News from the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy

Farm is Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s 200th preserve

photos by Sandra Edwards



photo by Stuart Cawley

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy staff erected a Preserved Forever banner on Bloomfield Farm, which is now permanently protected, thanks to help from partners such as the Queen Anne's County Commissioners, the County's Department of Parks and Recreation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Through the support and cooperation of many partners the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy has forever protected an important farm along state Route 213– a nationally designated Scenic Byway known as Chesapeake Country.

During the past several months, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy worked closely with the Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to permanently preserve Bloomfield Farm, which borders the town of Centreville and stretches approximately one mile along Rt. 213. This 320-acre farm’s protection also marks the Land Conservancy’s 200th preserve in 15 years of working to protect the Eastern Shore.

“Thanks to the patience and commitment of Bloomfield Farm’s owners, the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners and Parks and Recreation staff, the Department of Natural Resources staff, and local donors, this farm is forever protected,” said Rob Etgen, Land Conservancy executive director. “Contributions from the business community and strong support from the farm community were also critically important to this victory.”

In the Spring the Land Conservancy plans to transfer the farm to the Department of Natural Resources who will work with County staff to create a public park, establish new wildlife habitat, and complete water quality restoration projects. The Land Conservancy hopes part of the farm will remain in agricultural use.

“Based on discussions with staff from Parks and Recreation and the Department of Natural Resources, this project is going to be spectacular,” said Sandra Edwards, a land protection specialist with Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. “Bloomfield Farm will be a real showcase in terms of restoration, sensitive park design and overall, a tremendous community asset.”

If Bloomfield Farm had not been protected, lots would likely have been subdivided off along White Marsh Road, while the remainder of the farm could have been annexed into Centreville and developed at a level similar to the adjoining Northbrook subdivision.

Less than two months ago, the Land Conservancy needed to raise about $400,000 to complete the almost $4 million sale. Bloomfield Farm’s owners helped by significantly reducing the cost, the County provided $200,000, community donations yielded more than $120,000, and the Land Conservancy’s board of directors provided the remainder from the Land Rescue Revolving Fund.

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Land Rescue Revolving Fund is used to buy priority conservation properties threatened by development. After purchase, the land is permanently protected and then sold– revolving the money and replenishing the fund. For more information or to donate to this fund, contact Jennifer Pollard at 410.827.9756, ext. 155 or jpollard@eslc.org.

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