Sue Steinbrook and Jennifer Crews-Carey

In the spring of 2022, Sue Steinbrook, historian and nature photographer, went for a walk at Greenbury Point and struck up a conversation with a fellow trail user who told her that the Navy was planning to develop the conservation area into a golf course. Highly distressed, Sue called her friend, Jennifer Crews-Carey, retired law enforcement and fellow nature photographer, and within days, they had launched a Facebook group, “Save Greenbury Point”.  Their advocacy has been central to the “Save Greenbury Point” grassroots campaign, which opposes development of the conservation area. Such development poses significant environmental risks, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.

Today, the Save Greenbury facebook group is approaching 4,000 members. Sue and Jenn’s efforts have contributed to a petition that has garnered over 7,000 signatures, urging the Navy and elected officials to maintain Greenbury Point’s status as a publicly accessible conservation area. This activism has also led to increased transparency regarding the Navy’s plans and has highlighted the area’s ecological importance. Their dedication exemplifies effective community-led conservation, striving to ensure that Greenbury Point remains a protected natural space for future generations. Jenn continues to manage the Save Greenbury Point Facebook page and Sue continues to advocate, support and collaborate in ongoing efforts to permanently protect Greenbury Point.