June 16, 2022 Submitted by The Hingham Land Conservation Trust
For 50 years, the Hingham Land Conservation Trust has preserved and maintained green space in Hingham. This past May, at its 50th anniversary annual meeting and reception at the Hingham Heritage Museum, the HLCT celebrated its visionary founders and key accomplishments since 1972, and launched three initiatives to continue its important mission of conservation and environmental education.
First, outgoing board chair Eileen McIntyre announced the HLCT has created an annual environmental research grant program named for founder Sally Goodrich. Enabled by a generous bequest from Goodrich’s estate after her death in 2020, the grant is also supported by donations from the HLCT board and long-time supporters. Information about the grant is available on the HLCT website.
Second, incoming board chair Art Collins introduced the new, 7th edition of the HLCT’s popular Parklands for the Public map, available online. Collins credits Larz Ahlzen for bringing the Parklands map into the digital age. The updated map was made possible by a generous contribution in memory of former board member Mike Austin, from his widow Nolly Corley and his family. Future enhancements will include trail data, and a print version will be available at a future date.
Third, long-time board member Don Kidston announced 50 Walks, an interactive tool allowing walkers and hikers to search among 50 walks in Hingham. The tool provides detailed descriptions and trail guidance for each walk and allows users to enter criteria, including length and difficulty. The announcement drew applause for Kidston, who did all the research--including miles of walking!--to develop the 50 Walks. The 50 Walks logo was created by Gray Matter Agency of Hingham.
Special guests joining the HLCT anniversary celebration included Chuck Goodrich, Sally’s son; former long-time board member Ginger Winslow; Ellen DeBard Adle, daughter of founding board member Stuart DeBard; and Brigitte Lehner Kingsbury, daughter of former board member Monique Lehner. They shared fond memories of the early days and people who created the HLCT for the lasting benefit of Hingham. The Town of Hingham was represented at the event by Select Board member Joe Fisher, and Conservation Officer Emily Sullivan, who were among the instant enthusiasts for the 50 Walks initiative.
Details about the Goodrich Grant Program, the HLCT Parklands for the Public map, and 50 Walks are all available on the HLCT website, beautifully updated by Katie Sutton of SLSutton Design in Hingham. The annual meeting program was recorded by Harbor Media and is now available on the HLCT website: https://hinghamlandtrust.org
How do we access the Parkland and Walk maps referenced in this story?
That’s my sister, Ellen DeBard Adle! Gee – You’d never guess she’s 81 years old now, would you? I’m so proud of my father, Stuart DeBard’s role in conservation. His contributions are not only to HLCT, but also in writing the Conservation Commission Handbook, the WetLands Act, and helping to save World’s End from development. Kudos to your group! Congratulations on turning 50!