The need for preserved land is greater than ever. Be it a beautiful hiking trail or field ready for harvest - 2020 reminds us of all the ways the land nourishes us. The Harford Land Trust is committed more than ever to preserve the land that supports our communities. 

HLT’s fundraising efforts have been severely disrupted in 2020 with all in-person events cancelled, including our major fundraiser, the October Harvest Moon Dinner & Auction.

Through Harford Harvest, Harford Land Trust recognizes that the protection of local farmland is also the protection of essential local food networks. For this reason, half (50%) of all Harford Harvest proceeds will be distributed to over 100 Harford County food pantries through our partnership with the Harford Community Action Agency (HCAA) and Mason-Dixon Community Services (MDCS) to meet the immediate and increased emergency food needs of families throughout Harford County.

“Early in the pandemic, we were alarmed by national food supply chain disruptions and the increase in local food insecurity,” said HLT Executive Director Kristin Kirkwood. “There has never been a more important time to increase our support for local farmers that provide us with a wealth of fresh, readily available food grown right here in Harford County.”

On September 24, representatives from Harford County Government, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Harford Land Trust (HLT), and the Davis family gathered at the 347-acre Belle Vue Farm in Havre de Grace to transfer ownership to Harford County and permanently preserve the historic property.

Background

Located less than three miles from the centers of Havre de Grace and Aberdeen, Belle Vue Farm sits at the center of an area of land rich in natural and cultural resources known as Oakington Peninsula. The Belle Vue acquisition completes the longstanding goal of permanently preserving the only undeveloped area of privately owned Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Harford County. The property is contiguous to Swan Harbor Farm and Old Bay Farm to the north and Eleanor and Millard Tydings Park (also known as Oakington Farm) to the south. Together, these four properties total 1,250 acres of preserved land, 90% of which is now public parkland.

HLT is happy to welcome two new members to the Board of Directors, Scott Kearby and Deb Bowers.

A graduate of The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Scott Kearby joined the US Army as a civil engineer before joining the Air National Guard as a base civil engineer at Martin State Airport and later the Harford County Department of Public Works where he managed numerous road and bridge building projects as well as watershed protection and restoration initiatives.

A resident of Harford County since 1982, Scott has been involved in numerous land and watershed protection projects. “A few years ago, I became aware of all the things going on to protect land in Harford County. The character of the land is one of the great things about living and working here,” Scott said. “I’ve seen the good effect HLT has had around the county and I wanted to be a part of that.” 

Anyone who has ever closed the door quickly behind them at night knows just how many insects are attracted to a bright porch light, but not everyone sets out into the woods to try to attract and learn more about these nighttime insects. Dave Webb, a local self-described “Moth-er,” has been documenting Harford County’s nocturnal insects for the past six years. Webb first started tracking and observing birds 25 years ago and became acquainted with the idea of mothing when he discovered the Maryland Biodiversity Project.