New Communication and Marketing Strategy Created for Southern Maryland Land Trusts

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) and the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance (SMCA) hired Green Fin Studio to research and create a communication and marketing strategy for all Alliance partners to use for their ongoing communications with landowners and local officials about the economic benefits of conserved land that include curbing urban sprawl and Southern Maryland's potential for ecotourism.

The materials can be customized by each Land Trust to include its own contact information, imagery and focus. Green Fin created these recommendations based on interviews with various stake holders throughout southern Maryland including agriculture,

commercial fishing, hunting, forestry, tribal interests, environmental protection, and local government, land trusts, land owners, farmers, residents, local conservation easement holders and agro-businesses.

A logo was created for use by local land trusts to use on their publications that represents this joint effort and sums up the goals of our shared outreach; "Conserve, Cherish and Explore Southern Maryland" using the colors of Maryland's flag and symbols of the elements of our heritage we want to highlight in our outreach.

"Conserve": Motivating land owners to pursue conservation options that work for their property and personal goals and encouraging local government to make planning decisions that support long-term environmental protection and resilience.

"Cherish": Fostering pride, appreciation and stewardship in residents and advocating for local government policies that reflect what residents value.

"Explore": Expansion of ecotourism and recreation opportunities in the region by investing in and expanding access to nature through trails, boat launches, parklands and other natural areas. These efforts will boost the regional economy.

The Black Swamp Land Trust is a partner in this effort and will be using these recommendations in our outreach. As a smaller organization, we appreciate the efforts by the American Chestnut Land Trust to find the funding for and organize the creation of these materials.