Snow Hill, MD – The Lower Shore Land Trust proudly announces the winner of this year’s Stephen Parker Legacy Award, former Conservation Easement Program Manager for Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), Ann Gutierrez Carlson. The award will be presented at Lower Shore Land Trust’s annual Flannel Formal event to be held on November 9th, 2024 from 3-6 pm at Coulbourn Farm in Snow Hill.
The award is given annually to a nominated landowner or conservation practitioner for their contributions to private land conservation on the Lower Eastern Shore. It honors Stephen Parker, a renowned conservationist that strived to bring together economic development and conservation, preserving the health and productivity of large ecosystems and the needs of human communities.
Ann surpasses the merits needed to obtain this award. While working with MET, she completed over 120 easements on over 19,000 acres statewide including over 3200 acres of land on 19 properties on the Lower Shore. Ann is one of the most knowledgeable and committed practitioners of the trade in the State of Maryland, or the country, for that matter. In addition to her work doing conservation easements, she has also supported Lower Shore conservation through engaging in difficult stewardship situations, monitoring properties jointly with LSLT staff, and joining us for local events all the way from Annapolis. She recently made the extremely difficult decision to retire from her career in land protection to bring her talents and compassion to the even nobler profession of helping people as a nurse. Though the land trust community has lost one of the best, the health community of Maryland has gained a tremendously generous and selfless person to whom the LSLT is elated to present this well deserved award.
In addition to this award presentation, the Flannel Formal event will showcase the beautiful venue, Coulbourn Farm, live music by Fil Rhythm Band with guest vocalist Margot Resto, Pit ‘n Pub BBQ, Modern Graze charcuterie, Baywater Seafood oyster bar, George’s Mixes bloody Mary bar, yard games, fine wine and craft beer, fire pits, silent auction, and fun for everyone! Don’t forget to wear your flannel!
Purchase tickets at: www.LowerShoreLandTrust.org or call the Lower Shore Land Trust at 443-234-5587.