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October 23, 2014

Ag secretaries discuss future of farming

EASTON -- All three Delmarva secretaries of agriculture will participate in a panel discussion at Eastern Shore Land Conservancy's 15th Eastern Shore Planning Conference: The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture. Moderated by radio host Marc Steiner, the conversation will focus on learning from the past and looking to the future. Register now to reserve your seat for this important talk. EARL F. (BUDDY) HANCE Governor Martin O'Malley appointed fourth generation Southern Maryland farmer, Earl F. Hance as secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture in May 2009. He served as deputy secretary of agriculture from February 2007 until May 2009. Prior to these appointments, Buddy Hance served as president of the Maryland Farm Bureau, chairman of the Maryland State Tobacco Authority, and as chairman of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Commission among other farm and community activities. Hance also was active in numerous local, state, and national farm and civic organizations. At the national level, he represented the Northeastern states on the American Farm Bureau Federation and was a member of the Nationwide Insurance Company Board Council. In Maryland, he served as a member of the Rural Maryland Council, the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department, the Patuxent River Commission, the Southern Maryland Tourism Council, the Maryland State Tobacco Authority, the Calvert Farmland Trust, the Board of the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum and the Board of the Calvert County Farm Bureau. A former tobacco farmer, Secretary Hance and his family farm 400 acres of corn and soybeans and operate several commercial greenhouses. Buddy and his wife Robin live in Port Republic, Calvert County and have three children and one grandchild. Ed Kee Ed Kee is a native Delawarean who was born in New Castle and now lives in Sussex County. He has spent his entire career in Delaware Agriculture. Kee began his professional agricultural career as the farm manager

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October 2, 2014

Party to Preserve

October 11, 2014 - October 11, 2014 9790 Tuckahoe Road Map and Directions | Register Description:Owners John and Karen Jaeger lovingly restored Daffin House, the oldest home in Caroline County, to its original character. This farm was preserved forever in 2002 with a conservation easement held by ESLC. The post-and-beam barn is the heart of the farm and our party. Warm yourself by the stone fireplace, enjoy the bluegrass band, and bid on fabulous auction items. Tour the house and stroll the grounds to fully appreciate the importance of this historic property’s preservation. READ MORE ABOUT THIS FARM, FABULOUS AUCTION ITEMS AND MORE! Tickets are $100. Patron ($500, 2 tickets) Sponsor ($750, 2 tickets) Benefactor ($1,000, 2 tickets) Preserver ($2,500, 4 tickets) Party To Preserve

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September 30, 2014

Chestertown Farm preserved forever

Ed and Marian Fry and their son Matt, and his wife Meg, are again expanding operations on their dairy farm, 54 years after Ed’s father first established the farm in Kent County. The expansion is made possible with an easement by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Maryland Environmental Trust. Putting land under easement fulfilled a couple objectives for the family, said Matt. The farming business and the land were owned by different entities. A corporation owns the business, and a limited partnership consisting of extended family members not involved in the business owned the land. Selling a scenic conservation easement on the farm allowed Matt and Meg buy the land. It also helped meet the vision his grandfather would have laid out for the land – that it stay a working farm. In the 1960s, Matt’s grandfather, Ed’s father, moved away from his dairy farm in Montgomery County and started his farm in Kent County. Montgomery County was growing, and he knew he would not be able to farm the way he wanted to for very long. The sale was satisfying for extended family members, as well. Although they did not want to encumber the farm to pay for major building improvements for the farming operation, they did want farming to continue on the land in the manner their grandfather intended. The easement allowed them to get their value from the property and see the farm remain profitable. “This is what we call the home farm here,” Marian said of the dairy and organic grain operation outside of Chestertown. Matt and Meg, both Virginia Tech graduates, settled in Kent County to farm. Matt has been farming with his parents since 2007. He now manages the dairy herd and also participates in management decisions for the larger farm. The Frys recently expanded the dairy herd. Now, 470 cows are milked

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September 22, 2014

What are BMPs?

