Get Involved

Outreach

To foster public awareness of private, voluntary land conservation through conservation easements and understanding of the public benefits derived, the Conservancy maintains an outreach program of exhibiting and distributing educational materials at ArtsFest, Nanjemoy Heritage Day and other community events, conducting occasional training seminars for real estate professionals, and financial and estate planners, and supporting farm community events.

Recognizing Involvement– Charles County Heritage Award Winners

At its most recent annual dinner, the Conservancy presented its Heritage Award to Ken Robinson for his leadership during eight years as Charles County Commissioner in establishing land use policy and legislation to preserve natural resources and foster smart growth throughout the county.

Previous Heritage Award recipients include:

• Lloyd Bowling for promoting preservation of the history, culture, customs, and landscapes of Charles County
• Dr Jim Long for bringing science to bear to inform and educate the public and persuade decision-makers to protect the natural resources of the Mattawoman Watershed
• Tom Roland, county parks director who increased outdoor recreation and environmental education by greatly expanding the county park system
• Steve Bunker, founding member, environmental scientist, conservation policy advocate, and citizen planner
• Deanna Wheeler, environmental activist, Nanjemoy civic leader, and gifted science teacher connecting children to nature
• Vivian H. Mills, founder and past president, who for 16 years provided the Conservancy with her vision and leadership
• Harry and Millie Kriemelmeyer, long-time activists for smart transportation strategies, land preservation, and rural zoning integrity
• Ellen Heilmeier, a founding member, longtime conservationist, and pioneer of recycling programs
• Cheryl Thomas, tenacious watchdog for threats to land and water resources
• Charles Rice, county planner successfully advancing Rural Legacy and farmland preservation goals
• Peter F. Murphy, an advocate and supporter for preservation of open space and the county’s natural and historic areas
• George Jett, founding member, naturalist, nature photographer and longtime pillar of Southern Maryland Audubon Society
• George Wilmot, widely known for his dedication to protecting Mattawoman Creek
• Joan Bowling, founding member and an energetic member of the Wicomico Scenic River Commission and the Rural Commission
• Elmer Biles, whose many contributions to the community include sharing extensive research on Charles County’s early history
• Carol Ghebelian, long active in the Southern Maryland Audubon Society and Friends of Chapman State Park
• David H. Posey for his contributions to protecting open space and preservation of Zekiah Swamp