ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      From Helen Weatherall: Many of the most wonderful places in Massachusetts likely would not exist as open space if not for Charles Eliot, landscape architect and founder of The Trustees of Reservations. In the interest of fostering support, I would also like to acknowledge the Essex County Greenbelt Association; the Sudbury Valley Trustees; the Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS); the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust; the Trust for Public Land; the Charles River Conservancy; the Appalachian Mountain Club; the Audubon Society; Friends of Lynn Woods; Friends of Middlesex Fells; Friends of Hemlock Gorge; Friends of Manchester–Essex Woods; everyone behind the Bay Circuit Trail, the Wapack Trail, and the Mid-State Trail; The Trustees of Reservations; and the gutsy, huge-hearted members of every last conservation commission in the state. Gratitude to friends and family, whose sustained interest and support helped carry this book to fruition. Thanks to my brothers, Bobby and Alexander. Thanks to my father, Robert Weatherall, who gave me his strong legs, curiosity, love of trees, and propensity for taking the long, scenic route; thanks to my trusty and courageous hiking companion, Katy, my 14-pound terrier; and with my deepest respect, appreciation, and love, thanks to my husband, Christopher.

      From Lafe Low: I wholeheartedly concur with Helen’s acknowledgment of the myriad conservation