The Town of Hamilton is pleased to announce the newly appointed Conservation Agent, Bethany Barstow. With a deep commitment to sustainability and background in land use and conservation management, Barstow is ready to contribute to the sustainable development and the preservation of Hamilton’s natural resources. Hamilton’s Conservation Agent operates as a regional shared position and includes hours divided evenly across the towns of Manchester and Hamilton. Barstow’s hours in Hamilton will be part-time (Monday and Wednesdays) and her office will be located at the Patton Homestead, working adjacent to the Planning and Land Use Department. She will also serve as the coordinator for the Hamilton Conservation Commission.
“We are excited to welcome Bethany Barstow to the team as Hamilton’s new Conservation Agent,” said Joe Domelowicz, Town Manager. “Bethany’s experience in conservation and public engagement aligned well with our preservation goals.”
Barstow holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she also served as an undergraduate research assistant. During this time, she analyzed sediments and soils from Antarctica, focusing on sieving, identification, and statistical analysis. Her research provided valuable contributions both to the University and the broader geological scientific community, further honing her experience in life sciences.
Barstow’s conservation career began in 2024 as the Town of Carlisle’s Conservation and Land Use Assistant. In this role, she gained experience in conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and local bylaws. She also developed experience in researching grant opportunities to support conservation initiatives. Additionally, Barstow helped with oversight of erosion control measures for the department, budget, and legal filings for the Carlisle Conservation Commission, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the administrative and regulatory aspects of conservation work.
Beyond her technical background, Barstow also contributed to broader conservation efforts as a Horticultural Assistant with The Trustees of Reservations. In this capacity, she supported the land management of a historic property, the Stevens-Coolidge Estate in North Andover. Her work involved plant identification, maintenance, and working with volunteer groups, further strengthening her hands-on experience in land stewardship and public engagement.
As Hamilton’s new Conservation Agent, Barstow is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the town’s environmental sustainability initiatives. Whether overseeing land use projects, promoting public engagement, or identifying new opportunities for conservation funding, she is committed to ensuring that Hamilton’s development is balanced with the preservation of its natural resources.
