HELP US SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 240 ACRES OF DEEP FOREST AND MEADOWS, INCREASE STEWARDSHIP, PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORY & BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE.
WHO IS ACLT?
We promote land conservation and preservation throughout Southern Maryland.
- ACLT, an accredited land trust, has been preserving the “scenic, natural, and historic” aspects of Southern Maryland since 1986, operating with a small staff and many dedicated volunteers. In our first 35 years, we have expanded beyond the original 436 acres to preserving well over 3,400 acres.
- We farm sustainably on Double Oak Farm and donate thousands of pounds of fresh produce to the St. John Vianney Interfaith Food Pantry
- We support a variety of habitats, including barrier beaches and cliffs on the bay, saltwater and freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, valleys, uplands, farmlands.
- We are forming a Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance.
We preserve and conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watersheds for the benefit of this and future generations.
- We partner with Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and County agencies to acquire and manage land for environmental, educational, scientific, recreational, and cultural purposes.
- We preserve land in the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watershed, both of which drain into the Chesapeake Bay.
We provide environmentally sustainable public access to managed properties for educational, scientific, recreational and cultural purposes.
- We maintain 22 miles of hiking trails that are free and open to the public year-round.
- We offer activities and events for the public, including guided hikes and canoe trips up beautiful Parkers Creek.
- We partner with the hunting community for herd management.
- We research the cultural history of the area as part of the Parkers Creek Heritage Trail project.
With free access to 22 miles of trails across a 3,400-acre preserve, guided canoe trips on the beautiful Parkers Creek, and regenerative farming that benefits a local food pantry, ACLT is dedicated to land conservation and the community.
HOW ARE WE ACHIEVING OUR MISSION?
By preserving additional land and historic structures, promoting sustainability and reinforcing our stewardship efforts.
YOE PROPERTY
- 162 acres with frontage on Route 2/4
- Borders other preserved land for wildlife corridor
- Third highest preservation priority, currently on the market
- Rural Legacy Funds only available this year for this property
- House lot needed for access and provides cultural assets
SOLAR ENERGY AT DOUBLE OAK FARM
- $40K Initial Investment to provide electricity to high tunnel & garden
- Add 42 solar panels to cover 104% of electric bill and improve carbon footprint
- Demonstration model for community education
GRDC PROPERTY
- Current Owner: ACLT (recently purchased)
- 78 acres containing locally significant habitat
- Connects other ACLT-owned properties for critical wildlife corridor
- Includes frontage on the Chesapeake Bay
- Highest preservation priority
- Last remaining unprotected property in a five-mile stretch along the Bay.
BROWN'S UM CHURCH
- Preservation Project ($40K Match)
- Designated as a historic district w/ significant cultural value, especially to the Parkers Creek Heritage Trail
- Church dedicated in late 1800’s and stopped formal fellowship in 1972.
- The African American community served by this church played a significant role in shaping the Parkers Creek community.
BENEFITS OF LAND PRESERVATION
- Provides places for recreation, health, and well-being
- Preserves open and green spaces and scenic landscapes
- Protects watersheds, wetlands, and wild plants
- Provide wildlife corridors by protecting contiguous land
- Purifies the air, sequesters carbon and attenuates storm water
BUDGET - FUNDRAISING GOAL: $706,000*
| TOTAL COSTS OF THE PROJECTS | |
| GRDC** & Yoe property purchase plus settlement costs ($462K+$1M+7K+$9K) | $1,478,000.00 |
| Short- and long-term stewardship for both properties (6% of land value plus $30K for erosion site repair) | $117,720.00 |
| Yoe house, lot, settlement costs, and renovations ($250K+$6K+$50K) | $306,000.00 |
| Brown UMC preservation and solar for Double Oak Farm ($40K+$37K) | $77,000.00 |
| Replace land preservation funds | $50,000.00 |
| Campaign expenses/grant writing | $6,859.00 |
| Total Costs of the Projects | $2,035,579.00 |
| RURAL LEGACY FUNDS AVAILABLE | |
| GRDC Rural Legacy Income | $338,279.00 |
| Yoe Estimated Rural Lagacy Income | $661,000.00 |
| Total Rural Legacy | $999,279.00 |
| ACLT EXISTING LAND PRESERVATION FUNDING | |
| Land Preservation Account | $330,300.00 |
| Total Estimated Available Funding | $1,329,579.00 |
| Total Fundraising GOAL | $706,000.00 |
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*Approximately $544,000 has been raised as of Sept. 1st. |
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STEWARDSHIPIt’s not only about purchasing land, but initial and long-term stewardship. Per Land Trust accreditation standards, when land is purchased, the trust must also set aside adequate funds in an endowment for land management/stewardship. INITIAL COSTS:
ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
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Ready to Support ACLT's 2021 Land & Stewardship Campaign?
THANK YOU!
Please let us know if you would like information about leveraging your giving by donating required minimum IRA distributions, appreciated stock, or matching employer funds. If you are able to make a gift of $10,000 or greater, ACLT Executive Director Greg Bowen will contact you about your eligibility to be acknowledged through sponsor signage or naming opportunities for trail, creek, and land features at ACLT.
AMERICAN CHESTNUT LAND TRUST
676 Double Oak Road
P.O. Box 2363
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Greg Bowen, Executive Director
(410) 414-3400
Email: gbowen@acltweb.org
