Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Maryland, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

The finalists are:

Daniel A. Donohue of Accokeek in Charles and Prince George counties: Daniel Donohue takes steps to protect water quality on his farm and forestland located just two miles from the Potomac River. He rotationally grazes a herd of beef cattle and uses bale grazing in the winter to prevent erosion. Clover is planted each spring to promote soil health and provide a nutrient source for insect pollinators.

Hutchison Brothers of Cordova in Talbot County: Brothers, Bobby, Richard, and David, and sons Travis and Kyle Hutchison, have adopted a variety of conservation practices to improve soil health, crop production, and water quality at their farm. They were early adopters of conservation tillage, crop rotation, and nutrient management. Growing cover crops improves water infiltration and builds organic material on their corn, wheat, barley, and vegetable fields.

Mount Pleasant Acres Farms of Preston in Caroline County: Donna Dear and Paulette Green’s farm is a showcase of forestry management and organic fruit and vegetable production. They also manage their forests and wetlands to provide habitat for insect pollinators, songbirds, game birds, and other wildlife. The farm’s ties to Black history are also noteworthy as a former stop along the Underground Railroad.

Twin Maples Farms of Ridgely in Caroline County: Dave Tribbett raises poultry and grows corn, soybeans, and lima beans at Twin Maples Farms. He also grows 750 acres of giant Miscanthus, a non-invasive perennial grass that grows on marginal lands and can be used for poultry bedding. In 2011, he founded the Mid Atlantic Organic Resource Company to develop an organic compost as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Maryland landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of Maryland agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. The award recipient and finalists will be recognized at the Maryland Farm Bureau Annual Convention in December. Last year’s recipient was David and Belinda Burrier of Union Bridge in Frederick County.

The Maryland Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Farm Bureau Inc., Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Horizon Farm Credit, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Conservancy, Delmarva Chicken Association, ShoreRivers, and The Nature Conservancy.

ACCOLADES

“I’m so glad to see this group of finalists getting well-deserved recognition for the diversity of conservation practices they implement on their working lands. Their thoughtful stewardship inspires others, as does their extensive engagement as community leaders. Congratulations to all the finalists! Thank you for working so hard to achieve excellent results,” said Samantha Campbell, President of The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment.

“As Maryland farmers, it’s our responsibility to be stewards of the land. The Maryland Farm Bureau is proud to support the mission of the Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, and we congratulate the amazing Maryland farm families who truly exemplify the spirit of conservation in our great state,” said Wayne Stafford, Maryland Farm Bureau President.

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Maryland award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.