|
Land Preservation
 Photo by Paul J. Fusco, DEEP wildlife Division
Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the shell station, of course! You don't have to be a turtle to enjoy all the beauty of a Maryland spring here in Baltimore and Harford Counties; fish in the streams, birds nesting in the trees (and the occasional unprotected dryer vent), farmers planting in their fields, horses and cows grazing in pastures, trees leafing out to shade country lanes, and wildflowers bursting into bloom So much of what we see and experience is made possible by land that has been preserved from further development. That's our mission and our passion!
We are currently working on several projects, including 40 acres on Monkton Road, 30 acres on Jarrettsville Pike, 100 acres on Old York Road, and 50 acres on Hutchins Mill. Please spread the word about land preservation to your friends and neighbors. We’re always happy to answer questions and help landowners assess their options.
Solar Update
We’re monitoring and participating in activities related to legislating solar installations on agricultural land in Baltimore County. Several bills have been introduced at the county level; the first was vetoed and the rest were either withdrawn or did not have enough support to pass. We anticipate County Council to continue to try to legislate siting, size, and other aspects of solar installations.
Meanwhile, the Board of Appeals decided not to allow a special exception for a 6-acre solar installation on agricultural land in the western part of the county. This will likely deter further applications for special exceptions, though the decision may yet be appealed to Circuit Court.
In any case, we’ll continue to work with our partners, including Valleys Planning Council, Hanover Road Association, North County Community Group, and others, to encourage the environmentally sensitive and smart use of solar power in the area.
Field Trips
We have two exciting events coming up! Board member Frank Durkee has organized a trail ride on May 28 at 12:30, leaving from St. James. We’re happy to join Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and St. James Church in sponsoring this ride. Participants are encourage to bring a bale of hay to donate to Second Chances Farm, a program that rescues race horses and teaches inmates to care for them.
And at 5:30 pm on June 20th, we’ll be visiting First Mine Run, a private club located on preserved land in White Hall, for a summer solstice stream buffer encounter. Come see the progress of projects to protect First Mine run from damage and learn about the environmental benefits of stream buffers. A light dinner will be provided. Registration is required -- click here to RSVP.
Calcutta
Attendees at our annual fundraiser had a wonderful time eating, drinking, betting, and raising money for land preservation.
Ron Maher and Dr. Carol Copeland are surprised and happy at the results of the Calcutta.
Many thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who worked so hard to make the evening a success.
Back On My Feet
Speaking of raising funds, this half-marathon and relay on April 1 raised over $35,000 to help homeless individuals transition to jobs and homes by restoring confidence and self-esteem through running. We’re proud to be a sponsor of this annual event that takes place on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. For more information on this nationwide program, go to www.backonmyfeet.org .
Rural Roads
The Department of Public Works held its annual public meeting on April 27 to inform the public about plans and projects for bridges and roads in the rural part of the county. Representatives from DPW, including the department of engineering & construction answered questions and provided information.
The Gorsuch Mill Road over Black Rock Run, the Stablersville Road bridge just west of Graystone, and three Gores Mill Road bridges are undergoing (or soon will) repair and/or replacement.
If you have questions or comments about the rural roads in your neighborhood, don't be shy -- let us know!
Free Trees!
If you are an owner of land protected with a Maryland Environmental Trust conservation easement, you certainly know the value of your trees and streams for providing clean air, clean water, and healthy habitats in Maryland. Now you and your land can do even more for these conservation values by participating in a new state partnership.
For owners of land protected with a Maryland Environmental Trust conservation easement, MET and the State Highway Administration are offering free tree plantings and stream restoration projects on MET easement properties in 11 counties, including Baltimore and Harford. SHA seeks sites for projects that offset the impact of runoff from roads and other impervious surfaces, while MET conservation easements can serve as planting and restoration sites.
SHA will design, install, and maintain a custom project at no cost to the landowner. MET will monitor long term project success as part of its regular easement monitoring.
To find out more, contact John Turgeon, Easement Program Manager at john.turgeon@maryland.gov or Dave Minges, Volunteeer Coordinator at david.minges@maryland.gov.
Donate to the Iglehart Fund
The Iglehart Fund, a revolving fund used to purchase threatened land, also provides The Manor Conservancy with funds to underwrite and safeguard the stewardship of properties held under easement. We welcome gifts of any size --click here to donate. Thanks for your support!
Join our Legacy Society
As a member of The Manor Conservancy, you share our long-term commitment to the future of our area. Extend your commitment with our Legacy Society. Naming The Manor Conservancy as a beneficiary in your will allows you to provide for your family first. Whether it's cash or property, your gift will allow us to continue preserving land. Click here for more information, including model documents, or give us a call at (240) 389-2531 to get started.
Amazon Smile
Did you know you can support The Manor Conservancy at no cost to you through the AmazonSmile program? AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of whatever you spend to any registered charity you designate. Simply click here to visit smile.amazon.com, shop as you normally would, and Amazon takes care of the rest.
|
