Our History
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s first and oldest land trust, founded in 1990 when a group of engaged community members realized the urgency of protecting the Eastern Shore’s open land and agricultural roots. After noticing more and more farms being developed, founders Rob Etgen, Dr. Russell “Russ” Brinsfield, Dr. Peter Brown, Stuart Baldwin, Ed Nielsen, Howard Wood, and Joe Doherty began planning, fundraising, and working with agricultural landowners to protect land through conservation easements.
Over time, ESLC has grown from a tiny land trust on Wye Island into a nationally recognized organization that has helped to protect more than 66,000 acres of land on more than 320 properties stretching across six counties: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester. ESLC’s work has provided access to nature and outdoor recreation; protected migratory hubs, wildlife corridors, and diverse habitats; safeguarded farms, forests, and wetlands; and promoted the rural heritage of the Eastern Shore.
