May 1 is the deadline for applications to sell easements to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.  Since this program is on a two-year cycle, if you miss the deadline you'll have to wait until 2020 to submit an application!  Click here for more information about the program: click here for information on how to apply.

We are pleased to announce that, along with our friends at MET, The Manor Conservancy has been granted an easement on over 50 acres of land in northern Baltimore County, adding to the 4,000 acres we’ve preserved in Baltimore and Harford Counties.  With over 40 acres of farmland and 5 acres of woodlands, the property includes a stream and beautiful rural views.  We’re grateful to the landowners, who said about preserving their property, “It’s just the right thing to do.”

If you need another reason to go outside, consider that medical professionals now recognize the healing powers of nature. Doctors are writing prescriptions for patients to spend time in parks and on trails; they call it ecotherapy. Spending time in the countryside leads to higher self-esteem, quicker recovery, and even protection against future illness. Focusing on the sounds of chirping birds, the sight of trees, and the rush of running water from streams or rivers -- all things protected by land preservation -- yields the most beneficial effects. Try it yourself!

A generous grant  has allowed us to match donations to the Iglehart Fund dollar for dollar up to $100,000!  The Iglehart Fund, named for Francis "Ike" Iglehart, is designated to purchase land that is imminently threatened by development.  The land is purchased, preserved, and sold, with the proceeds returned to the Fund.  

Please help us build this Fund.  All donations will go directly toward preserving land!  Click here to donate.

On October 12, members and guests enjoyed an update on The Manor Conservancy's activities and a very interesting presentation by Scott McGill, principal at Ecotone, on stream restoration, including a video filmed at First Mine Run.  Anne and Bob Kinsley accepted the Sergeant Murphy Award for land preservation.  Thanks to Scott and to all who came out in support of Anne and Bob, The Manor Conservancy, and land preservation!

Bob Kinsley, Anne Kinsley, Henry Pitts (president), L to R

Click here for the text of Bob Kinsley's acceptance remarks

At the July 3, 2017, Baltimore County Council Meeting, the bill submitted by Vicki Almond passed, with amendments.  Up to 10 installations per councilmanic district will be permitted by special exception; installations can produce up to two megawatts of electricity.  This does not include installations accessory to a principal residential or agricultural use or accessory to a principal commercial, industrial, or institutional use, rooftop installations, installations on government-owned land that produces energy for government use, or solar facilities on farms that use at least 2/3 of the energy produced for agricultural uses on the farm.  A variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies are charged with evaluating the impact of solar facilities and submitting recommendations of potential changes to the law by July 1, 2018.

When or whether solar installations will begin appearing in the area is unknown.  We will continue to work with other community groups and our legislators to use alternative energy intelligently.

Councilwoman Vicki Almond and Councilman Wade Kach have submitted bills concerning solar installations.  Public comment (limited to 3 minutes) will be heard at a work session on June 27 at 2 pm at 400 Washington Avenue in Towson.

 To view Mr. Kach's bill, click here.  To view Ms. Almond's bill, click here.  To view a comparison of the bills, click here.  

The Manor Conservancy supports the intelligent use of green energy alternatives.  There are many more appropriate sites for solar installations than areas containing prime and productive agricultural soils.  Please take the opportunity to make your opinions heard!

The USDA and The US Department of the Interior have named June 19-25 as National Pollinator Week.  Click  here to find out what you can do to encourage and protect pollinators in your garden.

Sunday was a perfect day for a trail ride, and 47 riders took full advantage of a beautiful day and acres of preserved land.  Bob Kinsley, master of Elkridge Harford Hunt Club, led the way.  Board member Frank Durkee organized the ride, St. James Episcopal Church allowed riders to park on their fields.  Over $650 was raised for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Second Chances Farm, a program at Central Maryland Correctional Facility that allows prisoners to care for rescued horses.

This year's Back on My Feet Half-Marathon and Relay raised over $35,000 (30% more than last year) to support its members in their transition from homelessness.  As sponsors, The Manor Conservancy is thrilled that over 300 people participated in the race.  As community members, we're thrilled to be able to be a part of this worthy cause.