TABLE OF CONTENTSAnnual Meeting 1

From the President’s Desk 2

2nd Annual Harvest Moon 3

Forst Filters 4

Spotlight on Volunteers 5

Conowingo Eagles Day 5

Thank You for Support 6

HLT Pledge Card 7

UPCOMING EVENTSApril 19 – 9:00 am

Earth Day

Willoughby Beach Road

Edgewood

May 3 – 9:00 am

Gulch Work Day

Kelly Property, Pylesville

June 14 – 10:00 am

Fourth Annual Kayak Poker Run

Location TBA

July 12 – 10:00 am

Canoe/Kayak/Picnic

Broad Creek, Darlington

August 16 - 11:00 – 5:00

HLT Day at Broom’s Bloom Dairy

Fountain Green Road, Bel Air

October 4 – 6:00 PM

3rd Annual Harvest Moon

Dinner and Auction

Water’s Edge Event Center,

Belcamp

November 1 – 10:00 am

Fall Foliage Hike

Raven Rock, Street

All dates are subject to change, contact the HLT office

for confirmation

Annual Meeting: Celebrating 22 Years!

Please join us for our

Annual Membership MeetingCelebrating 22 Years of Land and

Natural Resource Conservation

Fiore Winery

3026 Whiteford Road • Pylesville, MD 21132

Saturday, March 22, 2014

9:30 - 10:00 am - Registration and Coffee

10:00 - 11:30 am - Meeting and Presentations

See and hear an overview of the Trust’s accomplishments in 2013 and join us for a fond farewell to three of HLT’s long-standing board members and

officers: Les Eastman, Dennis Kirkwood, & Harry Webster.

GUEST SPEAKER:Jonathan McKnight

Associate Director for Habitat ConservationWildlife and Heritage Service

MD Department of Natural Resources

Lunch and Wine Tasting to follow

Join us in our efforts to protect Harford County’s natural lands, open space and wildlife habitat. Please check the appropriate category and enclose a check payable to Harford Land Trust.

Harford Land Trust, Inc.P.O. Box 385Churchville, Maryland 21028www.harfordlandtrust.org

Phone: 410-836-2103email: pniland@harfordlandtrust.org, orinfo@harfordlandtrust.org

❑ Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10❑ Senior/Retiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15❑ Individual or Family . . . . . . . . . .$50❑ Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75❑ Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100❑ Believer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150❑ Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500❑ Benefactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000❑ Sustaining (lifetime) . . . . . . . . . .$2,500❑ Small Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100❑ Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250❑ Corporate Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000

❑ Johnston Hegeman Land Fund

❑ Special Operations Trust Fund

❑ I’d like to volunteer my services

❑ I’d like more information about the Trust and its land conservation techniques .

❑ Please remove my name from your mailing list .

A hearty group of hikers enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Raven Rock on Deer Creek. Naturalist Stan Kollar (above) describes the plant life of the Piedmont Plateau.

Name _________________________________________

Address ________________________________________

______________________________________________

City, State, Zip ____________________________________

Phone _________________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________

Dues, contributions, and land donations are tax deductible

Spring 2014

For  inside  back  page  

 

Harford Land Trust • P.O. Box 358 • Churchville, MD 21028

 

2014  SPONSORSHIP  &  AUCTION  DONOR  FORM  Harvest Moon Dinner & Auction,

Saturday, October 4, 2013 Water’s Edge Event Center

Through partnerships with local residents and businesses, HLT financially ensures the long-term effectiveness of

conservation efforts in Harford County. Your sponsorship or auction donation will help preserve some of Maryland’s most diverse and productive landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

2014  Sponsor  Information   Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________ Business _____________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone________________Email ___________________________________________________ For gift recognition, please list my/our name as: _______________________________________ € I wish to remain anonymous in any listing of donors.

