From Our Team, with Gratitude
- LSLT Staff
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’ve been taking a moment to reflect on what fills our hearts this season. Between the busy days, changing leaves, and community events, it’s easy to forget how much there is to be thankful for the people we work alongside, the landscapes we help protect, and the small, everyday moments that make it all meaningful.
In that spirit, we asked our team to share what they’re most thankful for this year and shared some photos of our favorite LSLT memories. From personal reflections to moments in the field, here’s a glimpse of the gratitude that keeps us grounded and inspired.
Beth Sheppard (Landowner Outreach Specialist):
This year has taught me many lessons in gratitude. As we’ve witnessed the roller coaster impacts of government job losses and funding cuts it has made it all the more clear that being grateful for what I have in this moment, on this day, with our hard working, talented staff surrounding the work we are invested in is the healthiest way to live. I am grateful for this place and those who are part of my office.
Brooke Orr (Communications Coordinator):
This time of year, always makes me think a little harder about my past and present. Something about the crisp air, falling leaves, and the color change in the foliage feels like a visual reminder of time passing. It’s got me thinking about how quickly these last few years have gone and the monumental changes that have shaped my daily life.
I went from being a transfer college student to working in the field I studied, and to truly feeling like a member of this community, despite being a come here, not a from here.
This year, I’m especially thankful for our rare and unique little community.
For all the friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and those who’ve made me feel at home here. Whether we crossed paths through LSLT, Salisbury University, or simply by chance I’m so happy to feel part of this little area with a big personality.
Frank Deuter (Stewardship & GIS Coordinator):
Every year about this time, people always ask what we are thankful for. Thankfulness is one of those things in which we often take for granted. Every day, we use the many things around us to make the world a better place not just for ourselves and our families, but the universe around us. We often have more than we would ever need and are always looking for more. For these reasons, I'm thankful for everything: our surroundings, our jobs, our country, the people around us, our families, food on the table, and life itself.
Jared Parks (Director of Land Programs):
I am thankful to live in a state that prioritizes providing public access spaces for all. Whether you are a hunter, hiker, biker, boater, bird watcher, photographer, or equestrian… whether you are in western, central, southern, or eastern Maryland… whether you are in urban, suburban, exurban, or rural Maryland… there is a welcoming place for all of us. From the ocean to the mountains, Maryland is definitely “America in Miniature," and our public lands are a wonderful way to experience it all.
Lauren Imhof (Program Specialist, Americorps):
I’m thankful for new opportunities and the supportive community surrounding me. My last year of college has been full of different opportunities that freshman-year me would have never imagined. While these moments make exciting memories, navigating these changes makes me grateful for my family who support my adventures and always welcome me back home with a hug (and yummy snacks). I’ve made many new friends this year too, through my church and the Lower Shore Land Trust. These friends have given me space to thrive, and I’m very thankful I’ve met so many great people!
Matt Heim (Executive Director):
This year has brought its share of challenges, both professionally and personally. We’ve dealt with frozen grants, cuts to conservation funding, and the learning curve that comes with stepping into a new leadership role. I also lost my mom in May, which has made this year feel especially heavy at times. Even so, when I reflect on the year, I find a great deal to be thankful for. I have been supported by caring family, friends, co-workers, board members, and volunteers here at LSLT, and that support has made difficult moments easier to face and reminded me of the strength of this community. What I am most grateful for this year is the people who are part of this work and part of my life. Thank you all for being here!
Margot Resto (Community Development Coordinator):
I moved here in 1987, and I still feel like I’m getting away with something - how lucky am I to live near so many beautiful, natural places? Beach, woods, river, bay, ocean…Yesterday I decided at the last minute that I needed to get out on back roads, and I was rewarded with so many things - herons, a red-tailed hawk, a fox, sun filtering through the trees, dynamic cloud patterns, vibrant farm lands, and autumn leaves showing off their brilliance. No traffic, no noise…just peace. Then today I came into work and was reminded how grateful I am to work with this great team of people and supporters who share the same goal of conserving these very things. We are fortunate that our work is a labor of love, and each person involved cares deeply about it. The shine of this beautiful, unique rural place has not worn off - in fact, it grows brighter the longer I’m here.
