The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and former U.S. Congressman Wayne Gilchrest have created a new partnership to create an environmental education and agro-ecology program at Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area in Kent County.
The purpose of the program is to connect Maryland’s children with nature and to explore potential models for innovative agricultural activities supporting both local food supply and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. The partnership is set to begin in October and will involve developing a range of outdoor experiential education activities for children.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) is a regional conservation organization dedicated to preserving and sustaining the vibrant communities of the Eastern Shore. This new pilot program will further ESLC’s efforts to focus energy on access to land and engaging youth and their families in these activities. ESLC’s educational efforts, which will complement and collaborate with the planning for the Sassafras site, will work to ensure that children engage with the Eastern Shore and find ways to explore their rural heritage, via outings, essay/art contests, scholarship contests, youth volunteer opportunities, a soon to be developed ESLC Kids website and a youth newsletter.
“This opportunity could not have come at a better time as we are elevating our programs to connect kids— our future leaders— with our activities. Engaging them in this kind of hands-on educational opportunity will only help us continue to ensure the Eastern Shore’s rural legacy and tradition of thriving small towns is maintained for many generations to come.” said ESLC’s Executive Director Rob Etgen. “We are so excited to open our activities up at such a broad level and are grateful to Congressman Gilchrest and the Department of Natural Resource for this amazing partnership opportunity.”
source: MD DNR
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