Robert K. Weatherall Honored

Robert K. Weatherall Honored For His Volunteer Service at Nichols Field

Over 30 family and friends gathered on a cool, blustery, sunny morning in 2014 to honor Robert K. Weatherall for volunteering at Nichols Field for more than a decade as land steward. View the event in this online photo gallery.

About Mr. Weatherall

Mr. Weatherall lovingly tended to the property as if it were his own mowing the paths, trimming the brush, planting trees, greeting visitors, clearing fallen trees, picking up trash, educating violators, amongst other chores. Mr. Weatherall took on his responsibilities in 2000 when the Town acquired Nichols Field, which was a land conservation project partnership with Essex County Greenbelt Association, the State of Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, and private funders. He ended his tenure as land steward a couple of years ago when his age and health no longer allowed him to continue working on the property.

Speakers

Guest speakers, David Standley, Conservation Commissioner, acknowledged Bob for having an influence on him to get involved with local conservation efforts when he first came to know Bob in late 1990s. Jim Engel, former Selectman at the time when the town acquired Nichols Field, thanked Bob for being a role model for volunteerism for land protection. Open Space Stewardship Coordinator, Beth O’Connor said, “We have big shoes to fill, and we will do our best to follow in your footsteps Mr. Weatherall. Thank you from the Town of Ipswich, and all who come to enjoy this open space treasure at Nichols Field”.

Dedication Plaque

The town honored Mr. Weatherall with a bronze plaque dedicated to him, mounted on a granite block, and placed at the crest of the hill along the perimeter path, overlooking the beautiful Ipswich River to the north, and the sweeping fields and wooded edges of the property to the south.