Mrs. Jean D. Shehan of Talbot County, Maryland, has donated one of the largest remaining undeveloped parcels of land on Chesapeake Bay to National Audubon. The 953-acre site, which includes approximately eight miles of frontage on the Chesapeake in Talbot Co. (near Easton), is Audubon's newest sanctuary. The Shehan land, known locally as Wells Point Farm, lies in the heart of the Eastern flyway, providing vital habitat for migratory birds. Talbot Co., MD, honored Mason and Jean D. Shehan with a certificate of commendation for their generous donation of the Wells Point property to NAS, "for the preservation of Talbot Co. Farmland, protection of the Chesapeake Bay and for the enjoyment and education of future generations."

Aerial photo, Wells Point Farm, courtesy of Mrs. Jean D. Shehan

Staff and volunteers from the nearby Pickering Creek Environmental Center, owned and managed by the Chesapeake Audubon Society, have stepped in already, offering some programs at the new sanctuary to schoolchildren from local counties. "Audubon anticipates developing more extensive educational programs in future years that will benefit visitors of all ages from across the United States," stated Rick Leader, Executive Director of Pickering Creek. Rick was recently appointed to oversee use of the new Wells Point Farm Audubon Sanctuary. He and his staff at Pickering Creek are working to develop programs using both properties for the coming year. Their first priority at Wells Point Farm will be to organize a natural history inventory of the site. This fall, volunteers from Maryland's four NAS chapters will conduct the first extensive bird surveys of the property and adjacent waters. Volunteers will play an integral role in the site's management.

Development along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline is a major environmental issue and has led to efforts to protect the Bay. Wells Point Farm provides important habitat for several species of birds on the Partners in Flight/NAS WatchList (an accounting of birds that are in trouble due to declining numbers, but are not yet on the endangered species list). "Protecting habitat like this property will help keep these birds from going on the endangered species list," said John Flicker, NAS president. National Audubon manages a system of over 200 sanctuaries across the country for purposes of protecting natural habitat for birds and wildlife, and to provide outdoor educational opportunities for children and adults.

For More Info, Contact: Rick Leader, 11450 Audubon Ln.; Easton, MD 21601; ph: 410/822-4903; FAX: 410/822-5041 email: rleader@pickeringcreek.org.