Lower Shore Land Trust Inc

Shared program costs

GENERAL PROGRAMMING: Beyond direct land and water conservation work, LSLT played a central coordinating and leadership role among conservation partners in the region. The organization continued to facilitate collaboration through the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network, the Newport Bay hole Watershed Project, and the One Water Partnership. These efforts strengthen partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, and communities to achieve landscape-scale conservation outcomes across the Delmarva Peninsula.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: LSLT hosted a range of outreach and education events throughout 2024, focusing on conservation awareness, sustainable land management, and community engagement. Programs included farmer education on soil health and pasture management, workshops on native landscaping, guided bird walks, and presentations on LSLT conservation initiatives.

STEWARDSHIP: LSLT stewardship program ensured the ongoing integrity of conserved lands through annual monitoring and support for conservation easement landowners. In 2024, the organization visited 139 properties, encompassing over 24,000 acres. LSLT also trained and engaged 18 volunteers to assist with site visits and monitoring efforts, building capacity and fostering community involvement in conservation stewardship.

LAND PROTECTION: In 2024, Lower Shore Land Trust (LSLT) completed two conservation easement projects, permanently protecting 158.648 acres of farmland, forest, and wildlife habitat. These easements contribute to the long-term protection of the Lower Shore rural landscape and ecological resources. In addition, LSLT began work on ten new conservation projects, anticipated to close in 2025 or 2026. All land protection activities were conducted in alignment with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices, with an emphasis on collaborative, voluntary conservation with private landowners.