Partners for Open Space and the Rural Maryland Council is hosting a series of bus tours called “This Land is Your Land” across the state to highlight the importance and impact of the Program Open Space. The tours are open to county officials and are free, but registration is required.
Southern Maryland Tour (2017-09-28)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Starting Point: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD 21401
Register for Southern Maryland Tour
From the registration webpage:
Join us on the bus at Lawyers Mall at 10:00 am, and then sit back and enjoy a glimpse of preserved lands, parklands, and riverfront. We will travel down to the American Chestnut Land Trust, a Trust that has been caring for the land in a remarkable partnership with landowners and communities since 1986. From the Trust’s site on Parker’s Creek and Governor’s Run, we will cross the Patuxent River to beautiful Serenity Farm (site of early Native American settlements, John Smith’s Patuxent Journey, an early Colonial village, the British landing during the War of 1812, and much more!).
On the Farm, we will enjoy the bounty of the region, including locally sourced seafood, wine, and beer. Chat with noted historians and local agricultural innovators, discuss upcoming events with regional museum leaders, and visit an historic African American graveyard to hear the compelling tale of its discovery.
If you cannot make the bus tour but would still like to meet us for lunch, please let us know by registering for the lunch only option!
From Serenity Farm we will make our way back to Annapolis on the old roads, venturing into the Patuxent River Park at Jug Bay, and past preserved farmland and fields that have been worked since the beginning of Maryland. We return to Annapolis at 4:00 pm.
We look forward to seeing you! For more information contact Lucille Walker at 301-343-2771 or email lwalker@tccsmd.org.
Central Maryland Tour (2017-09-29)
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Starting Point: Friends of Orianda House, 1901 Eagle Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207
Register for Central Maryland Tour
From the registration webpage:
This tour begins at Leakin Park, one of the largest urban Greenspaces in the US. Tour the Orianda Mansion and adjacent chapel and learn about Program Open Space’s role in protecting these historic buildings and the outdoor education programs available in the park.
From there we will travel to Jerusalem Mills, an historic village located in Gunpowder State Park, the second most visited park in Maryland. Our tour then turns to productive agricultural land passing through vegetable farms, nurseries, and grain farms. We will stop at an historic Merryland Farm and see thoroughbred horses work out on a premier training track. Enjoy lunch at Boordy Vineyards to include produce from local farms, and some delicious Priegels Ice Cream.
If you cannot make the bus tour but would still like to meet us for lunch, please let us know by registering for the lunch only option!
We will return to Leakin Park by 3:30 pm.
For more information contact Ann Jones at 443-690-8420, or email ann@partnersforopenspace.org.
Eastern Shore Tour (2017-10-13)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Starting Point: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD 21401
Register for Eastern Shore Tour
From the registration webpage:
The “This Land is Your Land” Bus Tour of the Eastern Shore is Friday, October 13, 2017 and will leave from Lawyers Mall in Annapolis, MD.
Visit the brand new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, hear how Program Open Space has helped a Easton Farmer become the President of the U.S. Wheat Association, visit a local winery that is possible in part thanks to Maryland Agricultural Land Foundation funds, and hear about what will be Maryland’s newest State Park. Lunch will be served at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center, in Easton, MD, and speakers will be throughout the day. The trip will be back to Annapolis before 5pm.
If you cannot make the bus tour but would still like to meet us for lunch, please RSVP!
For more information, contact Josh Hastings at 410-251-5268 or jhastings@eslc.org.
Useful Links
Partners for Open Space Website
Rural Maryland Council Website
