Remarks from our Executive Director at our Annual Meeting on 8-10-2025
This year marks a milestone for the Wareham Land Trust, we’re launching the celebration of 25 years protecting the land, water, and way of life that make this town so special. Looking back on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together and excited for what lies ahead.
A Major Win: The River Walk Property
One of our biggest achievements this year was securing Town Meeting support and funding for the 20-acre River Walk property along the Weweantic River. This beautiful stretch of land will not only provide new public access but also safeguard important habitat. Your voices, votes, and belief in our mission made this possible. We’re still awaiting word on additional state funding, and we’ll keep you posted on next steps as we work to complete the project fully.
Growing Outreach and Programs
This year was also about connection. Our Wednesday Walks grew into a much-loved tradition, thanks to the dedication of volunteer leaders Jody, Tom, Ann, and Lisa, along with the folks who volunteered as sweep, to keep our walks safe and welcoming.
We also launched a new website, a fresh reflection of who we are and what we stand for. And, for the very first time, we mailed to nearly every household in Wareham. Thousands of neighbors who may never have heard of us before were introduced to the work we’re doing together. That visibility is something we’re excited to keep building on.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. National funding priorities are shifting away from environmental programs, and the future of AmeriCorps remains uncertain. In response, our board acted quickly to bring on Julia Ledo as our new Community Coordinator, welcome, Julia! We’re still hopeful about hosting a TerraCorps member this year as well. This kind of adaptability is what keeps us strong, even in uncertain times.
Strengthening Accountability
We also renewed our accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance, a rigorous process that affirms we meet the highest standards of governance, financial responsibility, and ethical conservation. It’s a powerful reassurance that your support is always in capable, accountable hands.
Why Your Support Matters
Land conservation takes more than passion; it takes resources. Acquiring new properties requires funding for due diligence, staff time, and the legal steps needed to ensure every acre we protect stays protected forever. For example, an upcoming land donation will still require several thousand dollars in due diligence costs.
That’s why your continued support is so vital. Every act of support, whether a gift of land, a one-time donation or recurring, or simply spreading the word about WLT, is helping us to be ready when opportunities arise.
Looking Ahead
Together, we’re protecting more than land. We’re safeguarding clean water, peaceful trails, wildlife habitat, and a way of life that future generations will inherit.
As we step into this 25th anniversary year, thank you for walking this path with us, believing in this mission, and helping us build a brighter, greener future for Wareham, one acre at a time. –Executive Director- Alexandra Zollo