More than half the private land trusts (which are philanthropy) in the United States are here in New England; elsewhere land conservation is far more dominated by governments. There is much to conserve in Essex County -- part of the Eastern Flyway, it provides passageway, feeding and breeding sites to about 60% of all bird species known to North America; the Great Salt Marsh, extending along the coast from New Hampshire to Gloucester, is the largest salt marsh ecosystem in New England, providing a nursery to a significant portion of the marine life in our coastal waters. The Essex County Greenbelt Association (est. 1961) protects over 11,000 acres, of which it owns 5,000. It is in a period of intensive development, with a new Strategic Plan, a new full-time position dedicated to land acquisition, and a new $1 million Land Stewardship Fund to endow future conservation management. Today 35% of the County is developed, and 25% is in conservation; of the remaining 40%, much has been designated high conservation priority owing to unique or unusual ecosystems, critical habitat, significant biodiversity, or disappearing agricultural lands. So there is great work to be done, and you can help -- for quality of life in Essex County.