Harford Land Trust

06/17/2026

Thank you to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for opening emergency credit to farmers impacted by the April freeze!

On April 21, farms, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries around the state, including many in Harford County, were severely impacted by a deep, sudden freeze.

Recently, Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Department of Agriculture, recorded and reported crop damages across state, with Harford County Government and Harford County Economic Development joining in to advocate for local farms. Their efforts played a huge part in making this credit available.

As the leading industry in Harford County, second only to Aberdeen Proving Ground, we must continue to support our local farms for the families who depend on them.

Farms are a major part of our economy, culture, and landscape. In 2022, farms, forestry, and supporting industries in Harford County generated over $1 billion in revenue, according to a 2025 report from BEACON at Salisbury University.

Thank you U.S. Department of Agriculture for helping Maryland's farmers!

Governor Wes Moore announced yesterday that 12 primary Maryland counties and continguous juridiciations would receive a Secretarial Disaster Declaration in response to the April 21 freeze event and ongoing drought conditions.

Read more: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/governor-moore-announces-federal-secretarial-disaster-declaration-following-spring-freeze

06/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support land preservation at the Kayak Poker Run this year!

😎☀️🚣

We were so lucky to enjoy such a gorgeous day of paddling at Flying Point Park on Saturday, surrounded by one of the best corridors of protected land in Harford County. Congratulations to all the winners, and we hope everyone had a wonderful time coming together for conservation.

A special thanks to all the sponsors who make our work possible, and to Jones Junction for sponsoring our giveaway item this year. We’d also like to thank Coffee Coffee for providing lunch - it was delicious!

We can’t wait to see you next year at the 2027 Kayak Poker Run! In the meantime, keep an eye on our page and bookmark our events calendar to see what’s coming up. More listings are coming soon…

https://tinyurl.com/HLT-Events

06/12/2026

Over 35 years, HLT has been able to help create parks across Harford County thanks to support from federal, state, and local partners.

Why do we do it? Because…

🧘Green spaces have been found to help reduce stress and strains on our mental health

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Access to the natural spaces in our communities helps us create a meaningful sense of place

🌳Contact with nature restores attention and promotes recovery from many medical conditions including depression, mental fatigue, and substance abuse

🏠Protected land enhances the value of nearby residential property

Right now, you have an opportunity to speak up about what the state of Maryland should consider for planning park management, recreation opportunities, and land preservation priorities over the next decade.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently released their draft of the Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP), an important document for ensuring the future of the collaborations that create and expand the parks we all love.

See the draft and submit your comments today. https://tinyurl.com/MDNR-LPRP

06/11/2026

Join Harford Land Trust and Susquehannock Wildlife Society for the Susquehannock Wildlife Center Meadow Tour.

🌼 Visit a managed meadow in Harford County.
💧 Learn how meadows benefit water quality.
🦋 Discover pollinators and wildlife.

Learn more and register today. Spots are limited. https://tinyurl.com/meadow-tour

06/11/2026

Congratulations to all the recipients of the Environmental Scholarship! We are so happy to help support the next generation of environmental stewards. 🎉 🌎🎊

A special congratulations to Aberdeen High Senior Nara Anusonti-Inthra on receiving the county-wide award, and thank you to the Woosley Family Foundation for co-sponsoring this award with us.

As the county-wide winner Nara received an additional $1,000 scholarship, which she will put toward an Electrical and Computer Engineering degree with a focus on green renewable energy at Carnegie Mellon University. We can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes!

Thank you to all the organizations who support the scholarship program and help bring these students closer to academic opportunities and success.

Thank you to Harford Glen Foundation for continuing this program and supporting this important initiative.

Nara Anusonti-Inthra

06/09/2026

Registration closes for the Kayak Poker Run on Wednesday evening (June 10)! Make sure to grab your tickets for the most fun fundraiser for land preservation at Flying Point Park on June 13th!

😎☀️🚣

Paddle 3-5 miles, enjoy preserved land and water, collect your poker hand and win prizes – all while supporting conservation in Harford County. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are welcome.

Saturday, June 13, from 9 am – 12 pm

Rain date: Sunday, June 14th, same time and location

Register now by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2026-KPR

06/08/2026

If you want better opportunities for outdoor recreation, more access to public parks, and stronger efforts to preserve local lands…

📢 Then make your voice heard! 📢

Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comments on their draft of the Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP), and the deadline to submit is June 28.

The LPRP is a decade-long plan that guides the state’s work on land preservation, parks, and outdoor recreation. The document identifies community needs like access to open space and natural resource protection, and then outlines goals and strategies for managing parks, increasing outdoor accessibility, and preserving natural areas.

The LPRP also qualifies the state to receive funding through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps pay for land acquisition and park infrastructure.

To see the draft plan and submit comments, visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/land/Pages/Stewardship/LPRP.aspx

DNR Seeks Input on Land Preservation Plan to Guide Conservation and Recreation Priorities for Next Decade

We are now seeking public comment on the draft Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP). This report outlines statewide priorities for land conservation over the next decade and identifies recreation needs across the state. The public comment period will remain open through June 28, 2026. Read more: https://ow.ly/76fp50Z5vWJ

06/06/2026

If you see this post, then get off your phone and start hiking. It’s National Trails Day!

🥾🌳🚴☀️

Actually, wait! Before you unplug and head outside, visit our website to see an interactive map of all the parks and trails available in Harford County. There may be something new for you to explore.

National Trails Day is an excellent occasion to celebrate the beautiful preserved lands all around Harford County. Find some new open spaces on our online map, then pick a trail, and go!

Find trails here: https://tinyurl.com/park-trail-map

06/05/2026

As we look back through HLT’s history to celebrate our 35th anniversary, we’re remembering the land projects and land owners who have made big impacts on conservation efforts in Harford County.

One of those landowners is the Vaughn family, whose land became Eden Mill, one of the county’s most beloved parks. The Vaughns did it in two transactions, once before HLT existed and then again, decades later, with HLT’s help.

In 1965, Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation acquired the main section of the park that stretches along Deer Creek, including the Mill and Dam itself, from Ward and Sandy Vaughn.

Then, in 2008, Ward and Sandy’s children, Jeffrey Vaughn, Jim and Kim Vaughn, and Vicki Dowling, sold another 44-acre property to Parks and Recreation to expand the park. The area runs along Big Branch, and sits across from the original property on Eden Mill Rd and Red Bridge Rd.

HLT negotiated the terms of the agreement between the Vaughn family and a partnership of the State of Maryland’s Program Open Space and the Harford County Government.

Learn more about Eden Mill and its 2008 expansion. https://tinyurl.com/Eden-Mill