09/27/2025
In honor of his 70th birthday, Mark Sheehan's extensive contributions to the green space in his community, were recognized. The City of Haverhill renamed the main trail at Wheeler Woods Conservation Area in honor of one of Haverhill's most dedicated citizens.
Mark is so deserving of this recognition. A native of Haverhill, Mark earned a bachelor's degree in science with a concentration in freshwater fisheries biology, from UMass Amherst. Less than 10 years later, Mark was hired as a full-time conservation officer in the early 1980s, and he remained in this position for over 25 years. In this role, Mark patrolled the city's ponds, lakes, and section of the Merrimack River to ensure safe and lawful use of our natural resources. He coordinated state fish restocking programs, and worked with MassWildlife to coordinate the return of bald eagles to the Merrimack River watershed. He coordinated with wildlife rehabilitators and developed educational programs that introduced elementary school children to wildlife, forestry, and conservation practices, fostering respect and appreciation for green spaces. The Merrimack River Watershed Council honored him for his educational efforts and for the creation of numerous trails throughout the city.
In 1993, Mark proposed that City owned watershed properties be formally designated as conservation lands, making them available to the public for passive recreation. Beginning with Meadowbrook Conservation Area, he went on to establish about a dozen such properties throughout Haverhill, preserving the city's rural character and expanding public access to natural spaces.
To further these efforts, Mark founded the all-volunteer group Haverhill Trails Committee, which creates, maintains, and promotes conservation areas within our great city. In 1995, he was one of a dozen people nationally to have earned the Conservation Hero award from the National Park Service, part of the United States Department of the Interior. In 2008, Mark spearheaded the creation and publication of the Haverhill Trails Guide, a comprehensive resource detailing GPS-specific trails, wildlife, forestry, history and geology of a dozen local areas. The book is in its third edition, and is sold at the library and Butcher Boy grocery store.
For the past 15 years, Mark has worked for the city's water department to patrol and maintain watershed areas throughout Haverhill. He continues to lead the Haverhill Trails Committee in the maintenance, promotion, and enjoyment of Haverhill's hiking trails.
There is no question that Mark has had an indelible impact on our community. With this in mind, conservation agent Rob Moore renamed the trail at Wheeler Woods on behalf of Mark. The dedication ceremony revealed an expansive, full- color educational sign representing highlights of this conservation area in terms of wildlife, forestry, and passive use recreational activities. The style and content of the sign is in concert with the Haverhill Trails Guide and will be used as a template for future upgrades at other local conservation areas. Mayor Barrett also gave Mark a Certificate of Recognition, as did City Council members Catherine Rogers and Melissa Lewandowski.
Congratulations, Mark!
