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Our Mission

Our Mission

Lower Shore Land Trust protects and restores natural resources, wildlife habitat and working lands to support and connect healthy and vibrant communities.

We envision a future where the unique rural character of the Lower Shore remains a vital defining characteristic of our communities where farming, nature, and people thrive.  

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Our History

The Lower Shore Land Trust (LSLT) was founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of individuals united by a common goal: to preserve the rural character and natural beauty of the lower shore region. Recognizing the growing need to protect the area's unique landscapes and wildlife habitats, these visionary founders lay the groundwork for an organization committed to conservation and sustainable stewardship.

Over the past three decades, LSLT has grown into a formidable force in land preservation.

 

Today, the organization holds conservation easements on over 140 properties, safeguarding more than 24,000 acres of land from development. This significant achievement has positioned LSLT as the second-largest land trust in the State of Maryland, a testament to its unwavering dedication and the trust it has earned from landowners and the broader community alike.

LSLT’s impact extends beyond preservation; the organization is also a recognized leader in habitat restoration. With a particular focus on grassland ecosystems, LSLT has worked tirelessly to restore vital wildlife habitats across the region. In 2024 alone, the Trust installed over 100 acres of grassland habitat, reinforcing its commitment to fostering biodiversity and enhancing the ecological health of the lower shore.

Despite its small staff, LSLT operates with immense passion and expertise. The team’s efforts not only protect the landscapes we cherish but also actively restore and revitalize the natural areas that define the lower shore's identity. Through collaboration with landowners, community partners, and conservation advocates, LSLT continues to shape a future where the rural charm and ecological richness of the lower shore remain intact for generations to come.

Our Staff

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Matt Heim
Executive Director 

Matt grew up on the Lower Shore and brings diverse experience in environmental education, advocacy and nonprofit leadership to the Lower Shore Land Trust. He previously served as Director of the One Water Partnership at Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake and later as Deputy Director of Delmarva Public Media, leading watershed restoration efforts and developing environmentally focused programing. He also worked as Mid-Atlantic Coordinator for the international non-profit Oceana, overseeing field campaigns throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Matt is dedicated to preserving the Lower Shore’s rural character for future generations.

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Jared Parks

Director of Land Programs

Jared comes to LSLT from the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC). He spent nearly 11 years with ESLC where he successfully completed nearly 70 conservation projects preserving over 12,000 acres of land. Prior to working at ESLC, Jared held multiple wildlife research positions largely focusing on avian ecology and habitat management in Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin. He has a B.A. in Anthropology from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and a Master of Environmental Studies from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Jared serves as a Board member for the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership and is an avid birder and gardener.

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Frank Deuter
Stewardship Coordinator

Frank has been volunteering with the Lower Shore Land Trust since high school and participated in the Chesapeake Bay Trust's Chesapeake Conservation Corps program during the 2020-2021 cohort. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in Forensic Chemistry and Political Science from Eastern University. Frank works closely with volunteers to steward easements, ensuring proper maintenance and monitoring. He also supports various programs at the Lower Shore Land Trust, including geographic information system projects, easement monitoring, volunteer programming, invasive species removal, and environmental education outreach.

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Margot Resto
Executive Administrator

Margot Resto started as Lower Shore Land Trust’s Executive Administrator in November 2022. After graduating from Salisbury University with a B.A. in Communication Arts, Margot worked in the non-profit arts world as Office Manager of the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council for 12 years. She then moved into the corporate food service sector as Personnel Coordinator for Baxter Enterprises for 7 years. Margot joined the Land Trust after three years as Deputy Town Manager for Snow Hill. She and her bands have performed at LSLT’s Flannel Formal fundraisers and volunteered for three years, helping with Pollinator Gardens and the Annual Native Plant Sale.

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Beth Sheppard 
Agricultural Outreach Specialist

Beth Mariner Sheppard, Agricultural Outreach Specialist at the Lower Shore Land Trust, works with a dynamic team of mission-driven staff. She connects with farmers across Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties through the Working Lands grant project and leads outreach opportunities. Beth is also the head of some of our favorite events, including the Native Plant Sale. After a 25-year career owning a landscape gardening business in Wilmington, North Carolina, and earning a Master’s in Environmental Studies, she returned to her hometown to focus on expanding pollinator habitats on her family farm. She is dedicated to aiding sustainable land practices.

