Anyone who has spent time with Chris LaPointe — be it in a professional setting, at a community event, or out on a lengthy Sunday cycling excursion — knows that he is passionate about protecting the region’s natural habitats, working farms, and scenic landscapes. They also recognize that he thrives on a good challenge and is unafraid to tackle some of the most complex and thorny conservation projects that come along — ones that, when completed, will have the greatest impact on preserving the environment for future generations.
Beginning on September 1, when he steps into the role of Greenbelt’s next President, Chris will have a new platform to utilize his passion and determination for the greater good. Currently serving as Vice President of Conservation Operations, he will be succeeding Kate Bowditch, Greenbelt’s President for the past six years, who is retiring.
A native of central Massachusetts who has lived in Hamilton for the past two decades, Chris holds degrees in environmental policy and natural resource planning from Colby College and the University of Vermont. Married with two sons, he is also an avid outdoorsman who loves to cycle and ski. Prior to Greenbelt, Chris worked at The Trust for Public Land for more than a decade overseeing conservation projects across the state.
Where did your love for nature and outdoor activity originate?
As a kid, I spent countless hours exploring the woods and farmland around our home on the outskirts of Grafton and developed a deep love for the outdoors. Our family also took trips to a number of iconic parks and recreational areas across the country, which broadened my appreciation for diverse natural landscapes. But my strongest connections to nature and outdoor activities are rooted right here in New England. I have many fond memories of spending time on Cape Cod and taking trips to Maine.
You lead a very active lifestyle. Can you share more about your outdoor adventures and what they mean to you?
My wife, two sons, and I are all avid skiers and riders. In the winter, we try to be on the snow as frequently as possible — early season, ice, bare spots, powder, you name it — we’re just happy to be on the hill! While I love the challenge and physicality of the sport, it’s ultimately about spending time outside in the mountains with family and friends that I value the most.
I feel the same way about cycling. I got back into it about eight years ago and ride both mountain and gravel bikes. I ride solo quite a bit, as I find it’s a good way to clear my head, but I love cycling with other people as well and have a group of folks I join from time to time. I particularly love the “infamous” Zumi’s rides, which connect bikes, coffee, community, and a beloved local business. I also coach my sons’ cycling club, which is yet another opportunity to connect with family and friends and get outdoors.
How did you become interested in land conservation?
In the span of my time growing up in Grafton, my backyard was transformed from what seemed like endless woods and farm fields into subdivisions that occupied every nook and cranny around my neighborhood. Although I studied environmental policy in college, I didn’t become aware of land conservation as a profession until graduate school. I learned from a series of great mentors who were tackling both large landscape-scale conservation projects and locally important community driven projects in Vermont. The market-based approach and the tangible results clicked with me, and the rest is history.
Why is land conservation important?
Land conservation is fundamental to ensuring our local communities are sustainable into the future. We’re talking about “need to haves” not just “nice to haves.” Greenbelt protects land that ensures we have adequate quantity and quality of drinking water. We protect land that allows for the continued production of local food. We protect land that is cooling our communities during extreme heat events. Land provides a wide range of critical services that are central to community climate resilience.
Can you tell me a bit about your time at The Trust for Public Land and the types of projects you were involved in?
My time at The Trust for Public Land (TPL) was fundamental to who I have become. I was involved in a wide range of land conservation projects that protected beloved and critically important local landscapes from Pepperell to Harwich, and innovative farmland projects in Northampton and Boston. I learned not only how to make conservation deals work, but also — and perhaps more importantly — how to listen to the priorities of local communities and to use all the skills and resources that I could to help them achieve their vision. I left the organization with a sincere belief in the value of including people in land conservation, and that is a strong feature of the work we do here at Greenbelt.
What attracted you to Greenbelt almost a decade ago?
I had the opportunity to work in partnership with Greenbelt while at TPL on a variety of projects, including Maplecroft Farm in Ipswich and several of the Common Pasture projects in Newbury and Newburyport. I had a great working relationship with both Ed Becker and David Santomenna, leaders of the organization at the time, and always had tremendous respect for the work they were doing.
What have you enjoyed most about your work at Greenbelt since you started?
Greenbelt has such a positive attitude, a fundamental, organization-wide belief that together we can accomplish anything. Whether that relates to conservation projects, new outreach initiatives, or novel stewardship approaches, we have a staff and Board that is forward-thinking and effective. It’s incredibly energizing.
How has the organization changed/evolved in this time-period?
In terms of conservation transactions, we have become much more comfortable taking on large, complex projects. We often have several projects going at the same time, each of which, 10 years ago, would have been our “big project.” That is a testament to the support of the Board and the experience of our staff, and it’s why we’ve played a significant role in 86 percent of all land conserved in Essex County over the past decade.
We have also taken our charge as the land trust for all of Essex County very seriously. In the last decade, we have significantly expanded our reach into the Merrimack Valley, and last year, we helped protect Lynn Woods. I am excited about continuing to grow our impact and serve more communities.
Broadly speaking, what do you like most about conservation work?
I am most drawn to the people part of the work — getting to know landowners and their stories, learning about local priorities and how we can help bring them to life, and building long-term relationships with our many partners and colleagues.
Biggest challenges ahead for land trusts broadly, Greenbelt in particular, moving forward?
One of the major ongoing challenges is land stewardship amid a rapidly changing climate. We are witnessing impacts such as rising sea levels, increasingly intense storms, and growing threats to our forests. I’m confident that we will develop effective strategies to address these issues promptly — there’s no alternative.
Are there any short or long-term goals you have for Greenbelt you’d care to share?
Greenbelt has significantly increased the number of easily accessible trails on our properties, with recent upgrades at Kamon Farm, Castle Neck River, and Seine Field. I aim to continue expanding these efforts to ensure more people can enjoy the health benefits of nature. Additionally, we must persist in protecting farmland and utilizing innovative tools to keep it affordable for farmers. While we’ve had success with models at Brown Spring Farm and Iron Ox Farm, there are still unprotected farms and a growing number of farmers seeking secure, long-term land access.