Commitment  Level  for  Sponsorship:  

Commitment Level White Oak $5000

Red Cedar $2500

River Birch $1000

Dogwood $500

Sweetspire $250

Listing in Auction Brochure

Full Page Advertisement

Half Page Advertisement

Quarter-Page Advertisement

Business Card Sized Advertisement

Name and Logo

Tickets included 8 (Full Table) 4 2 0 0

All Donors will have logo and name displayed at the event, and will receive credit in our newsletter, website, Facebook page, and HLT email signature.

Donation gift and advertisement materials are due by August 29, 2014.

# # # #

2014  Auction  Donation  Information   Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________ Business _____________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone__________________Email _______________________________________________________ Description of item (please be as specific as possible and attach pictures, brochures, certificates, checks, or other relevant materials) _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________  Approximate retail value of the item_______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Delivery/pick-up Instructions ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

We reserve the right to refuse any auction item donations and to disperse all as we see fit.

auction@harfordlandtrust.org

Gift commitment is due by September 5, 2014.

“Continue to Save the Places You Love”

From the President’s DeskThe term of my presidency will end on March 22, 2014, but I assure you that I am not going anywhere . I will continue my involvement as a member, active volunteer and supporter . I will continue to serve on the lands committee, to further the Army Compatible Use Buffer relationship, and assist in fundraising . Harford County land

preservation is my passion . My interest started in 1991 with the first HLT project, the Forest Greens Lake Preserve . With that success I saw how HLT’s preservation easement work was a powerful force for a healthy environment and a unique way to provide a public benefit to our community, and I have been pursuing that goal ever since . I am now the president of the Forest Greens Perryman Community Association, where I assist with the continuing stewardship of that property, and I look forward to further conservation in the community .

Honestly, I can’t get enough of working with you, our volunteers, the HLT board, and our dedicated staff whose efforts have become a constant reminder of the good work we do for the county . I plan to keep up my membership and maintain a close relationship with the Maryland Environmental Trust, the Land Trust Alliance, and of course my favorite nonprofit, HLT .

As a member of the Lands Committee, I look forward to reviewing new projects as they come in and seeing on-going projects come to fruition . HLT has tremendous opportunities to protect land and natural resources from Norrisville to Edgewood, and from Darlington to Joppa . Each project brings with it the knowledge that we have made Harford County a better place to live, to raise a family, to farm, to enjoy the outdoors and a better quality of life . I will enjoy working with the committee to develop new and foster old relationships, to improve our monitoring of easement properties, and to continue to bring our organization closer to Land Trust Alliance accreditation . Hand in hand with land projects is raising the funds to make them happen and keep our organization strong and viable; you will hear more from me in the future in that regard .

Just as this is not the end of our relationship, it’s the beginning of a greater relationship . Ben Lloyd is stepping up as President of the Board . Ben has been an active board member since his inception in March of 2008 . Ben is a smart guy with a BA in Political Science as well as a Masters of Public Policy in Local Government . Ben is a Harford County employee, has six years of experience on the HLT board, knows the folks well in the county’s land preservation department, and has deep roots in Harford County . Ben knows how to use his skills and the right tools to get the HLT job done . We needed and we found the right President who will now lead the HLT mission . Congratulations Ben!

As we move forward, we remain true to our core initiatives, as we have since the organization was founded . I ask that you consider helping the HLT reach its mission by using your skills and work with our staff, and board of directors to:

• Help grow HLT membership across the county and state by increasing individual, family, business and corporate membership and sponsorship .

• Help us escalate the Harford Land Trust’s “Campaign to Preserve Land” . This fund financially supports HLT operations by reimbursing expenses incurred in easement acquisitions and negotiations, land acquisition and outreach activities .

• Help grow the HLT board of directors . We are committed to growing from a 10 person board to a 15 member board to better populate our standing committees and meet the growing demand for our mission .

It has truly been my pleasure to serve along with the many board members over the years and with executive directors David Miller and Peg Niland . Our community is very fortunate to have such dedication in an organization that cares so much for our county, and whose work gives back to the public even more over time .

