Celebrating 40 Years of Friends of Pleasant Bay

About

Event Details

Thank You for Joining us to Celebrate Our
40th Anniversary & Annual Meeting

Over four decades, Friends of Pleasant Bay has worked to protect, preserve, and promote the environmental, cultural, and recreational values of Pleasant Bay and its watershed through conservation, access, research, and education (CARE). And we could never have done it without you!

We held an annual meeting and 40th anniversary celebration on August 7th, 2025. See the photos from the night below!

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Purchase Aerial Art to Celebrate our 40th!

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For 40 years, Friends of Pleasant Bay has been the dedicated steward of one of Cape Cod’s most iconic natural treasures. From protecting fragile ecosystems to championing conservation education, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep Pleasant Bay healthy and thriving for future generations.

To commemorate this milestone, we’re offering exclusive aerial prints of Pleasant Bay, capturing its breathtaking beauty from above—a stunning reminder of what we all love, and work to protect.

40th Anniversary Celebration Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our business sponsors—both longtime partners and new supporters—for championing the mission of Friends of Pleasant Bay. Your commitment helps protect this extraordinary ecosystem, fund vital programs, and ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from the Bay. We are deeply grateful for your support.

Lead Sponsor - $10,000

Shoreline Steward - $2,500

Bay Protector - $1,000

Saltmarsh Steward - $500

Moderator, Panelists and Special Guests

Richard Delaney

Moderator - Endowment & Policy Advisor, Former Pres.
& Executive Director, Center for Coastal Studies

Richard Delaney is a global advocate for ocean stewardship and led CCS for 14 years. He co-founded the Global Ocean Forum and played a central role in securing Pleasant Bay’s ACEC designation through his earlier state environmental leadership roles.

Carole Ridley, M.P.P.

Panelist - Coordinator, Pleasant Bay Alliance

Principal of Ridley & Associates, Carole Ridley coordinates the ACEC’s regional management framework and leads multi-town efforts in coastal resilience, land conservation, and public policy. With 30+ years experience in environmental planning, she consults with organizations and municipalities throughout New England.

Suzanne Leahy, M.F.A.

Panelist - Director, Cat Boat Program, Pleasant Bay Community Boating

Suzanne Leahy leads inclusive boating and education programs at PBCB, expanding access to Pleasant Bay through partnerships with FoPB. A lifelong educator and former FoPB president, she blends sailing, science, and stewardship in her community work.

Mark Borrelli, Ph.D.

Panelist - Coastal Geologist, Chair of Marine Geology, Center for Coastal Studies

Mark Borrelli leads marine geology and seafloor mapping research at CCS. His long-term collaboration with FoPB has informed sediment dynamics, fisheries research, and habitat conservation strategies that support the ecological health of Pleasant Bay.

Andrea Howard, M.Ed.

Panelist - Teacher, Eastham Elementary School

Andrea Howard incorporates Pleasant Bay fieldwork, technology, and art into her fourth-grade curriculum. A Cape Cod native and district math/tech coordinator, she inspires stewardship and curiosity through hands-on environmental learning supported by FoPB.

Anne-Marie Runfola, M.A.

Special Guest - Executive Director, Center for Coastal Studies

Anne-Marie Runfola brings over 15 years of NOAA leadership to Center for Coastal Studies, where she now serves as Executive Director. Her career spans marine conservation, education, and policy, and she currently serves on The 300 Committee Land Trust board.

Gertrude “Kitty” Hendricks-Miller (Nanaweetah)

Special Guest - Indian Education Coordinator, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Kitty Hendricks-Miller is a Wampanoag educator and cultural leader who advances Indigenous knowledge and access. She collaborates with FoPB’s Native Cultural Initiative to center Wampanoag voices and share traditional connections to the bay.