The Hingham Land Conservation Trust Celebrates 50 Years!

At its 50th anniversary annual meeting and reception, held May 11th at the Hingham Heritage Museum, the Hingham Land Conservation Trust celebrated the HLCT’s visionary founders and key accomplishments since 1972, and launched initiatives to continue its important mission of conservation and environmental education.

• As announced by outgoing board chair, Eileen McIntyre, the HLCT is launching an annual environmental research grant program named for founder Sally Goodrich. The idea for the program emerged from a generous bequest from Sally’s estate, following her death in 2020. The dedicated fund was then enhanced to get to program launch stage by special contributions from HLCT board members and long-time HLCT supporters. McIntyre will remain on the HLCT board to oversee the launch of the Goodrich Environmental Research Grant program. In announcing the program, she gave a shout out to fellow 50th anniversary committee members including HLCT board member Don Kidston and two former board members: Kathy Reardon and Barbara Wollan, for their work over the past year. Details about the Goodrich Grant program are available at the “Grants” tab on the home page of the HLCT website.
• Incoming board chair Art Collins introduced the new, online 7th edition of the HLCT’s popular Parklands for the Public map, updated using surveys and data from the Town of Hingham, MassGIS and OpenStreetMap. This first stage of digital enhancement for the map, and planned ongoing work, was made possible by a generous contribution in memory of former board member Mike Austin, from his widow Nolly Corley and his family. The map can be viewed on the newly updated HLCT website. The HLCT expects to add trails data to the digital version in the future. A poster-sized version of the new map will be printed as supplies of the 6th edition, launched in 2017, are depleted. Collins credited Larz Ahlzen, long known for his mapping work with Friends of Wompatuck, for bringing the Parklands map into the digital age.
• Long-time board member Don Kidston announced a new interactive tool, now available on the HLCT website, 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. Kidston gave credit to Katie Sutton of KLSutton Design in Hingham for bringing the interactive tool to life on the HLCT website, which she redesigned for the launch. 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. All shared memories of the HLCT’s early years, including fond recollections of Sally and other founders. 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. Fisher suggested the creation of a badge or award for those who complete all 50 Walks, something the HLCT will consider as the new tool gains traction.

Please explore our new website to learn more and to support HLCT’s next 50 years!