Local Farm Partially Preserved as Parkland
Bill Thompson Jr. and Bertie Thompson Abrecht recall their mid-20th century farming days on the 434-acre Slidell Road property purchased by their grandfather in 1936. The past decade has seen a legislative battle between the property’s current owners since 2001 who want to see the property developed and conservationists and neighbors who oppose their plans. In April, 2009, the Planning Board approved purchasing 97 acres, with an additional 76 acres to be donated, for parkland. Up to nine new homes (of original 17 requested) may be built on the remaining land. Read more…
Red Wiggler Farm Has Impressive Garlic Crop
Clarkburg’s Red Wiggler Farm, the non-profit, organic Community Farm run by Woody Woodroof, considers this year’s garlic harvest to be “world-class”. Garlic is not a popular crop in the county, but Red Wiggler has found it to be both healing to the soil and a good crop for the developmentally disabled adults who enjoy participating in farming activities. Read More…
Global Mission and MCA to Meet with County Exec
Plans for Global Mission Church, the 138,000-square-foot church designed for construction in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, has been put on hold as Frederick Commissioners question the project’s scope in the rural landscape. Montgomery and Frederick county residents alike have voiced complaints and numerous concerns. Montgomery’s County Executive, Ike Leggett, recently met with Montgomery Countryside Alliance (MCA), and has arranged to meet with the Global Mission and MCA on August 6th. Read more…
Tour of Dickerson Power Plant
The Dickerson Generating Station, a Mirant operated power plant in northern Montgomery County, recently provided a tour to 25 nearby residents, organized by the Sugarloaf Citizens Association treasurer, Chris Kendrick. MCA director, Caroline Taylor, joined the tour as they were guided through the plant’s operating process and lectured on future energy plans. The plants hopes to offer regular open house tours at the end of the year, once it finishes construction to meet new federal emissions standards. Read more…
Save Belward Farm from Science City
The North Potomac Citizens Association released the following community alert on the proposed development of a Science City on treasured Belward Farm in North Potomac and Gaithersburg West. Click below to see development plans and learn how you can help.
Wendell Berry Lobbies for New Ag Vision
Essayist Wendell Berry joined geneticist Wes Jackson and sustainable agriculture advocate Fred Kirschenmann on Capitol Hill to promote a 50 year farm bill to administration officials and Senate members. The bill would fund a new vision of agriculture, setting aside $50 million each year to support plant breeding and research and agricultural ventures promoting local ecosystems, healthy food, and rural communities. See Washington Post staff writer Jane Black’s interview with the three wise men.
Planning Commission Delays Decision on Church
As residents and environmentalists unite voices against the proposed Global Mission Church, a massive development that would sit in the scenic shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Frederick Planning Commission has decided to delay decisions to further investigate its detrimental consequences to the preserved area. See Gazette article…
Maryland’s Buy Local Challenge
Eating locally grown food is gaining traction in Maryland as consumers become increasingly aware of the rewards and benefits. From July 18th to July 26th, the state’s Buy Local Challenge calls for residents to eat one local product everyday for the week. As consumers see how easy, and gratifying, it is to incorporate more products from nearby farms, they may decide to continue the challenge’s premise on their own, indefinitely. Read more…
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Small Farmer in Suburbia
In Loudoun County, where McMansions reign these days, retired CIA operations officer, Jim Dunlap, has set up a small farm to supply local markets. Read more…