With a background in education, environmental sustainability, and community involvement, Robin Shields said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use her skills as the new Executive Director of the Sippican Lands Trust.

The Marion native recently moved back to her hometown with her husband Tim and two kids, Abby and Ben. After spending 10 years as a busy stay-at-home mom, Shields said, “I was ready for some intellectual stimulation. I’ve got all this education that I felt I had a lot to offer back in the workplace.”

The Tabor Academy graduate said she has been active in the years since she left Marion. She served on a land trust board in Fairhaven, worked with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, got a graduate degree at the University of Rhode Island, and volunteered for a number of committees.

While a lot has changed in Marion during that time, Shields said being from the community definitely has its advantages.

“It’s nice to come back and start working for an organization like this where the importance of community connection is such an asset to the organization,” she said.

In her new position, Shields is looking forward to encouraging local folks to visit the Lands Trust’s properties.

“We want people to know that the land is there for them to use. There are trail maps. Come on by and get information,” she said.

Shields said she hopes to plan lectures and develop programs for people with varied interests - from mountain bikers to dog walkers.

“We want to get people with different interests to realize that there are different ways to enjoy the land,” said Shields.

Chris Bryant, President of the Lands Trust, is equally excited for the new phase the organization is entering into, and said Shields is the one to help it get there.

“She’s very dynamic,” said Bryant. “I’m just so thrilled I can’t stand it.”

Shields welcomes visitors to the Lands Trust's office, located at 354 Front Street in Marion. Her office hours are : Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from  9 a.m. to noon. She can also be reached at 508-748-3080 or robinshields@sippicanlandstrust.org.