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.

Lots of fun was had at our annual Calcutta held the night before My Lady's Manor.  Between raffles and auctions, we counted over 30 separate individuals who won something!  Thanks to all our friends and supporters who turned out!

Harriet Iglehart pays close attention to Doug Worrall's advice on horses.

The Department of Public Works will hold its ninth annual public meeting to discuss rural roads, bridges, repaving and traffic issues at the Agriculture Center, 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, 21030, on Thursday, April 27, between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. The meeting fulfills the County’s pledge to meet annually with residents interested in preserving the rural character of the County and to apprise them of infrastructure plans.

These annual public meetings evolved from the Rural Roads Standards, a citizen-government agreement, approved by the County Council, which codified standards and policies for road and bridge maintenance in rural areas.

As in the past, residents and interested parties will be able to speak one-on-one with Public Works engineers on specific, local issues, following a short introduction. The public will also be able to leave written comments. For more information, call the Director’s Office, Department of Public Works: 410 887-2171.