Conservation
© Sarah Rogers | National Park Service Marshy Point, Md.
Maryland is a microcosm of Earth in its breadth of landscape features: rugged mountains, expansive coastlines, tranquil countryside, dense forests, proud rivers. Yet, these beautiful places and the underlying ecology are at risk from increasing development and the damages that come from it. Add to this challenge that our poorest communities lack adequate green space for people to connect with the outdoors, recreate, garden, or reap the physical and spiritual benefits that nature provides.
If we are to protect and preserve Maryland’s distinct natural heritage, and connect all to its benefits, a new era of innovation and collaboration must emerge. To accomplish this we envision robust and enduring partnerships across geographic, cultural, and economic boundaries. This site will serve as a gathering place to feature:
- A green blueprint for action: From wildlands, working farms and forests, to places in the city for people to connect with nature, parks, and culture, our work across all landscapes reflects the interconnectedness of our state’s natural resources. And ultimately, that people and the land must all strive to thrive together.
- Land conservation in action: Our work illustrates ways (both traditional and innovative ) that land conservation materially improves the economic and human health of communities. It is through the efforts of a vibrant, modernized land trust community that we are able to accomplish this.
- Engaged communities: A range of land trusts, rural community leaders and residents, vibrant rural and major town centers, and other creative examples show how conservation is working with, not against economic prosperity, and helping to address or be part of the solution for social challenges in communities. Economic development: Aiming to provide sustainable economic opportunities for our rural towns while improving the health of our landscapes, we seek and promote a range of initiatives, including innovative land-based businesses, historic and cultural programming, and outdoor recreational opportunities for all.
- Increased access to outdoors: Our work helps to support access to recreational, educational, and inspirational experiences of unique natural and cultural resources across the state in appropriate ways.
- Voices: Each place reflects the unique voices, needs and values of the people who live there, and encourages active listening and authentic dialogue between land conservation groups and local communities.
Regional Landscapes
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Protecting Land Forever
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