This article is the first in a series of articles about Best Management Practices. In addition to background about BMPs, these articles will provide practical advice for implementing BMPs on your property. You also may download the full guide. One special characteristic of the Eastern Shore that distinguishes it from other regions along the Atlantic coast is its close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Home to thousands of species, the Bay is an impressively large body of water that has a contributing watershed stretching through six states and the District of Columbia. An estimated 17.5 million people live within the Bay watershed. Having such an extensive area of land that flows into it means the risk of becoming heavily polluted is much higher. It also makes it that much more important that there are open-space, low-development areas like the Eastern Shore. Instituting the proper protections in these areas is critical to improving the health of the Chesapeake. Landowners of eased lands on the Eastern Shore are in a position to meaningfully improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. By their nature, eased lands produce much less pollution because they restrict commercial and residential development. However, easement landowners can also improve water and environmental health by taking proactive actions. Best Management Practices (BMPs) is an overarching term that describes those proactive actions. BMPs optimize production on the land while reducing negative environmental impacts. BMPs are used in a number of different industries including forestry, oiland gas extraction, and water treatment. In the context of water quality, “best management practices” refers to efforts meant to control water pollution. Traditionally, land development has been mainly concerned with stormwater retention and redirection. Without being treated for any pollutants, stormwater is sent directly into the nearest stream or river. This means any residual motor oil, trash, or fertilizers left on the pavement or fields will get

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September 20, 2014

ESLC’s Party to Preserve

REGISTER NOW for our annual fundraiser, the Party to Preserve, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at Daffin House Farm in Hillsboro. The focus of the party’s auction will be experiencing the Eastern Shore – and beyond. Spend a week at a guest house at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and watch moose and elk in their habitat. The house includes a queen bed and space for a child or two. A treehouse provides additional fun. Package includes a round of golf for two at the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club and a docent tour of the National Museum of Wildlife. Birders can bid on a migratory bird banding at Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Chino Farms and lunch at the Imperial Hotel. A late spring morning just after a warm front passes will produce a bounty of neotropical migrant birds in their finest mating plumage. These jewels are caught in ultra-fine mist nets, taken to a banding lab where they are weighed, aged and banded. Then, they are released unharmed to continue the northward journey to their habitual nesting areas. The Nature Conservancy Maryland/DC Chapter will provide a guided kayak trip for four on Nassawango Creek with a conservationist. This preserve is one of the northernmost remaining examples of a bald cypress swamp. The Nature Conservancy has protected 9,953 of swamp and upland forest along this creek. Stop along the way to enjoy wine and cheese among the water lilies and cypress. Prefer a history lesson? Join Dr. Scott Wing, head of the Smithsonian Institution’s Paleobiology Department, for a tour of the National Museum of Natural History. The paleobiology department focuses on fossil plants and the history of climate change between 70 and 40 million years ago, the last part of the Mesozoic

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September 11, 2014

Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture conference planned for November

EASTON – Eastern Shore Land Conservancy on Thursday, Nov. 20, will host the 15th Eastern Shore Planning Conference, “The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture,” at the Tidewater Inn in Easton. The conference will celebrate and discuss innovations and opportunities for Eastern Shore agriculture, including: strengthening current agriculture, supporting emerging and niche agricultural opportunities, and further developing Eastern Shore communities’ connection to agriculture. ESLC invites members of the agriculture community, elected and appointed officials, government staff members, community leaders, and anyone interested in food to attend. “We hope Eastern Shore agriculture will be just as strong in 500 years as it is today,” said ESLC Policy Manager, Josh Hastings. “This conference will help develop understanding about Eastern Shore agriculture, explore methods to enhance what is already being done, and strengthen rural communities through our number one industry.” The conference agenda will offer ample time for participants to hear from Maryland leaders, ask questions, and fully consider the future of Eastern Shore agriculture. An extensive exhibit hall will offer a wide range of information about history and opportunities in the region’s agriculture. Questions considered include the following: Will drones be a strong part of Shore agriculture, and what opportunities are available through precision agriculture? How have Eastern Shore farms benefited from tourism, creating new farm markets, or changing their products? What role can a regional food hub play? What is the future for aquaculture? What are the advantages and struggles with crop diversification and green energy? How can we help improve accessibility food in our own Eastern Shore communities? Register today online or by contacting Jen Matthews at 410-827-9756, ext. 155, or jmatthews@eslc.org for the early bird rate of $45 or a student rate of $25.

