Jaci Barton, Executive Director
Cotuit
Jaci Barton received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) in 1973. She fell in love with Cape Cod more than 30 years ago and decided to make Cape Cod her home.
In 1985, Jaci became Barnstable Land Trust’s first Executive Director. The environmental movement was just beginning to blossom and the learning curve for the fledgling non-profit was steep. At that time BLT had preserved less than 1 acre and had very little money in the bank.
After 25 years under Jaci’s leadership, BLT is the steward of more than 755 acres and membership has grown to over 1,800 families and businesses that provide the annual operating revenue to support four staff. BLT’s assets (including land) exceed $20,000,000.
Jaci’s knowledge of environmental affairs and local “politics” grew from her passionate commitment to community. For 25 years Jaci has been actively involved in local government on Cape Cod; serving on the Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association Board of Directors (1984-1989), as a Town meeting Representative (1984-1989) and as a Barnstable Town Councilor (1989-1999) serving in a leadership capacity as Vice President or President during her last three years on the Council.
An advocate for sustainable land use, Jaci has also assisted the Town of Barnstable with the preservation of more than 2,000 acres for conservation and recreation. In 1999, Jaci worked to create the Cape Cod Land Bank - a dedicated funding source for public land purchases. Most recently she fought for the successful passage of the Community Preservation Act which provides funding for land preservation, historic preservation and affordable housing.
In 1995, the New England Advisory Council of the Trust for Public Land awarded Jaci the New England Conservation Award for her "outstanding vision, passion and dedication to the conservation of a unique landscape."
In 2002, KeySpan, in partnership with the Cape Cod Baseball League, awarded Jaci the Cotuit Community MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award in recognition of her “commitment to community.”
In 2007, Jaci was awarded the distinguished Region 1 - Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Merit Award. And she was the WMVY Person of the Week - May 24, 2007.
In April 2008, Cape Cod Magazine celebrated Jaci as a “Green Hero - Protector of Open Space.”
Jaci has participated in thirteen national land trust events. She is currently the 2nd Vice President of the Board of Directors of The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts and serves on the Board of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. She is also member of the Advisory Board of Three Bays Preservation.