Annapolis, MD – Chesapeake Conservancy Interim Chief Executive Officer EJ Amyot issued this statement following the recent passing of Anne Arundel County philanthropist James Arthur Earl, who, along with his wife, Sylvia, was a longtime supporter of Chesapeake Conservancy.

‍

James and Sylvia Earl arrived in Anne Arundel County in 1995, and he retired in 2000 after teaching physics and astronomy at the University of Maryland for 35 years. They made their presence known through their interest in and support of the arts, the environment, education and health care.

‍

Through the Helena Foundation, which honors James Earl’s mother, Margaret Helena Earl, the Earls created a lasting legacy for conservation and collaboration by establishing the Earl Conservation Center. Located at 1212 West Street, the Earl Conservation Center is home to multiple nonprofit organizations, including Chesapeake Conservancy, Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, Chesapeake Legal Alliance and Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.

‍

The Earl’s decision to provide a workspace for local conservation nonprofits will profoundly affect Chesapeake conservation for generations to come.

‍

Chesapeake Conservancy and our partner organizations are forever grateful for their support for our important work. A celebration of life will be held later this month:

James Arthur Earl

Celebration of Life

April 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

The Golf Club at South River

3451 Solomons Island Rd

Edgewater, MD 21037

‍

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Earl, a true visionary whose generosity and dedication to conservation have left an enduring impact on the Chesapeake Bay. His unwavering support strengthened the conservation community, and his legacy will continue to inspire efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake for generations to come. We are forever grateful for his contributions, and our thoughts are with Sylvia and the entire Earl family during this difficult time.”

‍