• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Manchester Essex Conservation Trust

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust

...preserving natural beauty, wildlife and resources at the gateway to Cape Ann

  • Home
  • About
    • About MECT
    • Land Conservation
    • Land Stewardship
    • Community Engagement
  • Engage
    • What’s Happening
    • Now on Facebook
    • Events
    • Past Events
    • Newsletters
    • Volunteer
  • Support MECT
  • Trail Map
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Uncategorized

MECT is looking for a new Executive Director

September 2, 2020 By Alida Bryant

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

MECT Annual Meeting a Great Success

November 18, 2017 By Alida Bryant

MECT held its 54th 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.

Speaker Richard Primack addresses MECT members in the Manchester Community Center

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.

Retiring Trustee Kurt Wilhelm with Mike Dyer
Helen Bethell, retiring as Director of Land Protection
Retiring Trustee Bill Vachon with Mike Dyer

Filed Under: Uncategorized

2017 Photo Contest Winners Announced!

October 3, 2017 By Alida Bryant

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!

Best In Show by Anita Brewer-Siljeholm

Best Photo in the WCA by Phil Frank

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 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Our 50th Anniversary Video

November 12, 2013 By Alida Bryant

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Welcoming New Members

September 4, 2013 By Alida Bryant

MECT Annual 2012 004
Photo by Alida Bryant

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!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

No items found

Support MECT’s Mission

Donate

Shingle Place Hill 40B Development Project

Read latest updates from MECT

Annual Meeting Video Presentation is Here:

More than Just Buzz Video

LAND CONSERVATION

MECT’s conservation work is focused on preserving ecologically important land at the gateway to Cape Ann for wildlife habitat, water quality protection, flood prevention, biodiversity, research and passive recreation.

LAND STEWARDSHIP

MECT’s stewardship efforts seek to balance the protection of natural resources inherent in the land that we hold while allowing for appropriate public access, use and enjoyment of these very special places.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MECT exists to support our Community: our members, partners, and all residents of Manchester and Essex. Find out more about how we share our passion for conservation and enjoy the beauty of the land we all work hard to protect.

EVENTS

We host a Spring and Fall Hike Series led by knowledgeable experts, such as birders, naturalists, geologists and trustees. During this pandemic, we also offer other activities, such as scavenger hunts, story trails, and photo contests, for individuals to explore our conservation lands and participate in a bit of fun on their own.

SUPPORT

The woods, fields and trails need your support. Giving to MECT helps save our special places for now… and forever.

Footer

Who we are

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving ecologically important land and wildlife habitat in Manchester and Essex, Massachusetts, and promoting its use for quiet recreation, education and research.

How to support us

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Our Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 04-3469549.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

How to reach us

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust
PO Box 1486
Manchester MA 01944
conserve@mect.org
978-890-7153

All Content Copyright MECT © 2023 | Site by Tom Rogers Web Design | Internet Solutions