About Us

Mary Tilton, Executive Director

Mary grew up in Connecticut, where she developed a love of nature and the outdoors from her family's frequent hiking and camping trips. She earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire, where she participated in ecology-based study abroad programs in Namibia and New Zealand. 

After two years of living and working in Oregon and Colorado as a naturalist and a contractor for The National Park Service, Mary earned a M.S. in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech.  Since, she has worked for a small non-profit organization in South Carolina, taught Biology at the high school and community college levels, and worked as a naturalist. 

Todd Barnes, President BBRF Board of Directors

Todd Barnes is the current President of the Back Bay Restoration Foundation.  His dedication to the outdoors and his family's longevity in the area has given him the highest sense of responsibility to the bay and the watershed.  Todd's family has lived in and around Back Bay since the colonization of the area.  Aside from his service in the Army from 1986 - 1996, he has lived his entire life on the same farm bordering North Bay and the northern marshes of the Back Bay watershed itself.

After his service in the Army as an Instructor and Team Leader at the US Army's Intelligence School and Center at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Todd returned home and went to work in the Civil Service as a Project Analyst where he continues today.  He also helps with his family's agribusiness, BayBreeze Farm. 

Todd and his wife Julie have been married for 25 years and have three daughters Nikki, Ellie, and Carrie.  The whole family volunteers and helps the organization at every chance, with Julie even volunteering as a tram driver for the Back Bay National Wildlife and False Cape State Park eco-tours.  Todd feels that stewardship of the bay is the main instrument in its recovery and sustainment. 

BBRF Board of Directors