This past Saturday, 150 friends, family members, former students, and colleagues braved the cold to celebrate Meade Cadot as he retires from his role as Land Director and Senior Naturalist for the Harris Center. Meade started as director of the Harris Center in 1975. His extraordinary legacy includes the SuperSanctuary, a 33,000-acre network of conserved lands stretching across parts of seven local towns. Throughout much of his time at the Harris Center, Meade was also part of the Environmental Studies faculty at Antioch University New England. Meade’s enthusiasm for, and tremendous knowledge of, the natural world has inspired countless students of all ages.
Kit Henry and France Von Merterns present Meade with a cake fit for a naturalist.
Longtime friend and fellow conservation leader Lee Baker says a few words in honor of Meade Cadot.
Meade gets a congratulatory hug from his daughter, Virginia.
The celebration included a hilarious roast that recounted episodes from Meade’s early career, readings of poems, and even a couple of songs written for the occasion. Lee Baker was also pleased to announce that his mother, Virginia Baker, had made a $100,000 contribution to the Harris Center to establish the Meade Cadot Land Protection Fund.
In retirement, Meade will continue to spend time at the Harris Center as Naturalist Emeritus, working on land protection as well as helping to plan programs and outings. We’re glad he won’t be going far!
