For those that love the Eastern Shore and cherish its beauty, rural character, and most of all its environmental importance, a tireless advocate and educator was lost Tuesday. Art Schwarzschild of the University of Virginia Anheuser-Busch Coastal Research Center, Oyster passed away Tuesday night from an apparent heart attack.
Environmental and Eastern Shore advocates are finding it hard to measure the loss, and what it will mean for our region in the future.
Schwarzschild was a tireless foe against the 2015 zoning ordinance which he considered to be in complete opposition to environmental and developmental sustainability. His stand put him at odds with many of the local powers that be, and also placed his own livelihood in jeopardy.
Art was a prime advocate for the seaside and small town quality of life in Willis Wharf, where he constantly defended it as an irreplaceable resource. He was instrumental in developing the Willis Wharf and Oyster Vision documents and movements.
Schwarzschild was also know for the “art and science” workshops he arranged through the Busch Coastal Research Center in Oyster.
Donna Boza, President of Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore stated, “With extremely heavy hearts we are letting our community know that we lost another champion, and CBES a true friend. He loved this place so much.”
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Wow!!! Art was a wonderful neighbor when I lived in Willis Wharf. Sad. So long old friend. Rest in peace Art.
Art was a Great neighbor to us at R&C. He will be missed by all that had the opportunity to know him. RIP
Dr. Art Schwartzchild,
an inspirational, tireless, and passionate advocate for preserving and treasuring his adopted home….. the priceless Eastern Shore of Virginia. HIs legacy is written on the hearts and in the minds of everyone who was privileged to attend one of his seminars and/or knew him personally. We will always remember and we will carry on in his stead to preserve our unique coastal treasure. The generations yet to come shall be his beneficiarys.
generations to come.