SVT named Shelley Trucksis of Wayland as its 2022 Steward of the Land for her dedication to ecological management on SVT lands. As a Volunteer Preserve Steward at Hamlen Woods and Mainstone Farm in Wayland, Shelley visits the trails regularly, clears away fallen branches, and coordinates the removal of fallen trees. Her efforts also extend to other SVT lands, where she volunteers to remove invasive plants and maintain trails. In addition, she volunteers at other conservation organizations, for whom she collects seeds from native plants and also designs, develops, and maintains native plant gardens.
Neela de Zoysa of Sudbury received the Morgan Volunteer Award (named for an SVT co-founder) for her dedicated support of SVT’s work. A botanist and plant ecologist by training, Neela has volunteered with SVT for over a decade, primarily leading wildflower and botany walks and presenting webinars. Neela also served on the SVT Membership and Outreach committee for several years and now serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. With her passion for educating others about the importance of conservation, Neela has developed a series of walks for a local Adult Education program that highlight SVT conservation lands.
The Lewis Conservation Award (also named for an SVT co-founder) went to Bill Taylor, Chair of the Upton Open Space Committee, for his broad commitment to conservation in the region. During his 10-year tenure on the Open Space Committee, Bill has played key roles in projects that have conserved over 300 acres in Upton, including 33.7 acres at Sweetwilliam Farm. He is also president of the Friends of Upton State Forest group that presents interpretive programs and guided walks; a member of Upton’s Land Stewardship Committee that works with volunteers to build local hiking trails; and a member of Upton’s Green Community Committee that led efforts to reduce Upton’s energy use.
Carolyn MacDonald of Berlin received SVT’s Distinguished Public Service Award. Carolyn has served on the Berlin Conservation Commission for the past eight years and is currently in her second stint as its chair. In addition, she represents the commission on the Community Preservation Act Committee and also sits on the Upton Planning Board. Most recently, SVT and the Berlin Conservation Commission collaborated to protect the 100-acre Horseshoe Pond property on Mount Pisgah. Carolyn and the commission played a pivotal role in the protection of this ecologically important property, a project that received nearly unanimous support at two Town Meetings.

SVT also presented Youth Steward Awards to three local scouts for their work on the organization’s conservation lands.

Kristen Bestavros, a Girl Scout from Wayland, was recognized for building and setting up Picture Posts at SVT reservations in Sudbury and Wayland so local residents can help monitor the effects of climate change. These posts encourage visitors to take photographs of the land at specific coordinates and contribute the images to the Digital Earthwatch Network, where researchers perform detailed analyses of changes in the landscape over time.

Thomas Creavin, a Boy Scout from Wayland, designed and installed a boardwalk on a wet trail at SVT’s Hazel Brook Conservation Area in Wayland, a project that required him to raise funds and also to recruit a team of volunteers to help with the labor. In addition, Thomas presented his work at an annual meeting of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, hoping to encourage more towns to work with young conservationists like himself.

The final Youth Steward Award was presented to Walker Fryling a Boy Scout from Sudbury, who revamped a narrow boardwalk at SVT’s Memorial Forest Reservation in Sudbury. He designed a new, wider structure that is easier for both people and dogs to cross. Walker obtained permits from the Conservation Commission, raised funds, and led a volunteer effort to install the long boardwalk just before rains in Summer 2021 flooded the area.

“We could not do this work alone,” said Lisa Vernegaard, SVT Executive Director. “We are so grateful to all the award recipients for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping protect our region’s lands.”

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