After nearly 18 years heading the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, Executive Director Dexter Mead will retire from his position this coming fall, the land trust announced Wednesday.

“I am so grateful to have been able to work with such wonderful people, doing something I care deeply about, in a place that I love,” Mead said.

The outgoing executive director said he plans to remain in Dartmouth and spend more time with friends and family, but will continue to volunteer with the DNRT’s trail crew. 

“I am inspired by the incredible volunteers at DNRT, who have shown me how much of a positive impact a non-staff member can have,” he said.

Since taking the position in 2004, the land trust has protected more than 1,500 acres of land and added more than 16 miles of hiking trails.  Among the six DNRT Reserves created under his watch are the 62-acre Wernick Farm Reserve off North Hixville Road, the 60-acre Ocean View Farm Reserve on Allen’s Pond, and the 77-acre Dike Creek Reserve on Bakerville Road.

Mead also led DNRT’s effort to build a new headquarters at Helfand Farm in 2016 and its work to become nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2014.

“His accomplishments speak for themselves,” said DNRT Board President Andy Mellgard.  “His work has been instrumental to conservation efforts in Dartmouth and has contributed to environmental preservation, outdoor recreational opportunities, and resilience of our shared landscape.”

“The DNRT Board is deeply grateful to Dexter and wishes him and his family all the best in his retirement,” he added.

As Mead departs, the land trust’s board of directors has established a search committee to identify the next executive director and will soon begin accepting applications.