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Brooke Orr
Program Specialist, Americorps

Brooke Orr is a program specialist at LSLT under Americorps. She earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning from Salisbury University in 2024. She dedicated most of her time in University to meshing her passions of conservation, planning, and interpretation through research, leading, collaborating, and conducting. When Brooke isn’t working with the LSLT to advocate for the environment, she likes paddle boarding, painting, and cuddling up with her dog (Bailey)! She is elated to begin gaining experience and working in the environmental field.

Our Board

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Mike Lewis:
Chair

Mike Lewis and his wife Cassy have lived in Salisbury since 2000, raising their two children, Simon (20) and Kara (18), in a region rich with streams, swamps, woodlands, and beaches. Originally hired as an environmental historian at Salisbury University, Mike helped start the Environmental Studies Program, which he directed from 2004-2018. He continues to serve as a Professor. His research, focusing on science, conservation, and cultural ideas about nature, has spanned India, U.S. Wilderness, and the Chesapeake. Mike is a Wicomico Creekwatcher and has been involved in several local environmental advisory groups.

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Dr. Judith Stribling:
Vice Chair

Judith Stribling is a Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences at Salisbury University, where she taught ecology and wetland science. She was a coordinator for the Dual Degree Program in Biology and Environmental-Marine Science with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and for the Wicomico Creekwatchers Program until 2017. Her research focuses on wetland ecology, biogeochemistry, and restoration. She’s a former President of Friends of the Nanticoke River and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and chairs the Wicomico County Natural Resources Conservation Advisory Committee. 

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Bruce Robson:
Treasurer

Bruce Robson was born in White Plains, NY and grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. After jobs ranging from teacher’s assistant at a Bureau of Indian Affairs school to waterman and farrier, Bruce settled in Salisbury and pursued a career in financial services, earning Certified Financial Planner© and Accredited Investment Fiduciary© designations. He co-founded Comprehensive Financial Services in 1988, now Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc. Bruce has a deep love for the Chesapeake Bay region and is involved in multiple environmental groups. 

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Elise Trelegan:
Secretary

Elise Trelegan manages NOAA's B-WET program, a $2.7M grant initiative supporting environmental education in the Mid-Atlantic. She also coordinates the Chesapeake Bay Program's Education Workgroup, focusing on regional collaboration. Previously, Elise worked at a mid-sized nonprofit on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, advancing through roles including interim executive director. She holds a Master's from Virginia Tech and co-founded the Youth Environmental Action Summit (YEAS). Elise was named a "30 Under 30" environmental education leader and chaired Salisbury's Sustainability Advisory Committee.

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Byron Beauchamp

Byron resides in Somerset County, MD, near Pocomoke, with his wife and daughter. A 5th generation farmer, farming has always been a part of his life, and he is passionate about carrying on the love of the land for future generations. With his deep roots in agriculture, Byron brings a unique and essential perspective to the Lower Shore Land Trust. His knowledge of farming practices and commitment to the land is crucial in furthering the mission of preserving and enhancing the region's natural resources. Byron’s hands-on experience with land strengthens the connection between conservation and working lands.

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Anthony DiPaolo

Tony is a licensed professional forester in Maryland with a BS in Forestry from Virginia Tech (1982). He began his career in 1986 as an Assistant Project Forester with the Maryland DNR Forest, Park, and Wildlife Service in Allegany County. In 1987, Tony transferred to the Eastern Shore as Worcester Project Forester. He entered the private sector in 1996 with Cropper Brothers Lumber Co. and later worked as an Area Forester with Glatfelter. Tony is a member of the Worcester County Forestry Board, District Supervisor with the Worcester Soil Conservation District, and past chair of the MD/DE Society of American Foresters. He lives in Snow Hill with his wife, Lisa.

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Glenn Irwin

Glenn Irwin retired after almost 23 years as Executive Director of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), managing projects like building renovation, business assistance, public art, and employee housing. He previously worked in South Florida specializing in downtown redevelopment, affordable housing, and urban planning. Glenn holds an AICP designation and served on various boards, including the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals. He holds a B.A. in Economics and History and an M.A. in Public Administration. Glenn is the 2023 Business Person of the Year and enjoys environmental activities like kayaking and hiking. He lives in Ocean City with his wife, Pam.