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August 18, 2014

Land and a beetle, preserved

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy this year helped protect more than 170 acres on Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay’s Camp Grove Point in Earleville. The property’s 2,200 feet of eroding cliffs at the mouth of the Sassafras River provide unique habitat needed by the federally threatened Puritan tiger beetle, a creature smaller than the tip of a fingernail yet a fierce predator in the insect world. “We are taking a significant step forward in recovering the Puritan tiger beetle, whose largest global population is found in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland,” said Genevieve LaRouche, Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office. “This partnership illustrates the important role of local groups and landowners in the conservation of our rare native wildlife.” Every year, hundreds of Girl Scouts attend day and residential summer camps and participate in troop camping throughout the year. “Good stewardship of our land is an important part of Girl Scouting,” said Anne T. Hogan, CEO of Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay. “Rich with diverse wetlands and upland forests of oak, tulip poplar, beech and hickory, the new easement will permanently protect the area’s sensitive ecosystem,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Joe Gill. “By preserving this critical landscape we can help guarantee the future of the Puritan tiger beetle, as well as … osprey, eagle, deer, fox and many migratory songbirds.” Permanent protection of this land will help meet one of the federal criteria required for recovery of this species—to stabilize six large sub-populations and their habitats in the Chesapeake Bay. With the protections on the Girl Scout property, four sub-populations will be protected in Maryland. “Preservation of this property not only means protection of a unique ecological site,” said Jared Parks, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Land Protection Specialist. “It preserves a place where generations of girls can go to explore the outdoors and learn about nature with

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August 12, 2014

Cross Street Partners to help with Eastern Shore Conservation Center

QUEENSTOWN – Eastern Shore Land Conservancy contracted with Cross Street Partners, a real estate consulting company that counts among its projects Baltimore’s Food Hub, Harbor East and Belvedere Square, for assistance with the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. The company will provide financial advisory services, including polishing the project’s budget as ESLC prepares to close on a tax credit, representing ESLC as it pursues federal historic tax credits, and help with post-closing accounting needs. “I have seen the Baltimore work of Bill Struever and Cross Street Partners and it is amazing,” said ESLC Executive Director Rob Etgen. “They take beat up historic industrial buildings and turn them into vibrant, stimulating hubs of economic and community activities – and always with a focus on local food and sustainability. Cross Street Partners is an ideal part of our team for revitalization of the McCord and Brick Row buildings into the Eastern Shore Conservation Center.” ESLC officially broke ground Friday, July 18, on the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. The design and renovation of the former McCord and Brick Row buildings will cost about $7.6 million. To date, ESLC has raised $5 million. The LEED-certified campus will be home to ESLC headquarters, as well as other conservation and community-centered nonprofits. A café, a courtyard open to the public, and meeting rooms will make this a community conservation center. The dilapidated and abandoned McCord building and neighboring Brick Row, which was damaged by fire, will become a place for nonprofit collaboration and will revitalize a forgotten section of South Washington Street. Other than financial advisory services, Cross Street Partners offers property and asset management, master planning and development service, construction management and general contracting, retail merchandising strategies, and marketing services. The firm also served as the owner’s representative for the Under Armour Headquarters/Visitors Center and Skywalk in Locust Point and provided development, retail

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August 7, 2014

Preview our Party to Preserve

Party To Preserve

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July 7, 2014

ESLC to Break Ground on Eastern Shore Conservation Center

EASTON – Join Eastern Shore Land Conservancy for a groundbreaking with Gov. Martin O’Malley at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center on S. Washington Street. O’Malley dedicated $1 million toward the historic renovation project in his FY2014 capital budget. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the site of the former McCord building and neighboring Brick Row, the buildings that will become part of the Eastern Shore Conservation Center campus. Also speaking will by former Gov. Harry Hughes, EPA Region III Administrator Shawn Garvin, and ESLC Capital Campaign co-Chairman Jenny Stanley. ESLC since 1990 has helped protect more than 56,000 acres of farms, forests and wetlands. As the organization approached its 20th year, ESLC leaders realized Eastern Shore farms and forests are supported by and support Eastern Shore towns. The Shore’s unique rural communities can continue to thrive with the help of green infrastructure design, outdoor recreational opportunity, and access to local foods. ESLC has the resources and years of experience to recommend and implement good design and to help counsel community leaders about keeping towns great places to live, work, and play. To that end, ESLC broadened its mission to include these things and is leading by example with the concept of the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. ESLC will leave its home in the beautiful woods, near the Wye River, and put their stake in a vulnerable area of the Town of Easton. In addition to bringing ESLC staff and skills to the community, ESLC leaders envision a new day for the community and for nonprofit collaboration. The historic McCord Laundry Building and Brick Row are part of Easton’s National Register Historic District. Though currently abandoned, they are beautiful examples of early 20th Century commercial architecture. The project is design to have a catalytic effect on the South Washington Street corridor, where the

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BLOG

Ag secretaries discuss future of farming

Party to Preserve

Chestertown Farm preserved forever

What are BMPs?

ESLC’s Party to Preserve

Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture conference planned for November

Land and a beetle, preserved

Cross Street Partners to help with Eastern Shore Conservation Center

Preview our Party to Preserve

ESLC to Break Ground on Eastern Shore Conservation Center

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