Conservation District Supervisors help guide the Middlesex Conservation District’s programs, priorities, and outreach efforts. Working together as a governing board, supervisors support conservation, education, and stewardship initiatives that benefit communities throughout Middlesex County.
Board of Supervisors | Eligibility | Getting Involved | Resources
Current Board of Supervisors
Supervisor since 1982
Kathie Becker serves as Chair of the Middlesex Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors, leading the volunteer board in the planning and oversight of conservation programs that benefit communities across Middlesex County. She has been active in local agricultural and conservation issues, including service on the Town of Boxborough’s Agricultural Commission.
Supervisor since 2023
Dr. Margaret Delano serves as Treasurer of the Middlesex Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors. A veterinarian and science educator, she brings more than four decades of experience in animal and environmental health. Her background includes academic and corporate research and teaching and volunteer instruction through state and regional 4H veterinary science programs. Dr. Delano also serves on the Town of Boxborough’s Agricultural Commission.
Supervisor since 2024
Isabel Bailey serves on the Middlesex Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors. A retired medical social worker from Boston Children’s Hospital, she brings extensive community engagement experience to her role. She is active in local conservation and land stewardship efforts, including serving as a Trail Steward in Concord and participating in organizations such as the Concord Pollinator Health Advisory Committee, Sudbury Valley Trustees, the Lincoln Conservation Land Trust, and the Concord Land Conservation Trust.
Supervisor since 2025
Mary Lauve has had a long career as a theatrical costume designer and wardrobe supervisor, pleased to have been associated locally with Huntington Theatre Company, Commonwealth Shakespeare, Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, among others. Raised in Framingham, she has a lifetime appreciation and a deep concern for the area’s natural resources, their quality, and their importance. Mary is a long time member and past president of the Pinefield Garden Club of Framingham.
Involved since 1978
Dick Gelpke serves as a Senior Advisor to the Middlesex Conservation District and has been involved with the District since 1978, including 15 years as an elected Board Supervisor. A retired professor of environmental geography and policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston, he has contributed to conservation scholarship and district education efforts, including co‑editing A Woodland Management Guide for Massachusetts and leading technical workshops. He has also served in regional planning and conservation roles, including on the Town of Hudson Planning Board, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition.
Eligibility
To serve as a Conservation District Supervisor, individuals must:
- Live in Middlesex County or own land within Middlesex County.
- Commit to a three-year term.
- Participate in board meetings and District activities.
- Work collaboratively with fellow supervisors, community members, and partner organizations.
Supervisors may also serve on committees that support District programs and initiatives, such as the annual plant sale, education efforts, and conservation projects. Training and support are provided to help new supervisors succeed in the role.
Get Involved
The Middlesex Conservation District welcomes Middlesex County residents who want to support conservation, education, and stewardship efforts in their communities.
The Board meets monthly, typically on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend a meeting and learn more about the District’s work before applying. View the Board’s upcoming meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes here.
Contact the District Administrator at admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org for information about upcoming meetings and opportunities to get involved.
There are several ways to participate, ranging from occasional volunteer opportunities to ongoing board service.
Volunteers
Volunteers play an important role in supporting the Middlesex Conservation District’s programs and events. Opportunities may include assisting with the annual plant sale, helping at educational and community events, supporting outreach efforts, and contributing to special projects.
Associate Supervisors
Associate Supervisors are non-voting members who support the work of the Middlesex Conservation District and serve alongside the Board of Supervisors. Associate Supervisors may participate in meetings, serve on committees, and contribute to District programs and initiatives. This role is a great option for individuals who want to get involved, learn more about the District, or contribute their expertise with a more flexible commitment. Associate Supervisors serve two-year terms and may be reappointed.
Associate Supervisor since 2026
Colin is a landscape architect and civil and environmental engineer, with degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. He has worked in ecological restoration, sustainable site design, and environmental planning, including work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, LandDesign, Offshoots, and Sherwood, and he volunteers with the Mystic River Watershed Association as a tree planter, invasive plant removal volunteer, and herring monitor.
Associate Supervisor since 2026
Maria Mamish is a longtime supporter of charitable initiatives, committed to supporting organizations that improve quality of life for individuals and families. Maria is an avid gardener and looks forward to contributing her community-focused approach to the MCD’s mission.
Associate Supervisor since 2026
Kaitlyn works in corporate communications for WinnCompanies, a national affordable housing management and development company, and brings more than 15 years of experience in communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement. Kaitlyn supports the District’s outreach, newsletters, event promotion, and educational initiatives.
Associate Supervisor since 2026
A conservation professional and University of Massachusetts Boston graduate, Harley has worked in habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, invasive species management, and native plant stewardship for organizations including MassWildlife, Boston Harbor Now, the National Park Service, and Parterre Ecological. Harley is actively involved in ecological restoration efforts in Wilmington, including work to restore the Ipswich River headwaters and local wetland habitats. In 2026, he was recognized by the Ipswich River Watershed Association as its River Hero of the Year for his watershed restoration efforts.
Associate Supervisor since 2026
New to the conservation scene Dante Ponzini is a recent MSA graduate with a range of experience from Accounting to Carpentry. Their love of conservation was fostered in the valleys of southern New Hampshire, spurring them to elevate their gardening hobby to joining the thriving conservation community of Massachusetts.
Junior Supervisors
Junior Supervisors are high school or college students with an interest in conservation, environmental stewardship, or natural resource management. As non-voting members of the Board, they support District programs, educational initiatives, and committee activities while gaining hands-on experience in conservation leadership. Junior Supervisors serve one-year terms and may be reappointed. This role provides an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, participate in community-based conservation efforts, and learn more about natural resource stewardship.
Staff
Andrea Grossman has served as District Administrator for the Middlesex Conservation District since January 2023. She manages district operations, programs, and grants, and serves as MCD’s primary liaison with partner agencies, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England. She has experience in wildlife research and land conservation work in New England. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys taking walks in conservation lands, gardening, kayaking, and arts & crafts.
Brian Mariano serves as Landscape Assistant for the Middlesex Conservation District, providing hands‑on field support for district programs. His work includes assisting landowners participating in the Lawn‑to‑Meadow pilot project with site preparation, planting, and follow‑up care, as well as supporting invasive species management, workshops, and seasonal plant sales.