The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy‘s (ESLC) Party to Preserve was a party to savor the past Saturday.
The venue, Chip and Sally Akridge’s Duvall Farm, transformed over the past 10 years from a working farm fronting Oxford Road to a pristine wildlife preserve, was unbeatable for an organization that treasures and conserves land in six Eastern Shore counties, from Cecil to Dorchester County. In 25 years since its founding, ESLC has obtained easements on roughly 58,000 acres.
For many of the attendees, their visit to Duvall Farm was their first, availing themselves of the opportunity to view the 500-acre farm while riding on an open-air truck. I suspect their reaction was the same as mine when I visited the farm for the first time last summer: I sensed that the birds, fish, turtles and insects owned the property, and that we human beings joined them in harmonious appreciation of a setting undisturbed by residential development.
The weather was superb, reminding me why I love the fall on the Mid Shore. A little nip in the air, sure, but ideally comfortable for attendees summoning a second layer of clothing—and a pervasive feeling of friendship and love of land.
Days of staying inside to escape the cold or escaping south to warmer climes are a short few months away. This is the time to revel in weather that brings out the best in life on our part of the Shore. The honking noise of flocks of geese ushers in a colder, sometimes unpleasant time of year.
The crowd of about 250 seemed devoted late Saturday afternoon and early evening to one thing: having fun in a gorgeous setting—with a distinctive lodge as the welcoming centerpiece and plentiful food provided by area restaurants and caterers–while supporting ESLC in its annual fundraising event.
Another special feature was the opportunity to sign up for varied and fascinating Shore Talks, tied to the conservancy’s mission to celebrate land, towns and people. I had signed up for three prior to the event and one more during the party. Additional sign-ups are available.
As I’ve written previously, full disclosure compels me to state my position on ESLC’s board of directors. While consequently I may have a greater stake in the land conservancy’s success, I share with thousands of Shore residents a strong desire to preserve what’s awfully special about our part of Maryland. And this is our wonderful way of life defined by farms, waterfront properties, small towns and cities and, most of all, the people who claim the Shore as their first and second homes. Folks with short-and-long-term roots in the area, from Cecil to Dorchester County, mix and mingle daily in ways that add a special flourish to our lives, culture and sense of place.
In regard to our inviting and comfortable towns, I must brag, justifiably so, about the newly occupied Eastern Shore Conservation Center (ESCC) on Washington Street in Easton, just south of Memorial Hospital .
Under the leadership of Rob Etgen, the conservancy’s executive director since its founding 25 years ago, and Ben Tilghman, board chair, the renovation–“repurposing” is the current term of art–of the former McCord’s Laundry is really impressive and an ideal setting for offices occupied by non-profits such as Ducks Unlimited, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Town Creek Foundation and, of course, ESLC. Word is that ESCC may house a café at some point.
The decision to undertake the redevelopment of a former commercial laundry building was a gutsy one. It took a leap of faith and willingness to raise nearly $7 million. As a neighbor about two blocks away, I am pleased that the Washington Street corridor has received a significant boost. This project illustrates ESLC’s commitment to the health and welfare of towns, a policy complementary to the conservation of open space.
A highly regarded land trust, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is on a roll. It has established itself as a go-to resource for communities examining ways to improve themselves, whether it be new parks or new streetscapes or restoration of buildings meaningful to the residents. Meanwhile, the conservancy continues to partner with groups such as the Maryland Environmental Trust to purchase easements that protect the future of open space.
Fall is a wonderful time to celebrate the Shore’s attributes and enticements. The Party to Preserve did just that.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
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