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The Manchester Essex Conservation Trust (MECT), a 57-year old non-profit land conservation trust, seeks an executive director to lead the organization, and manage active programs in land conservation, stewardship, outreach and education.  The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and experience in land protection, and strong skills in:

• Leadership and organizational management
• Written and public communication
• Partnership and consensus building
• Common computer applications and a preference in regard to GIS data and mapping

MECT’s mission is the preservation of ecologically important land and wildlife habitat in the towns of Manchester and Essex, Massachusetts, and promotion of its use for quiet recreation, education and research.  Our profile:

• Protection of over 1,500 acres of land in fee and 182 acres through conservation restrictions
• Network of 50 miles of trails
• Annual operating budget approximately $200,000
• Endowment of over $3.5M
• Support of two part-time staff, Board of Trustees, standing committees, volunteers, and consultants

If you would like to work for a vibrant and active local land conservancy committed to the preservation and stewardship of ecologically important land, located in two naturally beautiful and culturally rich communities, please apply for this position by submitting a letter of interest, and a resume, with contact information to Alida Bryant: abryant@mect.org

The complete position description appears HERE.

MECT held its 54^th Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the Manchester Community Center. MECT President, Mike Dyer, reported on a tremendously successful year, the highlight of which was the acquisition of 67 acres of land in the Essex woods that brings us ever closer to our goal of protecting all of the Wilderness Conservation Area that encompasses roughly 2000 acres of land in the heart of Manchester and Essex.

Dr. Richard Primack, author of Walden Warming and professor of Biology at Boston University, was the featured speaker for the event. He spoke to a full house, and gave an informative and detailed talk on the present day effects of climate change on plant and animal behavior right here in Massachusetts. His data indicates that urbanization contributes strongly to the degree of warming that we have already experienced in Massachusetts, particularly in the metro Boston area, which exemplifies the need to continue in earnest with our efforts to conserve undeveloped land in our communities.

MECT bid a fond farewell and a heartfelt thank you to two long time Trustees who will be truly missed. Both Bill Vachon and Kurt Wilhelm have stepped down from their roles as Trustees of MECT after many years of dedicated service. We are fortunate that Bill will continue to serve as a member of the MECT Land Acquisition and Protection Committee. In turn, we are thrilled to welcome Fred Wales, a long time volunteer dedicated to MECTs land research efforts, as a new Trustee. MECT is also fortunate to have re-elected all three of our current officers, President Mike Dyer, Vice President Greg Crockett, and Treasurer Bethe Palmer for another term. Finally, MECT recognized the unparalleled contribution of Helen Bethell, former Executive Director and current Land Director, who is stepping down from her role as MECT staff. Helen has dedicated forty years to researching, protecting, and stewarding land on behalf of MECT, a commitment that that we and our communities are fortunate to have enjoyed. Thankfully Helen will continue to build upon her accomplishments in land conservation as a member of MECTs Land Acquisition and Protection Committee.

Artists’ Reception!  Saturday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Santander Bank, 17 Union Street, Manchester. All winning photographs will be on display at the bank from Nov. 1 to Dec. 6.  Hope to see you there!

Animal Kingdom:  1st place:  Dave Perkins;  2nd place:  Dave Perkins;   Honorable Mention:  Phil Frank

Plants and Fungi:  1st place:  Robyn Lafata;  2nd place:  Dave Perkins;  Honorable Mention:  Phil Frank

Landscape:   1st place:  Phil Frank;  2nd place:  Neil Ayer;  Honorable Mention:  Neil Ayer

Four Seasons:  1st place:  Arlene Taliadoros;  2nd place:  Robyn Lafata;  Honorable Mention:  Arlene Taliadoros

And a huge Thank You! to the supporters who made this contest possible:

Judges: Barbara Almy and Steve Rosenthal
Framers: Chuck Hayback of Nor’East Frameworks and James Eves of Cape Ann Giclee

Best Photo in the WCA by Phil Frank 

Produced by Jeffrey McDonagh at JM Video Productions, and MECT Trustees Mike McDonagh and Mike Dyer, our 50th Anniversary video captures the beauty of the Manchester-Essex Woods, includes interviews with two of the founders of the Manchester Conservation Trust, shows enthusiastic school children exploring nature, and highlights the two-town cooperation that continues to support protection of this special natural open space.

Clean drinking water or parking lot pollution?  Bright fall colors or unchanging development?  Children’s nature trips or classroom routine? Invest in MECT’s future and invest in your own.  We have much to do and you can help.

 Choose a Tree and become a member now!