2021 Annual Gathering- Thanks to All!
The NCLT Annual Gathering tradition has never come in two parts. But challenging times call for creative solutions! Recognizing the need for continued social distancing, we held this year’s Annual Gathering event both outside (in-person) and virtually.
A seasonably beautiful September 25th at the base of Mt. Watatic was the backdrop for our first event. Thirty friends of North County Land Trust joined together for a hike and picnic with NCLT staff and board members. We walked the relatively easy route from from the new parking area off Rindge State Road (Rte 119) in Ashburnham up to the old Gilchrest house on Hardy Road in Ashby then enjoyed a bring-your-own picnic. After the picnic, some adventurous hikers continued on up to the Watatic summit with Emily.
Later that afternoon, many joined us again for the virtual Annual Gathering meeting. NCLT Board Chair, Lucy Crocker Abisalih, opened the meeting with a heartfelt welcome and tribal recognition. Then Lucy handed it over to Anna Wilkins, our Executive Director, who shared about our accomplishments from this past year through a video, “The Mountain, the Subdivision, and the Trail”. We also witnessed the surprise presentation of our “You Rock” Volunteer Award to Scott Royal for his dedicated work on our trails.
“It was a highlight for me to be able to see folks in person and share the serenity of our new land on Hardy Road. Will Close’s presentation was not only visually stunning but got us thinking about how our bodies tether us to the earth and how important that is.” – Anna Wilkins, NCLT Executive Director
It was then time to turn it over to Will Close for his presentation “Feet on the Ground, Head in the Sky”. This was a beautiful display of his experience at Watatic during the 2021 Spring Equinox. We are already planning his summer 2022 residency (Part II) which is slated to include an exhibit at the Fitchburg Art Museum next fall. Continue to follow all of NCLT’s updates throughout the seasons so that you don’t miss anything.
For those of you who missed it or would like to watch again, here are links to the Annual Gathering virtual meeting recordings and materials.
- Annual Gathering Virtual Meeting (full meeting)
- “The Mountain, the Subdivision, and the Trail” video
- Will Close’s “Feet on the Ground, Head in the Sky” presentation slides
- “You Rock” 2021 Volunteer Award
We are appreciative of all the ways that you support North County Land Trust. Together we are making a real, earthly difference. Continue to support us at northcountylandtrust.org/membership/
Visit Will Close Studios website for more information on Will Close’s work and to purchase notecards, box sets, and prints.