Last week, the NSRWA lost a longtime committed volunteer, advocate, former Executive Director, and loyal friend, Bill Stanton.
Bill hired me in 2002 to succeed him as Executive Director, leaving very big shoes to fill. Though his tenure as ED spanned a brief three years, his vision and passion resonated for decades. During his leadership, Bill led the campaign to keep the MBTA Layover Station off the Driftway Marsh and was instrumental in passing the Community Preservation Act in Marshfield and several other South Shore communities in our watershed. His vision of protecting land along the North River became a cornerstone of my own work throughout my tenure.
Bill also harbored a deep dream: that the NSRWA would one day have a permanent home on one of the rivers it works so hard to protect. I am deeply grateful he was able to see us acquire the Pembroke property for that very purpose, though heartbroken he won’t be here to see the project through to completion.
After handing me the torch, Bill remained an unwavering source of support. As a dedicated volunteer, he was always ready to lend a hand—whether leading the Great River Race, offering wise counsel through difficult challenges, or most recently, acting as our River Center Capital Campaign Committee Coordinator.
Beyond his impact at the NSRWA, Bill dedicated his life to conservation through his work with Mass Audubon, The Trustees, and many years of service as a Marshfield Conservation Commissioner and North River Commissioner.
I will miss him dearly. But above all, our rivers and watersheds will miss his quiet, steady, and brilliant dedication to protecting our natural resources. Fair winds and following seas to our dear friend Bill.
Samantha Woods
NSRWA Executive Director