Wavyleaf basketgrass, an Asian grass first discovered growing here in Patapsco Valley State Park some 25 years ago, now covers thousands of acres in Maryland and Virginia.  Ecologists fear it could become even more widespread and damaging than Japanese stiltgrass.

The leaves are compound, up to 4" long, dark bluish-green with ripples like unfolded pleats.  The plants are under 18", perennial, and have white hairs.

Bloom period begins in mid-July and fruiting continues well into November. Flowers open at the ends of branches; feathery white stigmas (pollen-receiving organs) are clearly visible.  Seeds are armed with a 1/2"  bristle that becomes sticky in the fall, facilitating long-distance dispersal.

Keep an eye out for this invader, and try not to spread the seeds.Help control it by reporting any place you see it using the Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network mobile app (download from Google Play or the Apple App Store).

The Manor Conservancy, along with the Department of Natural Resources, was granted an easement through the Rural Legacy Program on 52 acres on the Horses and Hounds Scenic Byway.  We applaud the landowner's commitment to conservation and are thrilled to add to the nearly 4000 acres preserved in northern Baltimore and Harford counties by TMC and its partners.

Manor Conservancy members and their guests enjoyed a tour of Ladew's Nature Walk given by Sheryl, a Ladew educator and naturalist.  We saw eggs in a bluebird nest, ladybug larva, spiders, and even a snake!  Many of us were familiar with Ladew's gardens but we hadn't seen the wilder areas of the property.  A little rain didn't prevent us from stopping at the butterfly house, and we all left with a greater appreciation of the complexity and beauty of nature.

Sheryl tells us about the meadow.                           Future members of The Manor Conservancy viewing the pond.

Many thanks to member Cathy Tipper, who hosted our second field trip at her twenty-acre preserved farm in Monkton.  Cathy shared her experiences as a farmer and educator as she deepens her commitment to increasing the local food supply and improving the environment.  We especially enjoyed her delicious cookies made from her own sweet potatoes!  

(l to r) Cathy Tipper, a hoop house under construction, the view from Roberts Roost, garlic plants.

Visit our Events page to sign up for our next field trip, May 21 at 10 am.  Learn about stream buffers from Scott McGill of Ecotone.

The bidding was fast and furious as The Manor Conservancy staged its annual

 Calcutta fundraiser the night before My Lady's Manor Steeplechase.  Well over

 100 race fans and conservation supporters enjoyed food, drinks, and fun, buying

 raffle tickets and bidding on horses for a chance to win big.  The largest prize was

 nearly $3,400!  Many thanks to all who attended, to our tireless volunteers who

 made the evening possible, and to The Manor Tavern, for hosting us in such fine

 fashion.

It was a chilly rainy morning, but Team Manor Mania was cheerful and ready to run in the Oldfields Half Marathon and Relay powered by Back On My Feet, a program that channels the power of running to help end homelessness.  As a sponsor, The Manor Conservancy has supported the program and the annual race for several years, but this was the first year a Manor team participated.  

Member Brian Flowers ran the first leg.  A wardrobe malfunction hampered him only slightly (thank goodness for safety pins), and he handed off to Board Member Hope Pearce, who ran the second (and longest) leg in fine style.  Our Administrative Director finished the race, and while the team wasn't the fastest, its baton did win first prize.  Many thanks to Vice -president Gloria Cameron and her husband Steve for their creative rendition of a fish carved from a hammer handle.

Alan Jones, president of Manor View Farm, took time out of his busy schedule to take us on a tour of his wholesale nursery.  He explained the challenges facing his industry , including trying to plan for what and how much stock will be wanted in five  years or more, when the cuttings he roots today will be big enough to sell, dealing with the vagaries of the climate, and getting enough good help.  With over 100 acres of trees and shrubs, Alan has his hands full year round, what with pruning, digging, and fertilizing, not to mention caring for greenhouses full of thousands of cuttings.  A great time was had by all who attended and we thank Alan for his hospitality.

Alan Jones, left, regales members with tales of horticultural hi-jinks.

Join us April 30 for a visit to Roberts Roost -- see the events page for more information and to sign up for this members-only event.

CONGRESS PASSES PERMANENT CHARITABLE TAX GIVING INCENTIVES

The House and Senate have passed the The Protecting Americans fromTax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which makes permanent three charitable giving tax incentives which have been expired since January 1, 2015, including the enhanced deduction for donations of land conservation easements.

THE ISSUE
The enhanced deduction for donations of land conservation easements allows land owners to reduce their taxable income by giving up development rights to their property for purposes of preserving natural resources. The provision is part of a package of 55 temporary tax extenders that were reinstated retroactively for the 2014 tax year, but expired again on January 1, 2015.

Senate Finance approves expired giving incentives 
The Senate Finance Committee approved legislation (S. 1946) on July 21 that would reinstate for the 2015 and 2016 tax years a package of expired tax provisions, which includes the enhanced deduction for food inventory donations, the enhanced deduction for land conservation easement donations, and the IRA charitable rollover.

This legislation is complex.  The Manor Conservancy will review its implications to inform our community of its effects.

Click here for a printer-friendly brochure about the deduction.

Money for Program Open Space comes from the transfer tax paid when real estate changes hands.  This money has historically been diverted for other purposes.  Program Open Space has posted this information so that people who care about land preservation can sign a petition and let legislators know how important it is. 

Dear Friend,

We know you care about our state’s leading land preservation programs. From the mountains of western Maryland to the beaches of Ocean City, every one of Maryland’s 24 counties boasts state and local parks, playgrounds and recreation centers that were founded by Program Open Space.

We need you to take action today so that we can continue to protect the places that make Maryland beautiful. You can help preserve and protect Maryland’s beautiful open spaces by telling Maryland legislators to #StopRaiding Program Open Space.

Despite a long track record of success and broad community support, Program Open Space has come under sustained attack. For years, elected officials have raided this dedicated state fund, breaking promises to save Maryland’s public lands.

Today we are taking a stand. We’re calling on elected officials to #StopRaiding Program Open Space and to establish a trust fund to keep funding where it belongs—protecting Maryland lands forever.

Be part of the solution by signing our petition now.

Make a difference and make sure Maryland’s natural beauty is preserved for generations to come. Add your name today!