The focus of
the Manor Conservancy
is Northern Baltimore
and Northwest Harford
Counties, including
the Little Gunpowder
and Deer Creek Watersheds.
"Preservation
of the agricultural
community requires farmers.
Farmers require land
to farm. Protection
of land owned by non-farmers
provides fields for
the farmers. It
is self-perpetuating."
"Donating the development
rights to our farm was
one of the most important
things we have ever
done. My wife and I
moved to the Manor years
ago and have spent the
best part of our lives
enjoying this unspoiled
landscape. The
financial incentives
were an added bonus
but knowing that future
generations will be
able to enjoy it as
we have is a great comfort."
John Schapiro
About
The
Manor
Conservancy
Founded in 1993, The Manor Conservancy has been instrumental in protecting thousands of acres in Maryland by organizing and accepting easement donations, assisting landowners in selling development rights, and locating buyers to purchase threatened land.
Our goals remain focused on preserving the predominantly rural character of the Monkton, Manor and White Hall areas being vigilant against land speculators, guarding the quality of our air and water and supporting other groups dedicated to environmental preservation.
We are a non profit 501(c)(3) corporation for which contributions are tax deductible. We work cooperatively with governmental agencies and community groups with the focus on Northern Baltimore and Harford Counties. We have partnered with the Maryland Environmental Trust, the Harford Land Trust, and many other organizations to assist landowners and the community in permanently protecting land from development rather than relying on the vagaries of zoning. Landowners receive financial incentives for donating or selling their perpetual easements. The easements restrict development and in some cases regulate design and the placement of new structures. The trust is building a revolving fund that will enable The Manor Conservancy to purchase property and resell it with restrictions against further development.
The Rural Legacy Program describes the Area as "well known for its scenic beauty and historic structures, including the National Register Historic District of My Lady's Manor, comprising the land given by the 3rd Lord Baltimore to his wife in 1713. The Area includes many productive horse and cattle farms and the Little Gunpowder Falls, a Class 3 trout stream and important Chesapeake tributary." The Manor Conservancy seeks to support local stewardship of the valuable agricultural and natural resources and the scenic and historic assets of the area.
