Four days into the official summer season, supporters of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust enjoyed the most traditional of American celebrations: A cookout.

Over such traditional fare as burgers, pork, macaroni salad and cornbread, they mingled on the lawn of the center’s Chase Road headquarters. 

Reconnecting with friends and chatting in a relaxed setting made the event special, many in attendance said. 

“It’s great to see people again that you’ve only seen over Zoom or on the phone for the past year,’’ said Dexter Mead, executive director of the trust. 

The cookout also served as a 50th birthday party for the trust, which began in 1971. 

In addition to the sold out June 25 cookout, three others are scheduled this summer, with one each in July (which is already sold out), August and September.

Normally, a large-scale barn bash serves as a major fundraiser for the organization. But this year, because of Covid-related uncertainties, staff members decided to host more events but on a smaller scale. 

“It’s fun,’’ said Kendra Murray, development and outreach specialist for the trust. “It’s a down-home barbecue and we’re supporting land conservation. People enjoy seeing friends and celebrating DNRT’s birthday.’’

Jim and Nancy Tooley of Dartmouth support the land trust every year and spend a good amount of their time enjoying the properties. They walk the trails three times a week, he said, and “we’ve done almost every one of them. It’s good for our health.’’

“It’s so nice to get together with people again,’’ said Mickie Rice of Dartmouth. 

Tom Bush of Dartmouth said he liked the “small group concept’’ because he was able to talk to more people. “It’s great for mixing,’’ he said. 

Kathy Clear of Dartmouth brought her daughter Bailey Clear and grandson Logan Clear-Kim to enjoy the evening. “We wanted to support their fund-raiser,’’ she said.

Since 1971, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust has preserved more than 5,000 acres of property in town. 

Today, DNRT properties with public trails include: Allen’s Mill, Destruction Brook Woods, Dike Creek Reserve, Dodge Reserve, Frank Knowles-Little River, Howland Reserve, Knowles Reserve, McBratney Reserve, New Bedford Garden Club, Ocean View Farm Reserve, Parsons Reserve, Paskamansett Woods, Peter’s Creek Reserve, Ridge Hill Reserve, Slocums’ River Reserve, Smith Farm, Star of the Sea, Wernick Farm, Wylde Reserve.