Helping landowners, private and public, to conserve land and protect the natural resources, scenic beauty,

rural character, and a healthyway of life in Harford County.

Board of directors

HARRY V . WEBSTER, JR .President

RICHARD M . POSTVice President

GLENN R . DUDDERARSecretary

JAMES G . MORRISTreasurer

GARY A . DAVIS

LINN L . GRIFFITHS

DIANE JONES

DENNIS L . KIRKWOOD

STANLEY A . KOLLAR

BENJAMIN A . LLOYD

H . TURNEY MCKNIGHT

JO A . TYSON

MICHAEL I . ZELLER

staff

MARGARET L . NILANDExecutive Director

NICHOLAI MAIN Office Support/Special Projects

ALAN FETTIGVolunteer Bookkeeper

Page 2 Page 7

Page 6

Thank You for Your Support

Page 3

New MembersMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey A . TysonMs . Susan AustinMr . Robert & Mrs . Lou Ann KellnerMr . Steve & Mrs . Julie JohnsonLynne Zink Productions, LLCMr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . HarrisonMr . Charles JubbMr . Greg MurrellMs . Margaret SonbergMr . Samuel R . ThompsonMr . Don WilsonMs . Alice M . BreaultMrs . Katrina J . Maranto

Campaign to Preserve LandMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mrs . Marjorie HeagyMr . & Mrs . James G . MorrisMr . Gary DavisCol & Mrs . Charles E . Day IIIMr . James A . ThomasMr . & Mrs . Arthur H . Helton

Fall AppealMr . & Mrs . E . Louis Wienecke IIIMr . & Mrs . Kenneth KrugMrs . Barbara and Mr . Harry V . WebsterMr . Michael Lawrence & Ms . Annette ThompsonCol & Mrs . Charles E . Day IIIJoppatowne Women’s ClubMrs . Marjorie HeagyMr . Daniel KrugMrs . Joan and Mr . Hugh Morrissey WardMr . & Mrs . Carl PunteMr . & Mrs . George F . Deibel IIIMr . Philip and Mrs . Kay CrockerMs . Margaret NilandMr . & Mrs . William BankertDr . Howard Hine Jr .Dr . & Mrs . Dennis KirkwoodMs . Kathy CaseyMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Robert G . CrushMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey M . DresherBishop & Adkins, PAMr . Richard and Mrs . Ellen PostMr . Robert and Mrs . Nancy CassillyMr . & Mrs . James W . ConstableMr . Jesse Bane

Other ContributionsMr . & Mrs . David P . MillerMr . & Mrs . E . Louis Wienecke IIIMaryland Ornithological Society, Inc .Mr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . Harrison

Harvest Moon SupportersMr . & Mrs . Clifton DowlingMr . & Mrs . Paul J . TracyMr . Calvin M . CasonMrs . Mary and Mr . William HatterMs . Margaret NilandMr . Jeffrey L . VaughnMr . & Mrs . George F . Deibel IIIMr . Peter R . Hegeman & Mrs . Patricia EganMr . & Mrs . Michael ElderMr . & Mrs . Robert HoodMr . & Mrs . James G . MorrisMr . James D . ThorntonMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mr . Robert Main and Mrs . Darlene SeresinMr . Andrew J . and Mrs . Kathleen P . WalshMrs . Susan C . and Mr . Thomas J . RiceMr . David ThompsonMr . & Mrs . Graham SilsbyDr . & Mrs . Alan James SweatmanMr . Michael Lawrence & Ms . Annette ThompsonMr . Richard and Mrs . Ellen PostMr . Steve & Mrs . Julie JohnsonMs . Lynne ZinkMr . Robert & Mrs . Lou Ann KellnerMrs . Linn and Mr . Peter GriffithsMr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . Harrison

Harvest Moon Corporate Sponsors(Listed in our Harvest Moon Feature Article on Page 3)

Johnston Hegeman Land FundMr . Lawrason R . Sayre Sr . (in memory of Henry and Adelaide Crocker)

