The Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF) held its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 13, bringing together trustees, volunteers, and community members to celebrate another year of conservation work.
SOLF is a private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting Southborough’s natural resources. Since its founding in 1988, the organization has preserved 15 properties totaling almost 200 acres of open space. Its most visited property, the 58-acre Beals Preserve, draws walkers and nature lovers year-round. SOLF is supported primarily by public donations, which fund trail maintenance and habitat stewardship.
President Destin Heilman opened the meeting by introducing the Board of Trustees and reviewing the year’s accomplishments, among them the receipt of a grant to develop a Forestry Management Plan for Beals Preserve. He also took time to recognize the volunteers whose efforts keep SOLF’s properties thriving.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of longtime trustee Rick Ellis, who joined the Board in 2011 and is stepping down this year after 14 years of dedicated service. Rick was presented with a hand-carved wooden bluebird in appreciation of his contributions.
Trustee Sally Watters presented this year’s Elaine Beals Award to Joyce Greenleaf. Given annually to a local resident who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in environmental conservation, the award recognized Joyce for over 20 years of service and leadership on the Stewardship Committee which is responsible for the care of the 90-acre Breakneck Hill Conservation Land and the adjacent 58-acre town forest. Her commitment to the conservation values on these parcels while keeping them available for passive recreation has been exceptional. And her personal commitment to pollinator-friendly native plant gardening is a hands-on inspiration for the broader community. Joyce received a hand-carved wooden bluebird as well.
Both bluebirds were carved by Ben Keyes, a Southborough artist, musician, and Director of L’Abri Fellowship.
The meeting also included the election of trustees, with Eileen Samberg and Sally Watters both re-elected to the Board for five-year terms.
SOLF is actively seeking passionate new members to join its Board of Trustees. Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out at info@solf.org.
Following the formal program, attendees explored displays highlighting SOLF’s ongoing work, including invasive plant management, native plantings, the “Connecting with SOLF” challenge, and the popular Art on the Trails program, held each summer at Beals Preserve.
