About the Award & Founder
Ansel B. Chaplin conceived the idea for The Compact in 1986 and served as its President for 15 years. A practicing attorney in Boston and Truro, Ansel co-founded the Truro Conservation Trust in 1980, serving as its Administrative Trustee for 24 years. He guided Truro’s first major town conservation purchases, including the $3 million High Head acquisition assembled at no cost to the town through state, federal, and private funds.
Ansel also led the establishment and growth of The Compact’s revolving loan fund, now capitalized at over $600,000. His wisdom guided local planning and conservation efforts until his passing in 2017.
Award Recipients (2002–2023)
2023 — Ramona (Nosapocket) Peters
Bear Clan member and respected elder of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Former Tribal Preservation Officer and founder of the Native Land Conservancy, Inc. (NLC) in 2012—the first land trust east of the Mississippi governed by Native Americans. Under her leadership, NLC has protected over 100 acres and established cultural respect easements across Eastern Massachusetts.
2022 — Robert Finch
Co-chaired Brewster’s first open space committee in the 1980s, negotiated major land deals in the 800-acre Punkhorn area, and educated town voters on open space protection long before public land bank funding existed. Renowned nature essayist and author.
2021 — Fred Gaechter
Dedicated 20 years of leadership to Truro town committees and the Truro Conservation Trust, spearheading the protection of fragile wetlands and ecosystems through municipal and non-profit collaboration.
2020 – No award given during Covid-19 pandemic
2019 — David Doherty
Volunteered 25 years of real estate expertise to the Chatham Conservation Foundation and Town Land Bank, negotiating key land acquisitions and pioneering the "undevelopment" concept to restore commercial sites back into public open spaces.
2018 — Steve and Sally Ballentine
Managed the Bourne Conservation Trust since its founding in 1980. Together, they raised over $8 million, protected more than 280 acres, and established a well-maintained network of public hiking trails.
2017 — R. Dennis O’Connell
Served on the Wellfleet Conservation Trust board since 1999 and as President since 2004, acquiring key conservation parcels, securing state grants, and restoring rare wildlife habitats.
2016 — Peter Johnson
Past President of the Brewster Conservation Trust who energized local land acquisition, recruited volunteer land stewards, and advocated for town-wide environmental policies.
2015 — Richard A. Johnston
Founder and 20-year President of the Dennis Conservation Trust, and President of The Compact from 2000 to 2015. Led the preservation of over 550 acres, including Dennis's flagship Crowes Pasture property.
2014 — Barbara U. Birdsey
Founder of the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust (protecting 444 acres) and founder of the Cape Wildlife Center, dedicating her life and resources to habitat protection and wildlife rehabilitation.
2013 — Robert F. Smith
Founder and 25-year President of the Harwich Conservation Trust, guiding the organization to protect over 450 acres supported by 900 active members and donors.
2012 — Andrew P. Young
Served on the Chatham Conservation Commission, Board of Selectmen, and as President of the Chatham Conservation Foundation, modernizing the trust and building partnerships with town hall.
2011 — John Nye Cullity
Founder and long-time President of the Sandwich Conservation Trust (1985), guiding the preservation of over 220 acres and a miles-long network of public hiking trails.
2010 — Celine F. Gandolfo
Provincetown open space advocate, former Chair of the Land Bank Committee, and President of the Provincetown Conservation Trust who spearheaded major town greenway acquisitions.
2009 — Henry Lind
Eastham’s first Natural Resource Officer and President of the Eastham Conservation Foundation, facilitating town and trust acquisitions totaling over 780 acres.
2008 — Anne G. Gould
Founding trustee of the Mary Barton Land Conservation Trust and long-time board member/President of the Barnstable Land Trust, raising millions to preserve land around Eagle Pond.
2007 — Robert G. Hankey
Early trustee and President of the Wellfleet Conservation Trust, helping preserve over 300 acres and securing state designation for Wellfleet Harbor as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
2006 — Susanne Goodman Hallstein
President of The 300 Committee in Falmouth (1999–2005), leading municipal efforts to purchase 900 acres and raising $7.5 million in private conservation funds.
2005 — Henry Kelley II
Chair of the Dennis Land Bank since 1999, spearheading grassroots campaigns for the Cape Cod Land Bank and completing 28 successful open space acquisitions.
2004 — Charles H. Thomsen
Founder and Treasurer of The Compact, President of the Orleans Conservation Trust, and advocate for public land bank funding. The Compact’s revolving land fund is named in his honor.
2003 — D. Isabel Smith
Co-founder and Vice President of the Harwich Conservation Trust, and Chair of Harwich Real Estate & Open Space Committee, overseeing 17 land acquisitions totaling 338 acres.
2002 — Ansel B. Chaplin
Inaugural recipient and founder of The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts.
Saving Cape Cod’s special places today, so they stay wild and accessible tomorrow.
Support our Work
Every acre saved requires legal precision, rapid response, and deep local knowledge. Help us keep Cape Cod wild, clean, and protected forever.