126 Acres at Dorsey Farm Permanently Conserved by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy

Talbot County, MD - The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) has permanently conserved 126 acres at Dorsey Farm in Talbot County. A perpetual conservation easement was donated by Donna and Len Bush. This easement protects 74 acres of farmland, multiple impoundments, 16 acres of woodlands, and 19 acres of grasslands.

"From the donation of the easement itself to living shoreline restoration, responsible forestry, and wildlife habitat management, Dorsey Farm's conservation is a testament to the Bush family's dynamic partnership with ESLC and to what they've described as their 'ever-evolving lifetime project' of stewardship," commented ESLC President & CEO Steve Kline.

The conservation easement provides public benefits by preserving the Eastern Shore's landscape. It is designed to ensure clean water, clear air, dark skies, biodiversity, and climate resiliency.

"The natural resources we enjoy on the Eastern Shore should not be taken for granted," commented Donna and Len. "Preservation of this gift is critical to the enjoyment for future generations. Further development of our shorelines reduces our quality of life and degrades the health and natural beauty of our waters."

The property includes 6,823 linear feet of water frontage on Leeds Creek, a tributary of the Miles River. This frontage protects the rural character and scenic view of the waterway. Naturally vegetated buffer strips measuring 50 feet are located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. A living shoreline restoration is currently in process.

These measures will maintain and improve the water quality of Leeds Creek.

Prime soils for active grain operations are safeguarded on the property. The land harbors waterfowl and the Delmarva fox squirrel. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the property contains rare habitats that exhibit high levels of biodiversity.

Wildlife meadows like those on Dorsey Farm are increasingly rare on the Eastern Shore. They remain important for declining bird species, including the bobwhite quail. These environments harbor beneficial insect species that assist local farms by eliminating pests and improving crop pollination.

The Bush family will host the annual ESLC Party to Preserve on the conserved property this October. They noted it is a favorite time of year for them as "the midnight sounds of roosting wintering geese honk throughout the creek and the sun sets orange and red through the pines."

There are "just too many special places on the property to list, as the little things are what holds the beauty," Donna and Len reflected. "In time, the farm will hold the family cemetery. Keeps us at our most wonderful place on earth while keeping an eye on ESLC's stewardship."

Replied ESLC Easement Stewardship Manager Michael Ports: "We are proud to keep our end of that arrangement."