BOSTON, MA – APRIL 1, 2020 – The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is pleased to announce new programming and engagement opportunities, with activities that can be done at home, and virtual gatherings across the Commonwealth. Live streamed tours, printable material, educational talks, activities for children, and more, are available for those practicing responsible social distancing to experience wonder, and engage.  

“While many of us are working, learning, and recreating from the comfort of our own homes, we are excited to unveil new content designed to give our members, friends, and neighbors a fresh perspective, moments of zen, and opportunities to engage,” says Alicia Leuba, Trustees Vice President. “During these unprecedented times we understand the isolating impacts that social distancing can have, and our engagement staff is working to bring our properties and programming to you virtually. Much has changed over these last few weeks, changes which make finding opportunities for joy, learning, and interaction even more important. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for content you would like to see.” 

The virtual activities, programs, and content are available on thetrustees.org/athome, and are being distributed through Trustees social media channels. A bi-weekly email digest of updates and featured content is available by subscription thetrustees.org/enews.  

The educational programming, interactive family activities, daily nature highlights, artist videos, cultural chats, and more come from engagement and property staff statewide. Several new forms of content have been created including deCordova Voices showcasing the talented artists, staff, colleagues, and supporters of the Lincoln sculpture park and museum. On the North Shore, The Crane Estate will host virtual fireside chats from the safety and comfort of staff homes. Viewers can also enjoy a coastal journey on Martha’s Vineyard, with citizen science videos and awe-inspiring imagery. Other pieces are drawn from the Trustees archive and offer a fascinating glimpse of the organization’s storied past. 

These activities are being scheduled and promoted on a regular basis, in place of on-site programming.  

“Elevating cultural experiences is an important part of our mission," notes John B. Ravenal, Trustees VP of Arts & Culture and Artistic Director, deCordova, “and these moments can restore and engage us during this difficult time. While our way of interacting with our members and friends has changed for now, we are still committed to providing these important experiences and building The Trustees of the future.” 

Specific offerings available now include:  

• Get your (virtual) dose of nature with sunset streams and wildlife cam videos 
• Find a link to art, culture, and history with virtual tours and fireside chats 
• Cultivate your garden with how-to videos and articles 
• Enjoy at-home cooking demonstrations for culinary inspiration 

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Trustees properties—both indoor and outdoor—are temporarily closed to the public until April 7. The Trustees is working to provide further guidance on opportunities to visit the outdoor properties, in line with CDC and state social distancing guidelines.  

Understanding that outdoor places can help bring a sense of calm, the updates to outdoor property policies will be announced online and through social media in the coming weeks. Please continue to check The Trustees website for the latest on property closures and event cancellations (thetrustees.org/COVID19), and follow Trustees social media feeds for new virtual programming.

Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 118 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.