Welcome new board members
Jim McGowan, Richard Snyder, and David Tyler
Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust is excited to welcome three new board members in 2026: Jim McGowan, Richard Snyder, and David Tyler. Together these three new board members bring experience in conservation, land use planning, marine science, and agriculture and gardening.
Jim worked for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, as Director of Planning for the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Director of Planning for Accomack County, and the Land Protection Manager at The Nature Conservancy’s Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve. Along with conservation, Jim brings knowledge of gardening and interest in sailing and hiking.
Richard was the Director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Laboratory in Wachapreague where he worked on shellfish aquaculture, stream water quality, ecological restoration, and general marine ecology. Richard is managing his 30-acre farm for vegetables, grain, and wildlife.
David is a graduate of Onancock High School and the Virginia Military Institute. He’s a retired Navy Captain with interest in military history, physical fitness, and gardening. David’s property is protected by a VES Land Trust held conservation easement.
Thank you outgoing board members
John Graham, Meriwether Payne, and Karen Terwilliger
VES Land Trust is grateful to John Graham, Meriwether Payne, and Karen Terwilliger for their years of service on the board. John served for eight years and shared his enthusiasm for historic preservation as well as an impressive attention to detail. John also donated an easement on Wharton Place in 2006. Meriwether served for 13 years and shared a passion for birding and extensive horticultural knowledge. Meriwether also donated an easement on Seaview Farm in 2005. Karen served for 14 years and shared a love of and wealth of knowledge on wildlife diversity and management.
All three served on committees and as officers. John assisted with stewardship and new conservation easement projects as well as outreach to and relationships with the Realtor’s Association. Meriwether chaired the Oyster Roast committee and served as Secretary and then Treasurer. Karen assisted with stewardship and new conservation easement projects and served as Vice President and then President.
VES Land Trust is lucky to have worked with John, Meriwether, and Karen for a combined total of 35 years. They will be missed for their humor and willingness to help with everything from setting up the Oyster Roast to diving deep into policies. VES Land Trust Board and Staff are thankful John, Meriwether, and Karen will continue to volunteer and advise as time and expertise allow. We also look forward to what Jim’s, Richard’s, and David’s unique talents and experience will bring to the land trust in the next few years.
VES Land Trust has nine board members who serve three-year terms.
