Great Bay Stewards: From the Beginning
A timeline of our achievements over the years, from the 1930s to present.Timeline of the Stewards
1939
Proposal to dredge
Proposal to dredge or dam the Bay between Adams Point and Newington Shore to allow for more shoreline property.
1973
1974
1983
Great Bay Trust
Great Bay Trust formed to help preserve Great Bay.
1989
1992
Boardwalk construction
Boardwalk construction at the Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland, NH.
1994
1995
Group Formed
Meeting held at Sandy Point to discuss forming a support group, following concern that the state was not providing financial support for the Reserve.
First annual meeting
First annual meeting; Fred Langley (Greenland, NH) become chair.
1996
Trusts and Stewards meet
Joint meeting of the Great Bay Trust and the Great Bay Stewards. “Much animated discussion closed the meeting.”
Grand opening of the Sandy Point Discovery Center
Grand opening of the Sandy Point Discovery Center. First Evelyn Browne award give out. (Dr. William Penhale receives the first award by unanimous vote.)
1997
Merger approved
Great Bay Trustees and Great Bay Stewards vote to merge “By joining with the Stewards we can continue, with renewed energy and commitment, our efforts in protecting and preserving our valuable natural resources,” wrote Richard Langan, president of the GBESCT.
1998
Trustees join Vice President Al Gore
Trustees join Vice President Al Gore on the banks of the Oyster River to announce a $1.6 million restoration and protection plan toward protecting estuaries and reopening clam and oyster beds.
Great Bay Rough Water Swim launched
Great Bay Rough Water Swim launched with seven swimmers.
1999
2002
The Gundalow Company
The Gundalow Company is formed; the Stewards begin developing projects with them.
2005
2006
2007
Graduate Students Complete Research
Stewards fund 10 graduate student research projects.
2009
20th anniversary of the Reserve
20th anniversary of the Reserve.
2011
Special Collections
Great Bay Special Collections opens.
2014
2016
2017
Wellenberger Woods dedication
Dedication for the Wellenberger Woods Natural Play Area.
2018
Accessibility improved
Accessibility to waterfront improved.
2019
Generous donation received
Stewards receive a nearly $1 million anonymous donation to support Reserve staff and buildings.
2020
2021