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  • 24 Mar 2016 3:03 PM | Anonymous

    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.

    aaaaa

    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.

  • 04 Jan 2016 11:57 AM | Anonymous



    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.



  • 10 Dec 2015 2:50 PM | Anonymous
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    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!

  • 18 Nov 2015 12:42 PM | Anonymous
    Signs on the Horses and Hounds Scenic Byway have been enlarged, helping to guide visitors through horse country.  The scenic byway begins in Hunt Valley and ends at Hampton National Historic Site, and goes through The Manor Conservancy.  To see the full article in The Towson Times, clickhere.

    Horses and Hounds

  • 10 Nov 2015 10:00 AM | Anonymous

    Come and meet our elected representatives, hear their positions on preservation, and let them know you support programs to maintain our area’s natural beauty.  As a sponsor of this breakfast, The Manor Conservancy encourages its membership to attend.  Please reserve your space today!  For more information please email info@themanorconservancy.org .

    Baltimore County Land Preservation Legislative Breakfast

    Wednesday December 2, 2015

    7:30 - 9:30 AM

    Baltimore County Center For Maryland Agriculture

    1114 Shawan Road - Cockeysville, MD

    $ 10 per person

    Join State and Local Legislators to discuss the importance of land preservation in Baltimore County.

    Enjoy a light breakfast featuring food from local farms.  

    To Register: 

    Eventbrite  : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltimore-county-land-preservation-legislative-breakfast-tickets-19315638595 or

     

    Contact Alice Noplos at VPC 410-337-6877

    email : alice@thevpc.org

    Stewardship Sponsors – The Baltimore County Farm Bureau, The Valleys Planning Council, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association

    Conservation Sponsors – The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy; The Manor Conservancy; The Long Green Land Trust; The Land Preservation Trust; North County Preservation; Neighborspace Baltimore County

    Protector Sponsors – Future Harvest CASA

    In-Kind Sponsors – The Baltimore County Agricultural Preservation Board; The Maryland Agricultural Resource Council; The Hanover Road Association; The Sparks/Glencoe Community Association; The Maryland Environmental Trust; Preservation Maryland

  • 19 Oct 2015 1:43 PM | Anonymous

    The Manor Conservancy's annual members' meeting was held at St. James Parish Hall on October 15.  Over ninety members, friends, and neighbors attended and heard Henry Pitts, president, report on the Conservancy's activities.  The Board of Directors' slate was accepted unanimously, and a video presentation about TMC, its mission, and the land it helps protect was enjoyed by all.  Wade Kach, councilman for the third district, presented Jimmy Constable, immediate past president, with a Council Resolution, and Henry Pitts awarded the Sergeant Murphy Cup to Jimmy, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to land preservation (left).  Thanks to everyone who turned out to show their support for land preservation, The Manor Conservancy, and Jimmy Constable.         

        


    Video about the Manor Conservancy


  • 27 Aug 2015 9:34 AM | Deleted user

                            A grant of $485,062 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Rural Legacy program has been awarded to the Manor Rural Legacy area.  This program is designed to preserve large blocks of contiguous open space that are among the State’s most valuable because of the existence of a multitude of agricultural, forestry, natural and cultural resources.

    To protect these resources, the Rural Legacy Program, acting through local government or private land trust sponsors, purchases conservation easements or fee simple interests in real property from willing property owners, based on Rural Legacy Plans that have been reviewed by the Rural Legacy Advisory Committee and approved by the Rural Legacy Board.  The Manor Area is one of fourteen grants totaling $10 million to protect approximately 2,890 acres throughout the state, including $960,000 for the Deer Creek Rural Legacy Area.  The Manor joins the Gunpowder Rural Legacy area to the west and extends across the Harford and  Baltimore County boundary.

  • 25 Jul 2015 3:28 PM | Deleted user

    Cunningham Farms provided the Maryland Environmental Trust and The Manor Conservancy with a 166 acre conservation easement of prime agricultural land, woodland, meadow, hedgerow and tree line.  A tributary of Greene Branch cuts through the property.  Its agricultural use, stream and forest buffers, scenic vistas, water quality protection and its proximity to many other farms in permanent preservation support its conformance with federal, state and local policy, and its preservation.


  • 17 Jun 2015 3:55 PM | Deleted user

    Residents along Hutchins Mill and Hess Roads recently received letters from Baltimore County regarding planned tree trimming along those rural roadways.  A letter written by The Manor Conservancy in response to this notification can be viewed through the attached link.  Scenic areas and view sheds are important conservation values; safeguarding the rural nature of local roadways is a community priority.   There are existing processes for review of Rural Roads Standards and modifications.

    TMC Hess Hutchins Mill Tree Cutting letter to DPW.pdf

    Rural Roads Standards Adopted.pdf


  • 08 Jun 2015 3:54 PM | Web Master (Administrator)

    An award has been established to recognize individuals for their exceptional efforts toward the preservation of land in northern Baltimore and Harford Counties. Francis "Ike" Iglehart was recognized as the first recipient of the award presented in 2011.

    The award brings new life to the Sergeant Murphy Trophy, whose history is particularly appropriate to its new intended use. It is a reflection of the heritage and countryside we seek to preserve in the Manor Area. The colorful history of the horse, Sergeant Murphy, his achievement as the first American owned horse to win the English Grand National at Aintree, his roots in Maryland, the Harford Hunt Races - a point to point held on the grounds of Harvey Ladew's Pleasant Valley - are just part of the story. The Sanford family's connections with the Manor and the fitting return of the trophy to honor those committed to preserving open space, agriculture and rural lifestyle, make for a very special denouement to Sergeant Murphy's journey.

    Maryanna Skowronski, Director of the Harford County Historical Society, has researched its background and has written the following:

    The Sergeant Murphy Point to Point was held from 1925 through 1934 (no race in 1931) as a part of the Harford Hunt Races held on the grounds of Pleasant Valley Farm, home to Harvey S. Ladew. The race was sponsored by Stephen "Laddie" Sanford and was named in honor of Sanford's 'chaser Sergeant Murphy, who in 1923 was the first American owned horse to win the English Grand National. British newsreel footage of the race still exists. Originally intended as a hunt horse for Sanford, The Sergeant, as he was known proved not suited for the field.

    Stephen Sanford was the heir to the Sanford carpet fortune and hailed from New York. He was the son of John Sanford owner of Sanford Stud Farm and is best known as a member of the champion Hurricanes polo team. Sanford was married to the former stage and film actress Mary Duncan Sanford. Mary Sanford can be seen performing with Katharine Hepburn in the film Morning Glory.

    During the height of the Harford Hunt's Long Island invasion, the Sanfords maintained a stable at Farmington (the club). According to newspaper accounts of the day, Mrs. Sanford was considered to be glamorous and popular. Not an accomplished equestrienne in the beginning, she rapidly learned to ride and astonished everyone by tackling her husband's horse Bright's Boy which became her favorite mount.

    Among the noteworthy or recognizable names on the Sergeant Murphy Trophy are Redmond Stewart, Wassie Ball (winning rider of the last running) and A. C. Bostwick.


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