SVT Annual Meeting 2025

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Village Hall on the Common
2 Oak Street
Framingham, MA

Annual Meeting Program

6:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Social Hour

Generous appetizers and soft drinks

7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Annual Meeting

Approve the Minutes from 2024 (Read the Minutes)
Election of SVT Board Members & Board Officers (Read about the Nominees)
SVT Highlights from the Past Year, by Davnet Conway, Executive Director
Presentation of Annual Conservation Awards (scroll down to read about the recipients)

All are welcome.

2025 Annual Conservation Awards

During our 2025 Annual Meeting, SVT will be proud to present our Annual Conservation Awards to these outstanding conservationists:

Morgan Volunteer of the Year

Roland H. "Boot" Boutwell of Winchester

Boot is a highly regarded naturalist who volunteers his time leading walks throughout the SVT watershed and sharing his knowledge and passion for the natural world.

Named in honor of SVT Co-founder Allen Morgan and his wife, Alice, the Morgan Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes dedicated SVT members who, like the Morgans, have given freely and unselfishly of their time, talents, and resources to SVT.

Lewis Conservation Award

Giancarla Kalpas of Chelmsford

A leader in the Native Pollinator Task Force of the Metrowest Conservation Alliance, Giancarla goes above and beyond in providing public educational presentations and helping others create habitat for declining species of native pollinators.

The Lewis Conservation Award is named for SVT co-founder George Lewis. It recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of those who toil in the region's environmental areas and encourage others to do the same.

Steward of the Land

Jim Shelhamer of Acton

Jim has been a long-time volunteer for SVT as a Trail Steward and committee member. He has also been a volunteer leader and instructor with AMC, helping people enjoy the outdoors in challenging conditions, and get home safely.

The Steward of the Land award is presented to an SVT member who is a model land steward and who exemplifies the respect for open space and dedication to ecological management that is a keystone to SVT’s success.

Distinguished Public Service

U.S. Representative Jim McGovern

Representative McGovern's many achievements include protecting and expanding the Land and Water Conservation Fund program, which provides funding for local recreational facilities, urban parks, and trails. As a Senior Member of the Agriculture Committee, Rep. McGovern understands the importance of keeping local farmland in production. On his annual farm tour he learns about current issues facing local farmers, and he has championed state programs such as the Healthy Incentives Program that benefits both farmers and consumers.

The SVT Board of Directors established this award in 1995 to honor a public servant who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in local, state, or national government service.

SMILE Mass, 2025 Trailblazer for Inclusion in the Outdoors Award

NEW AWARD!

The Trailblazer for Inclusion in the Outdoors

SMILE Mass of Sudbury

Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is dedicated to helping families with children or adults who have disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through education, vacation, and recreation experiences.

The Board of Directors established the Trailblazer for Inclusion in the Outdoors Award in 2024 to honor an individual or organization who demonstrates exceptional leadership in creating environments for people of all backgrounds to enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Our 2025 Annual Meeting will mark the inaugural presentation of the award.

Lifetime Achievement

Molly and John Beard of Wayland

John and Molly are lifelong champions for nature and long-time supporters of SVT. Molly served as SVT Board President and has volunteered for many other local organizations. A retired attorney for Ropes & Gray, John also served on SVT's Board and has helped SVT conserve many properties. John and Molly have a conservation restriction on their Wayland home and are prolific local philanthropists.

Our Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual or couple who have made a significant contribution to SVT's conservation efforts over an extended period of time.