Memorial and Honorary GiftsMs . Margaret Niland (in memory of Luther “Boots” Jourdan)Mrs . Mary and Mr . William Hatter (in honor of Harry and Eileen Webster)Ms . Marcia Mundrick (in honor of the marriage of Heather Kirkwood and Dillon Yeung)Mr . Jeffrey L . Vaughn (in honor of Mr. John P. Archer Jr.)Ms . Margaret Niland (in memory of Nancy Natoli)Ms . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr . (in memory of Nancy Natoli)

Second Annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser Nets Nearly $30,000 For Harford Land TrustHundreds of supporters filled the Bel Air Armory on Saturday, October 26, for the Harford Land Trust’s second annual Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction which raised nearly $30,000 for the non-profit to help protect farms and forests and create community parks in Harford County .

According to Harford Land Trust Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction Chair Ann Helton, the event exceeded expectations and she has heard an overwhelming amount of praise from guests and supporters . All funds raised from the event went to support HLT’s mission to protect important ecosystems of farmland, forests, marsh and coastal land for future generations to enjoy .

The Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction featured a silent auction of 55 donated items and a live auction of 13 donated items, including two kayaks, four club-level Ravens tickets, custom tailored clothing, vacation getaways to North Carolina and New Jersey, fishing and hunting trips, custom-made

corn toss game, jewelry from Saxon’s Diamond Centers and golf for four at Bulle Rock Golf Course, among others . Harford County native and award-winning auctioneer Lynne Zink called the live auction at the event .

Guests, including honorary chair David Thompson, founder of Foxborough Nursery, Inc ., enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts provided by Dean & Brown Catering and locally sourced cheeses from Broom’s Bloom Dairy . Wallis & Co . provided

music for the evening and Jeff Conti, Patti Dallam & Nancy Worthington created and donated magnificent seasonal décor .

“This year’s HLT Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction had energy and excitement,” says Helton . “The audience was engaged from start to finish and there was a sense of togetherness that everyone was here to celebrate and support the work of the HLT .”

The event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors including H . P . White Laboratory, Inc ., Harford County Executive’s Division of Agriculture, Boyle Buick, The Mill of Bel Air, PNC Bank, Hickory International, Inc ., MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Kinsley Foundation, Adams Chevrolet, John W . Dallam Inc ., C .L . Dallam Inc ., Ann and Art Helton, MacGregor’s Restaurant, Aflac Mid Atlantic, Councilman Chad Shrodes, Maryland Aquatic Nurseries, Exelon, Windmill Hill Farm, Plaza Ford and Cat Sense .Remembering Nancy Natoli

Nancy Natoli was the director of the US Army Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, where she led the Pentagon’s effort to protect military test and training facilities, including Aberdeen Proving Ground, from incompatible development. She worked closely with the Harford Land Trust in 2007-2008 on our first Army Compatible Use Buffer project, and together on other initiatives after that. We join military installations and conservation groups across the country in mourning her loss.

Page 4 Page 5

Spotlight on Volunteers Peg NilandThis issue’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on an entire cadre of behind-the-scenes volunteers… . .our land stewards . HLT works in consultation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who is responsible for the conservation and management of the state’s native white-tailed deer population . The department’s primary deer conservation goals are to ensure the well being of the species and its habitat while maintaining populations at levels compatible with human activity, land use and natural communities .

A critical part of our Forest Management Plan on lands that we own is controlling the deer herd population . When deer populations exceed the carrying capacity within their habitat range, negative consequences occur . They begin to destroy the next generation of tree growth, eating everything within their reach . The health of the herd diminishes, they stand a greater chance of colliding with vehicles, they ravage crops, and they invade the backyards of gardeners .

