LETTER FROM THE CHAIR.

• Author: Molyneaux, Sara

If there's one thing that I've learned in my years of work with Conservation Law Foundation, it's that taking on issues in one city or town can have a big impact across the region.

Time and again, I have seen our advocates stand shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors and grassroots activists at town meetings, local hearings, or even a gathering in someone's living room. When a community is fighting a powerful opponent, our expertise and clout can make all the difference.

But that equation works both ways. A city mayor fighting to protect children from the ravages of lead poisoning, neighbors rallying to stop the construction of a massive polluting power plant, a lawyer offering free services to an immigrant-run food startup--these are the local heroes behind every legal brief we write, every court motion we file, every climate regulation for which we push.

We succeed because they--and you--are by our side. In this special annual report issue of Conservation Matters, we are honoring just a few of our many local heroes, people who have devoted their time, energy, and passion to defending our homes, protecting our children's health, and supporting the vibrancy of our communities.

Inside you'll meet:

* Charlene Lovett, who is working with CLF to...