Wildlands Learns, Reflects, Bonds at Staff Retreat

Wildlands staff at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, Maine.

To end January, Wildlands’ full-time employees participated in a staff retreat in Portland, Maine. Over three days, we seized the rare opportunity to step away from our day-to-day tasks, reflect on the organization’s vision and values, and help guide strategy for the next several years of Wildlands’ work.  

On the way north, we stopped for lunch and conversation with Greenbelt, our sister land trust on the North Shore. Wildlands staff was grateful for the chance to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned with colleagues advancing similar work at a similar scale. We thank President Chris LaPointe and the rest of the Greenbelt staff for hosting us at their gorgeous headquarters in Essex. 

The next day, executive advisor Phillip Milburn met us in Portland to facilitate a collaborative discussion around Wildlands’ vision. Wildlands’ staff and board are currently developing our next strategic plan, which will be anchored by a renewed commitment to serving communities across the region. We thank Phillip for his expert guidance, which will help us advance our work with even greater purpose and clarity. 

Staff members from Wildlands and Greenbelt gathered at Cox Reservation in Essex.

On our final day in Portland, we stopped by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for a guided tour with Associate Director of Development Maeve McNell. We were impressed and inspired by the institute’s innovative work at the intersection of economic and ecological well-being. We even came away with some new contacts and ideas for future collaboration. We thank GMRI for its hospitality. 

Throughout the retreat, there was also plenty of time for the staff to explore Portland and enjoy each other’s company. Shared meals and excursions built camaraderie that will pay dividends in our work.  

After an invigorating few days, we are glad to be home. Now comes the hard (yet rewarding) part: translating our new ideas and connections into ever-greater impact on the remarkable people and places of Southeastern Massachusetts. 

“We’re a small organization with a big responsibility in the region,” Wildlands Chief of Staff Rachel Bruce said. “It’s important for our staff to be exposed to the work of other inspiring groups and individuals in New England, and for us to grow together as colleagues so our collaborative work back home can continue with greater strength and purpose.” 

Welcome, Jason Risberg! (+ More Staff Updates)

Wildlands is ecstatic to welcome Jason Risberg to our team! As GIS Manager, Jason will help us protect, monitor, and promote our conservation lands through mapping and spatial analysis. Get to know Jason in the bio below.

Wildlands has also bid farewell to beloved staff members Sue Chamberlain and Zoë Smiarowski. Read on for reflections on Sue and Zoë’s diverse impacts and shared dedication to our mission.

Jason Risberg, GIS Manager

Jason Risberg

Wildlands Trust may seem like an unlikely destination for a 20-year Coast Guard veteran. But by following his fascination with maps, Jason Risberg has charted a surprisingly direct path between the two. As Wildlands’ GIS Manager, Jason leverages the power of geographic information systems to enhance all aspects of our work.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Jason fell in love with nature through family camping trips across the country. In his early 20s, Jason joined the Coast Guard, where he assisted with search and rescue, law enforcement, and port security. While stationed in Boston, he worked on an Aids to Navigation team, helping maintain buoys and lighthouses on the Massachusetts coast. Planning his next move after two decades of service, Jason discovered GIS. Trading nautical charts for trail maps, he found, is less of a leap than one might expect.

Jason explains GIS as a blend of cartography and data science. "If it’s something on the face of the Earth, GIS can be used to help explain it,” he said.

As such, Jason envisions a role for GIS in every aspect of Wildlands’ mission. Applications include maps and infographics to draw new audiences to our trails, spatial analyses to prioritize lands for protection, and invasive plant inventories to inform stewardship strategies.

Jason started taking GIS classes in the Coast Guard before enrolling at Salem State University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in cartography and GIS in 2023 and is set to complete his master’s degree this summer. Before Wildlands, Jason completed a GIS internship with Essex County Greenbelt.

“One of most important things we can do as society is to protect natural resources so generations to come will be able to enjoy these green spaces,” he said.

Jason is excited to move to Plymouth with his wife and explore new restaurants and natural areas with friends and family.

Sue Chamberlain, Donor Relations Manager

Sue Chamberlain (right) at a Leadership Council appreciation event in 2022. Photo by Ken Grille.

Sue Chamberlain served as Wildlands’ Donor Relations Manager for 12 years until her retirement in March. During her tenure, Sue forged and fostered relationships with generous individuals across the region, connecting our work with crucial support from the communities we serve. 

“Sue is the consummate fundraising professional, and we were very fortunate to have her for the past 12 years,” said Wildlands President Karen Grey. “Sue ‘does’ fundraising; she doesn’t just talk about it. She is constantly meeting with people, drafting notes, or talking on the phone. She was beloved by the staff and donors alike and we will miss her. Sue’s many accomplishments include creating the Leadership Council for major donors (now almost 200 strong!) and establishing the Hathaway Legacy Partners for people making planned gifts to Wildlands Trust. Happy retirement, friend!” 

"I have been so fortunate to work for such a good cause—saving land for future generations and helping ensure clean water, air, and beautiful vistas,” Sue said. “I have loved my time at Wildlands—seeing such growth of scope and range, getting to know wonderful donors and staff, and being part of the effort to preserve Southeastern Massachusetts. Many thanks to so many people who generously supported important land preservation and ambitious projects in places like Brockton. And, my thanks to an excellent staff and leadership team who made my job so much easier and fun. I miss everyone!" 

Rob Kluin became Wildlands’ new Donor Relations Manager in May. Read his staff bio here.

Zoë Smiarowski, Stewardship Programs Manager

Zoë Smiarowski builds a bog board at Wyman North Fork Conservation Area in Bridgewater.

In July, Wildlands said goodbye to Zoë Smiarowski, who served as Stewardship Coordinator and then Stewardship Programs Manager for three impactful years. Zoë’s promotion came shortly into her time with Wildlands, when the fledgling Stewardship Training Center needed a day-to-day leader with a rare combination of stewardship and outreach skills. Zoë also helped transform Wildlands’ volunteer program, fostering a dedicated, enthusiastic, and loyal volunteer community through our ever-popular VolunTuesdays.  

Zoë is now pursuing a master’s degree in plant biology through the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program.

“I am so grateful for my time at Wildlands and for the opportunity to get to work with so many incredible colleagues, volunteers, and partners,” Zoë said. “I will certainly miss the community, but I’m confident that all the programs are in incredible hands. I look forward to cheering on the organization.” 

In late July, over 40 Wildlands staff members, partners, and volunteers attended a farewell party for Zoë, a testament to her talent for building community around environmental stewardship.

Two recent hires are stepping up in her absence. Rebecca Cushing, who joined us in January, will spearhead Wildlands’ volunteer efforts as Stewardship & Volunteer Coordinator. Callahan Coughlin, who came aboard in February, will oversee STC programs as Stewardship & Training Coordinator. 

We thank Sue and Zoë for their dedication to Wildlands’ mission and congratulate Jason, Rob, Rebecca, and Callahan on their exciting new positions!

Reacquaint yourself with our entire staff at wildlandstrust.org/staff.