On April 15, 2023, Jane Batten and the VES Land Trust Board of Directors hosted the 16th Annual Oyster Roast dinner in celebration of 20 years of conservation. Mrs. Batten generously provided the beautiful and historic Wellington for the party.
Mrs. Batten donated a conservation easement on Wellington, 44 acres, in 2017. Because of easement donors like Mrs. Batten and financial support from our community, 14,129 acres are protected with conservation easements held by VES Land Trust.
It was a beautiful, sunny evening to get together with friends and partners. Thank you for celebrating and supporting VES Land Trust in our conservation mission over the last two decades.
From top left: Ben Payne, Ruth Acra, Meriwether Payne, Eunice Payne, and Emarie Payne; Attendees enjoy roasted oysters; Carl Nordstrom, Darlene Zacharias with David Turner’s Carolina wren, and Matt Pienkowski; Jeff and Penney Holland, Samuel and Kendall Gunderson; 16th Annual Oyster Roast at Wellington; Attendees viewing the silent auction
Our Sincere Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Benefactor
Tankard Nurseries
James B. Murray, Jr.
Guardian
Willbanks, Smith, & Thomas Asset Management
Steward
Jane Batten
Dominion Concrete Contractors, Inc.
John Malbon
Protector
Andy Mason
Robin Rinaca
Nell Minton
Associate
Kent McNew
Susan and Phil Harris
Friend
Jefferson Moulds and Brent Anderson
Tom Waller
Timothy Brown
Paul and Fredrika Jacobs
John and Elizabeth Cromwell
Tom Young
Aimee and Frank Batten
Hank and Julie Badger
Luke and Patty Kellam
L. Bruce Holland
Sharon Barnes
Special Thanks
Angie Benton
T. Lee Byrd
Davis Disposal
Eastern Shore Events and Rentals
Eastern Shore Signs
Brian Irminger
Moore’s Portable Solutions
Ocean Cove Seafood
Shooting Point Oyster Co.
Valliant Oysters
Walker Bros.
Walker’s Seafood LLC
Historic Wellington