In our first interview for our Volunteer Spotlight Series, we spoke with Mary DelBuono–an avid gardener, dedicated Not Enough Acres Farm volunteer, and recent addition to DCLT’s Board of Trustees.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Not Enough Acres Farm on a sunny day—perhaps hearing laughter drifting from the herb beds, followed by a warm welcome with a Southern twang—then you’ve likely met the lovely Mary DelBuono. One of our original Farm Committee members and a recently elected Board member for the Dennis Conservation Land Trust (DCLT), Mary brings both heart and dedication to everything she does.

Maybe that sunny day Mary offered to show you around the farm, invited you to join our vibrant community of volunteers, or simply made your day a little brighter with her kindness. Mary has become a cornerstone of our organization and a vital force on the Farm Committee, helping us achieve so much over the past two years of her volunteering with us.

Here’s Mary’s volunteer story:

“One of my earliest childhood memories was when I was around three years old. It was in my grandmother’s daylily garden—that’s really how I got started with gardening,” Mary shared. “I also had family with a pecan farm in Georgia, and we would go there every summer for a couple of weeks.”

Those early experiences clearly left a lasting impression. Today, Mary’s home garden is a magical reprieve from the commotion of daily life, a quiet retreat full of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Her gardening knowledge is expansive, and Mary is currently on her way to becoming a Master Gardener with the County.

Mary first learned about the Dennis Conservation Land Trust in the fall of 2023, when a friend invited her to volunteer at the annual Rubber Duck Regatta. Somehow, those ducks convinced Mary to stick around, and before long, Mary was volunteering at other DCLT events as well.

Then she discovered our newest initiative: Not Enough Acres Farm.

“It was the idea of building something from the ground up—from sowing seeds all the way to harvest,” she said. “When I learned that the food we grow goes to a food pantry to help people facing food insecurity, I was all in.”

And “all in” she has been. Mary has taken the lead on developing our herb garden and regularly contributes her insight at Farm Committee meetings as we continue to expand operations. She also brings valuable professional experience in marketing and membership development to the organization, serving as the Chair of our Membership Committee, and now expanding her role as one of DCLT’s newest Board members. Beyond her many contributions, Mary has been a great friend to staff and volunteers alike.

“It’s a sense of community,” Mary said, reflecting on the farm. “It’s people coming together to create a better community for everyone who lives in Dennis.”

When asked about the upcoming growing season, Mary’s eyes lit up.

“I can’t wait. I’m hoping we can get more people from the community to come visit us. Even if they’re not sure about volunteering, just come by and see what’s happening here—and what can be accomplished in just 12 months. It’s transformed so much. Thinking back to my first year here, it’s incredible.”

Come see the transformation for yourself! Visit the farm and experience the warmth of our community—and the joy of meeting volunteers like Mary.

Email lbarstein@dennisconservationlandtrust.org to get involved  or go here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.