Spring Into Action for the Land You Love

Support Our Spring Appeal Here

As Charles Dickens wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

That sentiment rings especially true for us in 2025. Early this year, we were notified that our federal funding—representing nearly 50% of our annual budget—had been frozen. Fortunately, the freeze was lifted, allowing our work to continue. However, the uncertainty underscored how vulnerable conservation funding can be in today’s political climate.

We also watched as our partners at federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NOAA were affected by staff reductions and budget constraints. At the state level, proposals to eliminate funding for vital programs such as the Rural Legacy Program and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund threatened critical tools that account for more than half of our conservation easement work. While the most severe cuts were avoided, we are still facing significant funding reductions for the next three years.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, there is much to celebrate. In the past six months alone, our dedicated and resourceful team has:

• Planted over 90 acres of native grassland habitat,

• Launched Yards for Creation, a new initiative encouraging congregations to convert lawns to meadows,

• Protected more than 400 acres of natural and working lands through conservation easements,

• Held one of our most successful Native Plant Sales ever, 

• Initiated a partnership with the Fenix Youth Program to help them design a sustainable landscaping workforce development program, and

• Launched a brand-new website to better connect with our community.

I am continually inspired by the passion, resilience, and commitment of the LSLT staff. Their work strengthens our mission and renews my dedication to ensuring they have the support they need to succeed. 

That’s why I’m reaching out to you today.

With federal and state support increasingly uncertain, we rely more than ever on contributions from people like you—our loyal supporters. Your generosity not only helps sustain our programs but also serves as a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

As public funding shifts away from conservation, the responsibility to protect our agricultural and natural landscapes increasingly falls to organizations like the Lower Shore Land Trust. Your support ensures we can meet this moment with strength and resolve.

If you value the land, wildlife, and communities of the Lower Shore—and the people who work every day to protect them—I hope you will consider making a contribution to our mid-year campaign. Your gift fuels our efforts and inspires our team to keep fighting for the places we all cherish.

Thank you for standing with us.

Warm regards,

Matthew Heim

Executive Director, Lower Shore Land Trust

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