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Steve Marsh

Steve Marsh joined George, Miles & Buhr in 1994 and became East Region Director of Operations in 2021. He has worked as Project Engineer, Manager, and Director on various projects including stormwater management, sewer systems, and wastewater treatment. Steve holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, specializing in hydrology and stormwater. He is LEED® AP certified and a Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality. Steve recently completed a term as Board President for the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance.

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Colin McAllister

A Lower Shore native, Colin McAllister grew up in Wicomico County, developing a deep love for local lands and waters. He spent afternoons with his grandfather, Vaughn Richardson, combing fields and training horses along the Pocomoke River. Colin is currently an Environmental Compliance Specialist for MD Department of Environment's Resource Management Program, helping Eastern Shore farmers with environmental guidance and best management practices. He works with local, state, and federal agencies on public land management and agricultural issues. Colin lives in Snow Hill with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children.

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Merry Mears

Meredith Mears is the Mid-Atlantic Representative of the SVN National Self-Storage team and a Senior Advisor for SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate. Specializing in the sale and leasing of industrial, office, and self-storage facilities, she has worked with governments, commercial property owners, investors, and companies globally. Mears has brokered multi-million dollar deals and worked with national clients like Frito-Lay. She is active in community leadership and has served on multiple boards. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in Maryland by The Daily Record.

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Rick Pollitt Jr.

Rick Pollitt, Jr. was born in Salisbury, Maryland, and has lived his entire life in Allen. He is the son of the late Judge Richard M. Pollitt and Margaret Custis Harrington Pollitt, married to Tracy Catlin Pollitt, and father of Ricky and Rachel. Rick is the Town Manager of Snow Hill and the fourth generation of his family to serve in public office. Inspired by President Kennedy’s inaugural address, Rick is committed to public service, emphasizing inclusion, communication, and consensus-building. He holds a BA from Washington College, has held leadership roles in multiple organizations, and served as Wicomico County Executive from 2006-2014.

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Dave Saveikis

David Saveikis of Seaford, DE worked over 40 years in natural resource conservation in the public and private sectors, recently retiring as Director of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife. He also held managerial and biologist positions involving wetland research, restoration and regulation, aquatic resource assessment, mosquito control operations and public relations. Dave is passionate about land conservation, and was a founding member and past president of the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from and completed graduate biology courses at Salisbury University. Dave enjoys fishing and birding, and he and wife Nancy enjoy traveling and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula.

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Who We Are

Our Staff

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Margot Resto
Executive Administrator

Margot Resto is LSLT’s Executive Administrator, managing the day-to-day business of the organization as well as development and donor relations. She is lead organizer of the annual fundraiser, the Flannel Formal. Margot’s experience in varied sectors informs all aspects of her work, gained from administrative and communications management positions in the non-profit arts business, the corporate food service industry, and the local government sector, as well as in the performing arts world. She feels all of these skills are utilized in her position, which range from financial and managerial to creative and collaborative, and she is grateful to work with the excellent Land Trust team.

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Beth Sheppard 
Agricultural Outreach Specialist

Beth Sheppard is the Agricultural Restoration Specialist, blending sustainable environmental interests with previous horticultural experience. She works with regional landowners and public space projects to convert farmland into native grassland meadows supporting pollinators, songbirds, and the Northern Bobwhite Quail. A favorite aspect of her work is assisting with the Lower Shore Land Trust Native Plant sale fundraiser held each spring. Beth, a native of Worcester County, returned from a landscaping career in Wilmington, NC. She holds a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and is a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional.

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Brooke Orr
Program Specialist, Americorps

Brooke Orr is a program specialist at LSLT under Americorps. She earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning from Salisbury University in 2024. She dedicated most of her time in University to meshing her passions of conservation, planning, and interpretation through research, leading, collaborating, and conducting. When Brooke isn’t working with the LSLT to advocate for the environment, she likes paddle boarding, painting, and cuddling up with her dog (Bailey)! She is elated to begin gaining experience and working in the environmental field.

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