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March 2026 | Land Trust eNews
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Maryland Environmental Trust Spotlight |
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Greg Bowen Named 2026 Recipient of the Aileen Hughes Grant
The Aileen Hughes Grant, part of the Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, is awarded annually to an individual representing a Maryland land trust who demonstrates outstanding leadership, partnership and innovation in land conservation. This year's recipient of the Aileen Hughes Grant is Greg Bowen. This award is presented posthumously, and in recognition of Greg's lasting legacy.
This year’s Aileen Hughes Award recognizes Greg's exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to protecting Maryland's natural heritage. His lifelong work will benefit generations to come. Read more about the many achievements of Greg Bowen.
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Conservancy for Charles County Announces Leadership Transition, Celebrates Legacy of Longtime President Hal Delaplane
After 14 years of distinguished service as Board President, Hal Delaplane is stepping down, passing the torch to longtime board member and immediate past Vice President Hugh Williams, who will guide the Conservancy into 2026 and beyond.
Under Delaplane’s leadership, the Conservancy achieved significant conservation milestones. The organization expanded the lands under its protection by 579 acres, bringing the total to 2,273 acres. These additions include two forested properties within the Mount Vernon viewshed and the 208-acre, county-owned Pomonkey Forest. The Conservancy also played a key role in establishing the Watershed Conservation District in the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan. Read more.
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Public Input Sought for Maryland’s Ten-Year State Wildlife Action Plan
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 2025-2035 Maryland State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). This wide-ranging document examines the state’s plants and animals, outlining ways to support species of greatest conservation need – species which are rare, declining, or at risk of declining in Maryland – along with the key wildlife habitats where they are found.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires that each state review and revise its SWAP every 10 years. Maryland’s SWAP was originally published in 2005 and last updated in 2015. DNR spent 18 months updating the plan, working with more than 100 partner organizations. A draft of the plan can be found at dnr.maryland.gov, along with an online form to submit a comment. The public comment period is open through 5 p.m. on April 10. Read more.
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Maryland Department of Planning Updates Generalized Zoning Data
The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) is pleased to share the 2025 Statewide Generalized Zoning data. MDP collaborated with Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City to update generalized zoning for those jurisdictions, considering local zoning for both map and ordinance changes.
The 2025 update aggregates data from zoning maps, text amendments, and zoning overhauls provided by the counties. It also updated the generalized zoning information for all municipal annexations received by MDP between 2021-2025. Visit MDP's Statewide Generalized Zoning ArcGIS StoryMap and MDP Webapp for more information.
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Best Practices for Notices of Approval for Conservation Easements
April 2 | Registration Fee
A landowner with a conservation easement has let your organization know they want to exercise a reserved right on their land. Your response must be legally sound and protect the conservation values of the property. This webinar will guide best practices for this type of situation. This webinar, from the Land Trust Alliance, will provide a practical overview designed to orient newer land trust staff and volunteers and offer more experienced practitioners actionable insights to strengthen their approval practices. Learn more.
New Guidance for Digital Recordkeeping
May 19 | Registration Fee
Land trusts are increasingly managing conservation records in digital environments, but doing so responsibly requires more than simply scanning documents or storing files in the cloud. Drawing on real-world examples, the Land Trust Alliance has developed a guidance document to support a practical approach to designing and maintaining a digital-forward recordkeeping system that protects permanent transaction and stewardship records. Participants will gain practical ideas and examples that can be adapted for organizations of any size. Learn more.
Maryland Geological Survey: Ask an Expert
Website
The Maryland Geological Survey, created in 1896, is a scientific-investigative organization of the State of Maryland. The Survey is charged with investigating the geologic and water resources of Maryland through the application of the various disciplines within earth science. If you have questions specific to Maryland geology, groundwater, earthquakes, aquifer water quality, oil and natural gas, fossils, dinosaurs, minerals, and so on, please refer to MGS staff member list. If you don't know where to start, contact the MGS education specialist and they'll get you to the right person. Visit the MGS website to learn more.
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Share Your News
If you would like to share relevant conservation news, success stories, announcements or events with Maryland's land trusts and conservation partners through this publication, please contact Michelle Grafton by the first of each month at michelle.grafton@maryland.gov.
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