Our land stewards do many things for us besides ensuring the well-being of this species and its habitat . HLT would not be able to manage the land it owns without the hundreds of hours donated by these dedicated volunteers . They create and maintain hiking trails, tend to signage, install wildlife cameras, remove invasive species, create brush-pile habitat for small mammals, cut up trees from across paths, clean up new properties, and maintain “the cabin” at the Gulch . Most projects are family affairs with everyone pitching in .

In addition, guess who greets the hiking public, mans booths at events, helps children discover the secrets of nature and the value of Earth Day, sets up for the Annual Membership Meeting, the Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction and the numerous events we attend throughout the county? Yes, our Land Stewards!

Most importantly, they are our eyes and ears in places our staff and board cannot reach . The monitoring and security they provide year round is invaluable .

Over the past eight years I’ve watched these men take ownership of their corner of the world and care for it as if it were their own back yard . While they would do anything we ask, much of what they do we learn about after the tree’s been cut up, news signs installed or a road repair has been completed . Whether they are wielding a chain saw or folding a napkin, we are very grateful for all they do . Let us introduce you to our Land Stewards:

Michael Lawrence, John Deloach, Robert W . Babylon Sr ., John Burgamy II, Kelly Jubb, Brett Deloach, Butch Lawrence, Dan Krug, Ken Krug, Jeff Jakelski, John Cottrell, Don Wilson, Buck Jubb, George Schoenberger, Tim Smith, Tim Welk .

Conowingo Eagles DayOn November 11, over 400 visitors gathered along the Harford County shore of the Susquehanna River for the inaugural Conowingo Eagles Day held by Exelon Power Generation, owners of the dam . There is a tremendous population of bald eagles who call the area around the Conowingo Dam home . They soared over the river below the dam and then skimmed over the water to snag a fish in their talons .

“This is prime time for eagles here in the Susquehanna River,” Exelon spokesman Robert Judge said . “Eagle photographers are a common sight at the dam . We also sponsor an annual eagle photo contest .” Conowingo Eagles Day also launched the kickoff for the 2013 Bald Eagle Photo Contest, which lasted until December 31 .

While bird watchers and photographers lined the shore, organizations that focus on birding, animal rescue and habitat protection, and land and water conservation lined the Fisherman’s Park with booths to inform and entertain the public . HLT’s booth, manned by volunteers Mel Litter and Diane Jones, was next to Susquehannock Wildlife Society with Scott McDaniel and Brian Goodman . “It is always so enjoyable to get together with other like-minded organizations like those here today,” said Peg Niland, HLT Director . “We learn from each other and reach out to the public for support at the same time .” Exelon has a strong tradition of community involvement and is a sponsor of HLT’s Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction .

Forest FiltersHarford Land Trust has long wanted to protect the remaining undeveloped land between Aberdeen Proving Ground and Otter Point Creek in the Edgewood area . This land contains extensive wooded wetlands that protect two streams from polluted runoff from surrounding development . The Trust’s interest in this property was heightened by the fact that several kinds of development were proposed for the land .

The north parcel of this land was acquired by the Trust over 10 years ago and its value as a protector of water quality is substantial . Although the removal of nutrient pollution is invisible, the trapping of sediment and trash is painfully obvious . The stream on the north edge of the property drains Edgewood developments and carries large amounts of sediment and debris . As the stream enters the protected property it spreads out into a wide shallow swamp that traps the sediment and trash . On the first cleanup day conducted by the Trust, members and volunteers removed almost two dump trucks of trash from the swampy area and knee deep sediment . Even before this cleanup however, the water flowing from the swamp into a small stream was nearly free of the sediment and debris that would have ended up in Otter Point Creek and ultimately the Bush River .

The Trust doesn’t know how much nutrient pollution is removed by this system of swamps and wooded streams, but research has shown that such systems can remove more than 90% of the nitrogen and phosphorus from the water that flows through them . The trash and sediment trapped by this system strongly suggests it also traps and removes nutrients and other pollutants .

