Jeff Croyle joined the Essex Land Trust as the steward for a 47-acre preserve shortly after retiring and moving to Essex 9 years ago. He still stewards that preserve, joined the ELT Board 7 years ago, spent 2 years as Vice President and the last 4 years as President. The Essex Land Trust has 24 preserves across 770 acres, is the largest landowner in town and is responsible for 66% of the open space in town. Our volunteers provided 10,000 hours of service last year.