April 9, 2025 By Beth Porter
A conversation with Anne Smith-White, Regional Vice President, Southeast & Islands
Beth: What is special about Trustees of the Reservations [Trustees]?
Anne: Our special places! We have miles of coastline on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, marshes, forests, farms, museums and manor houses. The range is breathtaking. I feel so lucky to visit the properties we care for and enjoy the views. Beyond that, it’s the people who are involved: ecologists, stewards, curators, farmers, educators, volunteers as well as our admin team. We are all learning every day.
Beth: Summarize Trustees of the Reservations in three words.
Anne: Nature for Everyone.
Beth: What is Trustees best known for? What should you be best known for?
Anne: We are known for being the oldest conservation non-profit in the country and the largest in Massachusetts. I’d also like people to know we are really leaning into accessibility – thinking about how we can invite the widest, most diverse group of people onto our properties. We want everyone to feel comfortable in nature whether they own a pair of hiking boots or not. We’re also doing a lot of sensory-friendly programming for groups serving people with autism.
Beth: Tell me one of your favorite stories about Trustees of the Reservations.
Anne: Last year I was greeting a group of elementary school students from Brockton who were coming to Weir River for a field trip. The teacher shared she loves to watch the kids’ faces as they get off the bus because there are always a few children who have never seen a horizon that far away. They are standing at the top of Turkey Hill and they can see all of Boston harbor islands with the skyline in the distance. It’s literal and metaphorical: we are opening these places and experiences to people.
Beth: If Trustees of the Reservations received $100,000 tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Anne: I’d love to put that money towards replacing trees on World End. The property was planned by Olmsted over 100 years ago and a lot of the trees have aged out. As we think about the impact climate change will have on our properties, we need to plant new species of trees that will be resilient for the next 100 years so our grandkids can enjoy them. It’s such an investment in the future. $100,000 would plant and care for 100 trees.
Beth: What do you think will change about the organization over the next five years?
Anne: We’re working on a new strategic plan under the leadership of our new leader President and CEO. We are really focusing on stewardship of the properties with an eye towards carbon sequestration and climate resiliency. We want to connect people to these issues in a way that’s personal, so they care. We want them to support the issue of climate resiliency across the state and the nation.
Beth: What do most want people to know about Trustees of the Reservations?
Anne: We, as a country, are feeling tension and anxiety. It’s a hard time, and nature allows us to get outside of that experience. It offers beauty, inspiration, deep breathing, and connection in an important way. Our properties are here to be that respite. I want people to know that Trustees properties are here for everyone. Everyone has a place to go.
Beth: If Trustees of the Reservations had a theme song, what would it be?
Anne: This Land is Your Land!
What is Trustees of the Reservations’ superpower?
Anne: Planning for the future.
Beth: How can someone get involved with Trustees of the Reservations?
Anne: There are lots of ways. Many South Shore children come to World’s End on school field trips or for summer camp. We offer public programs like Sunset Picnics and Open Barnyard at Weir River Farm. In the spring we host Garlic Mustard Days at World’s End where volunteers help us pull these invasive plants. It’s so satisfying because the work is easy, you see your progress, and you can bring home the plants you pull and make a beautiful Garlic Mustard Pesto for dinner. Recipe here. But the best way to support our work is to become a Member of The Trustees.
Beth: Do you have any special events coming soon?
Anne: We launch our summer season with our Solstice Celebration at World’s End on Saturday, June 21. We feature the Aldous Collins Band, line up great local food, beer and ice cream trucks, and provide the most beautiful sunset on the South Shore.
Beth: What is the strangest thing on your desk?
Anne: Oh, it’s so wonderful. One of the camp counselors made me a birthday card featuring hoofprints from all the animals in the barnyard!
Beth: Last question – Are you facing any cuts in governmental funding?
Anne: Yes, we do receive some federal funding. More than that, we are already missing our federal ecology and research colleagues who provide guidance about things like Bird Flu.
Learn about joining, volunteering, events here.
Become a Member here.
Beth Porter is a local consultant with 35+ years of experience in nonprofit management. She partners with local nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic projects bringing a fresh perspective, calm energy, and lots of tools. Contact her at beth@bcpnonprofitconsulting.com to learn more.