Friends of the Fells

For the past year I have been the Layout Director for a wonderful organization called Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Friends of the Fells is a non-profit organization based in Melrose, Ma that is dedicated to the protection and harmonious use of the Fells Reservation, promoting awareness, policies and programs which honor and preserve the landscape and heritage of this public resource for current and future generations.

The Fells really is a natural local treasure! Visitors enjoy scenery and tranquility while hiking, walking, birding, and observing or studying natural and cultural features of the Fells. Others also take photographs, picnic, jog, cross-country ski, snowshoe and sled.

In the effort to preserve the Reservation, the Friends assist the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in educating the public about the natural, cultural and appropriate recreational features in the Fells. In addition, the Friends sponsor and conduct natural and cultural history programs and recreational hikes year round to increase public awareness and appreciation of the Reservation. The Friends works with local and regional conservation groups, and helps develop policies through collaboration with local and state agencies and elected officials.

They also assist local youth and school groups in community service projects. In cooperation with the DCR, the Friends cosponsors a trail adopter program, special events, and provides resource material for the Visitors’ Center at the historic Botume House on Spot Pond.

My role is to design and paginate their quarterly newsletter. I work directly with the Executive Director, Mike Ryan to produce a publication that not only showcases the beauty of the Fells but also give a voice to important issues that the organization is facing. Such as lack of Fells trails management leads to hiking trail damage from unauthorized bike use.

Mike is the kind of Executive Director that arts administrators aspire to be. He is passionate about the fells and is completely dedicated to gather support and protection for the Fells. Working with Mike has been an exceptional experience and I look forward to my role in the organization growing after I graduate in May. Please consider joining the Friends and help protect and preserve this precious natural resource.

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