THE TRUST


The William P. Wharton Trust was established to support projects that directly promote the conservation, study, and appreciation of nature. Specific objectives of the Trust (in order of priority) include:
  • Conservation of renewable resources (wild animal life, water, soil, forest resources, etc.), primarily in Massachusetts and the Northeast, including funding acquisitions of land for conservation purposes;
  • Management techniques designed to improve and preserve natural habitats;
  • Bird and forestry research and management, especially at the applied level;
  • Materials or projects designed to foster an appreciation of and a concern for wildlife and natural systems.
Photograph courtesy of William Gette
Deer Run Nature Preserve, Vermont · Photograph courtesy of Ed Anthes, Green Mountain Conservancy

The Trust is administered by the Trustees at the law firm of Choate Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston, Massachusetts. A Board of Advisors assists the Trustees in the grant-making process, and currently consists of William Gette, Elizabeth Herland, Kathleen McGrath, and Bernard J. McHugh. Former Advisors were Brian Cassie, John T. Hemenway, Whitney Beals, Hamilton Coolidge, Harold J. Coolidge, Allen H. Morgan, Dr. Gary Sanford, Tudor Richards, and Lisa Vernegaard.

Photograph courtesy of Charlotte Greeson, Westport Land Trust