LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County has protected over 32,000 acres through state and local conservation programs—safeguarding farmland, forests, and scenic views for future generations.
Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust (PTLT) recently secured its 56th conservation easement—a 136-acre farm on Flora Corner Rd. in Mechanicsville that’s been in the Carrico family for over 100 years. With Dixon Family Farm soon to join the ranks of protected land, the region continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to agricultural preservation. These lands will remain farmland forever, thanks to funding from the Rural Legacy Program and support from the St. Mary’s County Commissioners.
Regional Conservation Impact
- 7,011 acres conserved by PTLT in St. Mary’s County
- 570,999 acres protected statewide—equal to 432,575 football fields
- $2.2M in recent funding awarded to protect a 437-acre waterfront parcel in the Huntersville Rural Legacy Area
Why This Matters:
- Preserves working farms for future agriculture
- Supports military readiness, reducing encroachment near NAS PAX
- Balances smart growth with open space and natural resource protection
The ongoing conservation efforts in St. Mary’s County reflect a deep commitment to protecting the region’s rural heritage, natural resources, and quality of life. By prioritizing smart growth and strategic land preservation, local economic development plays a key role in supporting these initiatives, ensuring that agriculture, military readiness, and the environment can thrive together for generations to come.
Interested in preserving your land? Contact Abby Greenwell at abby@ptlt.org
This is welcome news. Love the rural nature of our Beautiful St.Mary’s Co.