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A Tribute to Edward Bayler Cutler 1935 – 2006

Ed Cutler Ed first became involved in the Muddy River about 1995, when he attended many of the Muddy River Action Group meetings hosted by MASCO and organized by former-Governor Michael Dukakis, another passionate advocate. After the 1996 flooding and the creation of the Environmental Notification Form (ENF), the Emerald Necklace Citizens Advisory Committee (ENCAC) was formed to guide the development of the Environmental Impact Report. Ed served on the ENCAC, as well as actively working for restoration of the Carlton Street Footbridge - a link that would have made his frequent walks with Anne, or friends, along Riverway Park more convenient.

Edward Cutler of Monmouth Court in Brookline died at home September 2, 2006 after a long illness that he never allowed to deter him from his many interests. Ed was a member of the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance Board in 2002 and an effective, and lifelong, advocate for the environment. His wife, Anne Covert, shared with us some of Ed’s particular interests and accomplishments.

As a child Ed collected bird nests and seashells, and thus began his sense of wonder and love of the natural world. Through his violin teacher, who was active in the Detroit Audubon Society, he became a life long birder.

He received his Ph.D. in marine biology in 1967 from the University of Rhode Island and began his teaching career at Utica College of Syracuse University where he became Associate Dean of Science and Mathematics. Due to deteriorating eyesight from the hereditary disease retinitis pigmentosa, he took disability leave and moved to Brookline, becoming a Harvard Associate at the Museum of Comparative Zoology where he wrote his seminal book, The Sipuncula : Their Systematics, Biology, and Evolution (1994). Ed was considered a world authority on sipuncula. After moving to Brookline his continuing concern and love for the environment led him to join local organizations such as Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, Friends of the Muddy River and Friends of the Carlton Street Footbridge. Ed was a member of the Emerald Necklace Citizens Advisory Committee from its inception to the completion of its work on the Muddy River Flood Control, Water Quality and Habitat Enhancement, and Historic Preservation Project. Nature and music sustained and nurtured Ed for 71 years.

Ed’s many friends will miss him and honor his memory as a man of great optimism and courage. Ed was a man who made a difference.