandfather Rock, a glacial erratic boulder at Crystal Spring Preserve. Photo by Rob MacDonald.

The town of Plainville, like all of Southeastern Massachusetts, was covered by ice and snow during the last glaciation that ended about 12,000 years ago. A prominent reminder of this period is a large glacial erratic boulder on the Crystal Spring property known as "Grandfather Rock." The retreating ice revealed land with few glacial deposits aside from moraines and kettle ponds to the south and east, and rather thinner soil and more scraped and exposed bedrock. Nonetheless, the area was soon settled by early Native peoples who followed the ice sheet's northward retreat, hunting and foraging on the newly exposed land. When first noted by Western settlers in the early 1600s, the Plainville area was inhabited by the Wampanoag people but lay close to the home territories of neighboring Narraganset and Nipmuc tribes. 

Near Crystal Spring Preserve is a feature known as the "Angle Tree." European settlement of our region started in the early 1600s with the founding of Plymouth Colony. Shortly thereafter, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded to the north. Despite sharing a homeland, the two colonies remained separate and somewhat culturally distinct for the next century, with the Angle Tree providing an important border landmark. 

Crystal Spring: A spiritual oasis 

Meadow at Crystal Spring Preserve. Photo by Jerry Monkman.

Crystal Spring, named after the dependable and clean local water supply, was farmed for the next 200 years, into the early 20th century. It was known for its lush pastures, feeding cattle, sheep, and horses, but also for its apple, peach, pear, and crabapple orchards comprising over 750 trees. By the 1940s, the property included 84 acres of mixed woodlands and fields. 

In 1949, Sister Bernardine and other Dominican Sisters of Peace saw Crystal Spring as a gateway to a better appreciation of the value of human interaction and spirituality with nature. In 1998, under the leadership of Sister Chris Loughlin, the property was renamed to the Crystal Spring Center for Ecology, Spirituality, and Earth Education. Among other activities, the Center opened an elementary school, provided support to homeschooling programs, established a women's justice center, and operated a summer camp. They built and maintained trails and other outdoor features to illustrate the value of our lives in concert with nature. One of the most impressive is the "Cosmic Walk," a spiral of stones in a trailside forest clearing that traces the history of the universe from its beginning to the present time. (Talk about History!)  

Cosmic Walk stone spiral at Crystal Spring Preserve. Photo by Rob MacDonald.

Along the way, the Center became deeply concerned with wildland preservation—not only relating to their own lands, but to those of religious communities across the nation. Sister Chris was instrumental in the creation of the Religious Lands Conservancy, in partnership with the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, which has grown beyond Massachusetts to assist religious communities in New York, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Louisiana in protecting their properties. 

In the early 2000s, concern from Sister Chris, Center board member Kathy McGrath, Sister Barbara Harrington, and others over the future of the Crystal Spring property prompted them to initiate discussions with Wildlands Trust. In 2008, the Center granted a Conservation Restriction (CR) on the remaining 33.5 acres to Wildlands Trust, protecting most of the campus. In 2023, the property was donated outright to Wildlands Trust, creating Crystal Spring Preserve. The Attleboro Land Trust accepted the CR to facilitate this transfer. Enhanced trails, a new kiosk, and improved parking herald the preserve’s public opening ceremony this November. The Trust is committed to ensuring that the sisters' dream and vision will continue in perpetuity. 

Crystal Spring Preserve. Photo by Jerry Monkman.

Learn More 

Please visit wildlandstrust.org/crystal-spring-preserve to learn more about Crystal Spring Preserve, including directions and parking. 

A special thanks to Sister Barbara Harrington, who has been an amazing resource in the development of this history. She provided us with invaluable primary resources related to the history and operation of the Crystal Spring Center, including the May 6, 1949, letter from Sister Bernardine; letters from Crystal Spring summer campers; a teaching pamphlet about the Cosmic Walk; and the Center newsletter, “Streams.” 

A final thanks to the Plainville Historical Society for research support.