Those who care about Calvert County should make every effort to attend the public hearing on the recommended Calvert County Comprehensive Plan at 7:00 p.m., February 26th at the Calvert Pines Auditorium. The Plan contains similar goals of past comprehensive plans and a quick read would make you feel hopeful for Calvert’s future.
ACLT applies for renewal of its LTA Accreditation
Stakeholder Notification/Public Notice
The Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) has been accredited since 2014 and is pleased to announce that it is currently applying for its scheduled renewal. As such, a public comment period is now open.
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. ACLT is dedicated to conducting business and conservation activities with ethical conduct, sound finances, responsible governance and enabling lasting stewardship. ACLT is proud to be a part of the distinguished group of land trusts who have achieved accreditation across the nation.
The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the American Chestnut Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.
To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Comments on the American Chestnut Land Trust’s application will be most useful by April 22, 2019.
Thank you for your support!
Happy Trails at ACLT Photo Contest Winners!
Happy Trails At ACLT Photo Contest Winners!
Congratulations to Instagram users @dani_lane and @mehotchkiss for winning our Happy Trails at ACLT Photo Contest!
You can also view their beautiful pictures of the Swamp Trail, North-South Trail, and the Parkers Creek Loop on our Instagram (@hikeaclt) or our Facebook Page.
We love seeing others who share our appreciation for nature and this beautiful place, so be sure to share photos of your ACLT adventures on Instagram using the American Chestnut Land Trust location and the hashtag #hikeaclt.
Missed out on this contest?
No problem! Keep following ACLT on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on new contests and events in the future.
Happy Trails Everyone!
Happy Trails At ACLT Photo Contest
Happy Trails at ACLT Photo Contest!
Looking for a fun activity to do for the long weekend? Enter the ACLT Happy Trails Photo Contest! From the amateur to the professional this contest is open to everyone. The top three photos will be featured on the ACLT website, Instagram and Facebook page! Think you have what it takes to win?
Just follow these simple steps:
1.) Hit the trials! Take a winning photo while out on the ACLT trails. Get creative!
2.) Post your photo to Instagram adding the American Chestnut Land Trust location, and tag it using the #ACLTtrailphotocontest Be sure to tell us what trail you were on.
3.) Post your photo anytime from now until Midnight Tuesday the 28th. The three winners will be announced on Wednesday the 29th.
Since we can’t wait to share your amazing photo, be sure that you are comfortable with everything in the photo being featured (children, pets, etc.) This contest is not sponsored by Instagram in any way.
Good Luck & Happy Trails!
Need some inspiration? Follow our official ACLT Instagram page @hikeaclt or view it here.
Pack In Pack Out
We have implemented a new policy here at the ACLT to eliminate some of the negative impacts on the land and the experiences of other hikers. If you “pack in” please remember to “pack out”.
What is “Pack in, Pack out”?
It is a policy implemented by many parks, at the local, state, and even national levels. Its goal is to preserve the land for all to enjoy. It is a very effective practice simply meaning that when we go out on the trails we take our litter with us.
Why has ACLT implemented this policy?
We are thrilled to see more hikers over the years, and are excited to share the natural beauty with more people. But that also comes with a larger impact on the environment. This new practice doesn’t stop at protecting the environment, the community benefits from it too.
What are the benefits to this policy?
We are all aware of how trash can harm the environment, but many people do not realize how “natural” items such as fruit peels and dog waste impact it too. Neither of these are actually natural to the environment of ACLT and they can take a long time to decompose. Apple cores take 8 weeks to break down, and orange and banana peels can take up to 2 years! Besides, we would much rather have these items as compost for our produce at the Double Oak Farm. Dog waste can also contain bacteria/parasites that persist in the soil or water for years, harming the local wildlife. Removing these items when we leave helps prevent these problems.
“Packing out” helps protect the environment and the experiences for our community. Keeping the trails clean helps preserve the natural beauty that hikers come here to experience. Not having to clean up trash gives others more time to enjoy nature in its purest form. “Pack in, Pack Out” also lets our staff and volunteers redirect their focus and resources away from maintenance, and invest them into new conservation projects and fun events.
We are delighted to see more people out on the trails and enjoying the land that we love! We hope that you will join us in preserving the land for even more people to enjoy.
If you pack in, please remember to pack out, all of us here at ACLT and your fellow hikers thank you!