As Trustees staff and administration, we are lucky to see many of our Members through emails and social media posts. Their experiences are well worth sharing with everyone. This blog series introduces us to Ian from Beverly.

Q: Do you have a favorite Trustees property?
It’s impossible to name just one! I volunteer and spend a lot of time at both Crane Beach and Appleton Farms, so I would have to put them at the top of my list, but there are so many wonderful properties that I also love: Halibut Point, Crane Estate, Coolidge Reservation, Misery Island, Gerry Island…

Q: Why did you choose to become a Member?
A: The mission of the Trustees aligns with everything I hold dear. In our constantly developing world, it is essential to preserve open space and historical properties and conserve precious ecological resources and wildlife habitats for future generations. By combining access to its properties with events and education, the Trustees build public appreciation and awareness of the challenges and importance of preserving and adding to these amazing assets. I’m honored to contribute to this mission in any way that I can.

Q: Is there a Trustees program or event that you participated in that you especially loved?
A: The Hike 125 Challenge (now Hike Trustees) inspired my wife and me to visit many Trustees properties throughout the state. We hiked 266 miles during the challenge and visited over three dozen properties. The annual visit to Choate Island is also a favorite, and the Crane Estate has many events such as the summer concert series and Castle Hill Illuminated that we have thoroughly enjoyed.

Q: Where would you recommend a first-time Trustees visitor go?
A: The answer to this question really depends on the interests of the visitor; whether a hiker, birder, gardener, historian, or an art lover, the Trustees has something special for everyone! But a fun adventure would be to plan a tour of some of the North Shore properties to get a feel for the full range of the Trustees offerings. They are close enough to each other to visit a few on the same day. I’d include Long Hill for its gardens, Coolidge Reservation for its spectacular views, Appleton Farms for hiking, Crane Estate for history, and finish on Crane Beach.

Q: Where will you be heading for your next outdoor adventure?
A: I’ll walk north along the shore of Crane Beach to Steep Hill beach to watch the huge mixed flock of seabirds (eiders, scoters, long-tailed ducks, etc.) that congregate there in the winter, then, if the tide is right, look for the remains of the wreckage of the schooner Ada K. Damon. It’s a fascinating piece of marine history that takes a beating from every winter storm!