A New Chapter for Scenic Rivers: Leadership News

Milestones, Gratitude, and Continuity
A Leadership Update

Dear Friends,

This year, Scenic Rivers Land Trust celebrated two remarkable milestones: 35 years of conserving land in Anne Arundel County and the completion of our 80th conservation easement. We marked both achievements in October at our 35th Anniversary Conservation Celebration, where we honored the landowners, donors, friends, partners, volunteers, and, of course, staff who have been instrumental to our success.

It’s moments like these—celebrating our shared accomplishments—that make it all the more bittersweet to announce a leadership transition.

Our executive director, Sarah Knebel, will step down this month after nearly 10 years of dedicated service, 5 of those at the helm. While we will deeply miss her guidance and vision, we are excited for Sarah as she embarks on an incredible opportunity to join BGE’s sustainability initiatives as Principal Environmental Project Manager.

We are profoundly grateful for Sarah’s leadership. During her tenure, Sarah guided Scenic Rivers through the process of achieving national accreditation; spearheaded a county-wide analysis to prioritize parcels for conservation, including the creation of our “Top 100” list; led the expansion of Scenic Rivers’ service area into north county and acquisition of North County Land Trust conservation easements; launched the Healthy Forests Program to protect our conserved lands from the increasing threat of invasive plants; and oversaw the conservation of over 900 acres of vital land. Under her leadership, Scenic Rivers has grown into an organization with a secure financial foundation and an exceptional team.

As we begin the search for Scenic Rivers’ next executive director, Erin Valentine, our Development and Communications Officer, will serve as acting executive director. Erin has been instrumental in developing our new Strategic Plan, elevating Scenic Rivers’ profile, and expanding our reach in the community during her almost six years with the organization. The Board is confident in Erin’s ability to maintain our momentum and is committed to supporting her and the team during this transition.

The Board of Directors is deeply committed to Scenic Rivers’ mission to protect the forests, farms, wetlands, and natural areas that sustain Anne Arundel County. Together with our supporters, we are ready to embrace this next chapter and build on the strong foundation that Sarah has helped create.

Thank you for your continued dedication to land conservation and for standing with us as we carry Scenic Rivers’ work forward.

With gratitude,

Joan Renner
President, Board of Directors
Scenic Rivers Land Trust