The south parcel just acquired by the Trust last year does not have a well-defined stream until just before water leaves the property . Instead, water that runs off from adjacent development and roads spreads out in a wide sheet as it flows through the forest, occasionally collecting in small swamps . By the end of summer, the forest floor is damp and the swamps have little or no standing water . In the winter and early spring however, all but the highest areas may be covered by slowly moving water, especially after a snow melt or rainfall drains from the surrounding development . It is both sad and humorous to see the variety of ways adjacent homeowners have devised to drain water from their property into the forest on the Trust property, but it is good to know that this polluted runoff is filtered and cleansed before it collects into a creek that flows into the Bush River .

Most people acknowledge that many of the Trust’s projects help protect the water quality of Harford County water courses and the Chesapeake Bay, but some ask how the Trust’s work benefits people in local communities such as Edgewood . In this case, the Trust’s action helps the effort to improve the quality of water at Flying Point Park that serves the Edgewood area . Edgewood children also play on the land that the Trust has protected, sometimes too intensely, but at least they have the chance to experience and enjoy a natural setting . Anyone who enjoys seeing wildlife has an opportunity close to home to do so . Harford Land Trust believes these benefits contribute to the quality of life in the local community and throughout Harford County .

Glenn R . Dudderar

Page 4 Page 5

Spotlight on Volunteers Peg NilandThis issue’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on an entire cadre of behind-the-scenes volunteers… . .our land stewards . HLT works in consultation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who is responsible for the conservation and management of the state’s native white-tailed deer population . The department’s primary deer conservation goals are to ensure the well being of the species and its habitat while maintaining populations at levels compatible with human activity, land use and natural communities .

A critical part of our Forest Management Plan on lands that we own is controlling the deer herd population . When deer populations exceed the carrying capacity within their habitat range, negative consequences occur . They begin to destroy the next generation of tree growth, eating everything within their reach . The health of the herd diminishes, they stand a greater chance of colliding with vehicles, they ravage crops, and they invade the backyards of gardeners .

Our land stewards do many things for us besides ensuring the well-being of this species and its habitat . HLT would not be able to manage the land it owns without the hundreds of hours donated by these dedicated volunteers . They create and maintain hiking trails, tend to signage, install wildlife cameras, remove invasive species, create brush-pile habitat for small mammals, cut up trees from across paths, clean up new properties, and maintain “the cabin” at the Gulch . Most projects are family affairs with everyone pitching in .

In addition, guess who greets the hiking public, mans booths at events, helps children discover the secrets of nature and the value of Earth Day, sets up for the Annual Membership Meeting, the Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction and the numerous events we attend throughout the county? Yes, our Land Stewards!

Most importantly, they are our eyes and ears in places our staff and board cannot reach . The monitoring and security they provide year round is invaluable .

Over the past eight years I’ve watched these men take ownership of their corner of the world and care for it as if it were their own back yard . While they would do anything we ask, much of what they do we learn about after the tree’s been cut up, news signs installed or a road repair has been completed . Whether they are wielding a chain saw or folding a napkin, we are very grateful for all they do . Let us introduce you to our Land Stewards:

Michael Lawrence, John Deloach, Robert W . Babylon Sr ., John Burgamy II, Kelly Jubb, Brett Deloach, Butch Lawrence, Dan Krug, Ken Krug, Jeff Jakelski, John Cottrell, Don Wilson, Buck Jubb, George Schoenberger, Tim Smith, Tim Welk .

Conowingo Eagles DayOn November 11, over 400 visitors gathered along the Harford County shore of the Susquehanna River for the inaugural Conowingo Eagles Day held by Exelon Power Generation, owners of the dam . There is a tremendous population of bald eagles who call the area around the Conowingo Dam home . They soared over the river below the dam and then skimmed over the water to snag a fish in their talons .

“This is prime time for eagles here in the Susquehanna River,” Exelon spokesman Robert Judge said . “Eagle photographers are a common sight at the dam . We also sponsor an annual eagle photo contest .” Conowingo Eagles Day also launched the kickoff for the 2013 Bald Eagle Photo Contest, which lasted until December 31 .

