Welcome, Arthur
Please welcome Arthur Upshur to The Virginia Eastern Shore (VES) Land Trust. Arthur will take over the role of Stewardship Manager previously held by Abbey Brassfield.
“I have long admired the work of the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust. Some of my family members have conserved their land and many of my friends are huge supporters. So naturally, I am excited to be the Stewardship Manager.” said Arthur Upshur.
Arthur will be working with the Land Trust’s more than 70 landowners who have conservation easements on 14,000 acres. He visits these properties and provides landowners with information about new stewardship practices to manage shorelines, wetlands, wildlife habitat and other natural resources. He also assists with outreach and education programs, like the second grade field trips to Brownsville Preserve.
Arthur has a business background working in a variety of corporate roles around the world. For the last ten years he has been a full-time farmer running the Copper Cricket Farm in Machipongo. In addition, Arthur has been supporting Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore (CBES) and is currently the president of CBES. He brings a background in sustainability and land planning from both his farming and CBES experience.
“Arthur brings a lot of experience and knowledge of land practices on the Shore. He has demonstrated concern for our natural resources through his farming practices. And he is deeply invested in our community outreach efforts. We look forward to working with him,” said VES Land Trust President, Ed Tankard.
The Land Trust’s new Stewardship Manager joins Executive Director, Hali Plourde-Rogers on staff. The position is made possible by a grant from The Volgenau Foundation.