Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper
Our Shorekeeper
In 2003, the Board of Directors asked Richard Ayers to become the first
Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper. He led the organization through the Fall of 2007,
and is still in the field watching our waters, but now with the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality.
With 15 years of experience as an environmental educator and guide, as
well as strong ties throughout the Eastern Shore community, Dave Burden
was recruited to take over the helm as Shorekeeper.
Dave grew up on the water in South Carolina, and studied Environmental
Science at the University of Virginia, with a focus on coastal
ecosystems.
Dave moved to the Eastern Shore in 1999 to launch SouthEast
Expeditions with two local business partners, and has been helping residents
and visitors explore the shore ever since. This kayak-outfitting business
was founded on a premise of environmental education and promoting sustainable
business practices.
The strong business relationships that Dave and his partners developed
have allowed SouthEast Expeditions to become a leader in the local business
community and helped propel Dave into the public sector. In 2007 Dave was
elected to the Northampton County Board of Supervisors. His lifelong
passion for environmental awareness and sustainable business were the
foundation of his campaign, and he served on the Board for two years.
As
the Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper, Dave has worked to increase the profile and
awareness of the organization and its objectives, and is determined to solidify
the reputation of the Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper as the premier environmental
action organization on the Shore. Through partnerships with other local
and regional organizations, as well as innovative new programs and initiatives,
the Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper continues to pursue its mission of protecting,
preserving, and promoting the coastal water quality of the Eastern Shore.
Contact Dave: shorekeeper@gmail.com
