Listening to the Land

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with conservation easement holders, supporters, farmers, neighbors, county government partners, and friends as we kicked off outreach for the Lower Shore Land Trust’s next Conservation Strategic Plan. As someone who grew up here on the Lower Shore, has a deep love of the landscape, and now gets to do this work alongside all of you, I can say honestly that these meetings were among the most meaningful moments I’ve had since joining LSLT.

LSLT Staff and Supporters walking former Executive Director, Kate Patton's property. PC: Brooke Orr

There is something powerful about hearing directly from the people who have chosen to protect their land and why they value conservation in our region. Some talked about childhood memories on family land. Others spoke about wanting to protect marshes where they’ve hunted their whole lives as they talked about what this land means to them.

The theme that came up again and again was the idea of passing something on to future generations. This was especially true among our farming community. Farmers spoke about wanting their children and grandchildren to have the chance to work the same soil, watch the same sunsets over the fields, and feel the same sense of stewardship they carry today. Conservation easements were not just legal tools. They are promises to the future.

Another theme was love of place. Real, deep love of this landscape we all share across Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. Whether it was a small woodland behind a home in Berlin, a family farm outside Snow Hill, or a marsh edge in Western Wicomico County, the message was the same. These lands shape our lives and protecting them feels like protecting a part of ourselves.

We also heard from many folks with smaller properties who want to be part of conservation but are not sure how. That is something we take seriously. As we build this strategic plan, we are thinking carefully about how to support conservation at every scale, from large farms to smaller tracts of equally important land.

For me personally, these meetings were incredibly motivating. I spend a lot of my time thinking about budgets, staffing plans, contracts, and grant applications, but at its heart, this work is about people and places we love and want to see conserved. Sitting together, listening to your stories, reminded me why our team is pushing so hard day in and day out. We are not just protecting acres. We are protecting memories, livelihoods, wildlife habitat, and opportunities for future generations.

I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to share their thoughts. Your honesty and generosity will play a key role in shaping our next chapter. 

If you were not able to attend, we would still love to hear from you. Keep your eye out for a survey to be sent out via email soon. Your voice matters, and this plan will be stronger because of it.

Onward, Matt

Executive Director

Lower Shore Land Trust

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