MATTAPOISETT — Eleven people formed the Mattapoisett Land Trust in 1974. Fifty years later, the surviving two of those 11 were honored at a party Sunday, June 30 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the organization.

Town and state officials spoke at the event, like State Representative Bill Straus, who said “
Towns like ours have people like them and that is why towns like ours are doing so well,” of the two Mattapoisett Land Trust founders in attendance, Brad Hathaway and Don Fleming,

“If you see them in a public way, you'd know they aren't necessarily looking to win a popularity contest,” said Straus.“They’ve engaged in the most positive way over the years at town meetings and other forums on behalf of important causes.”

Speakers at the event held at Munro Preserve also included Mattapoisett Land Trust President Mike Huguenin and Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco.

“Mattapoisett has made great strides in building our climate resiliency,” said Huguenin. “We have a great tradition going now of support between the land trust and the town.”

In partnership with Buzzards Bay Brewing Company, a “Golden Anniversary IPA” was created specifically for the Mattapoisett Land Trust and was enjoyed by attendees at the party. Cans are available for purchase at Village Package and Seahorse Liquors.

A number of outings such as boat trips were raffled off to guests in attendance.

“As much as the land trust is obviously about the land, it is also about the people,” said Straus. “The land survives in the state that we benefit from because there are so many active people [involved].

Huguenin echoed Straus’ message; he said his favorite part about being involved with the Mattapoisett Land Trust is the people he collaborates with.

“For me, being in the woods or a salt marsh is like going to church,” Huguenin said. “But we just have such a wonderful group. Very interesting, diverse people involved at all different capacities.”

Huguenin said that in the 12 years that he has been involved with the land trust, he has seen it grow by including more volunteers and members, improving trail systems, marking properties better and running more events in town.

“I just want to thank everybody on the stage, Brad and Don, for setting this up and improving the lives of the residents and I’m looking forward to working with Mike in the future,” said Lorenco.