While bird watchers and photographers lined the shore, organizations that focus on birding, animal rescue and habitat protection, and land and water conservation lined the Fisherman’s Park with booths to inform and entertain the public . HLT’s booth, manned by volunteers Mel Litter and Diane Jones, was next to Susquehannock Wildlife Society with Scott McDaniel and Brian Goodman . “It is always so enjoyable to get together with other like-minded organizations like those here today,” said Peg Niland, HLT Director . “We learn from each other and reach out to the public for support at the same time .” Exelon has a strong tradition of community involvement and is a sponsor of HLT’s Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction .

Forest FiltersHarford Land Trust has long wanted to protect the remaining undeveloped land between Aberdeen Proving Ground and Otter Point Creek in the Edgewood area . This land contains extensive wooded wetlands that protect two streams from polluted runoff from surrounding development . The Trust’s interest in this property was heightened by the fact that several kinds of development were proposed for the land .

The north parcel of this land was acquired by the Trust over 10 years ago and its value as a protector of water quality is substantial . Although the removal of nutrient pollution is invisible, the trapping of sediment and trash is painfully obvious . The stream on the north edge of the property drains Edgewood developments and carries large amounts of sediment and debris . As the stream enters the protected property it spreads out into a wide shallow swamp that traps the sediment and trash . On the first cleanup day conducted by the Trust, members and volunteers removed almost two dump trucks of trash from the swampy area and knee deep sediment . Even before this cleanup however, the water flowing from the swamp into a small stream was nearly free of the sediment and debris that would have ended up in Otter Point Creek and ultimately the Bush River .

The Trust doesn’t know how much nutrient pollution is removed by this system of swamps and wooded streams, but research has shown that such systems can remove more than 90% of the nitrogen and phosphorus from the water that flows through them . The trash and sediment trapped by this system strongly suggests it also traps and removes nutrients and other pollutants .

The south parcel just acquired by the Trust last year does not have a well-defined stream until just before water leaves the property . Instead, water that runs off from adjacent development and roads spreads out in a wide sheet as it flows through the forest, occasionally collecting in small swamps . By the end of summer, the forest floor is damp and the swamps have little or no standing water . In the winter and early spring however, all but the highest areas may be covered by slowly moving water, especially after a snow melt or rainfall drains from the surrounding development . It is both sad and humorous to see the variety of ways adjacent homeowners have devised to drain water from their property into the forest on the Trust property, but it is good to know that this polluted runoff is filtered and cleansed before it collects into a creek that flows into the Bush River .

Most people acknowledge that many of the Trust’s projects help protect the water quality of Harford County water courses and the Chesapeake Bay, but some ask how the Trust’s work benefits people in local communities such as Edgewood . In this case, the Trust’s action helps the effort to improve the quality of water at Flying Point Park that serves the Edgewood area . Edgewood children also play on the land that the Trust has protected, sometimes too intensely, but at least they have the chance to experience and enjoy a natural setting . Anyone who enjoys seeing wildlife has an opportunity close to home to do so . Harford Land Trust believes these benefits contribute to the quality of life in the local community and throughout Harford County .

Glenn R . Dudderar

Page 6

Thank You for Your Support

Page 3

New MembersMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey A . TysonMs . Susan AustinMr . Robert & Mrs . Lou Ann KellnerMr . Steve & Mrs . Julie JohnsonLynne Zink Productions, LLCMr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . HarrisonMr . Charles JubbMr . Greg MurrellMs . Margaret SonbergMr . Samuel R . ThompsonMr . Don WilsonMs . Alice M . BreaultMrs . Katrina J . Maranto

Campaign to Preserve LandMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mrs . Marjorie HeagyMr . & Mrs . James G . MorrisMr . Gary DavisCol & Mrs . Charles E . Day IIIMr . James A . ThomasMr . & Mrs . Arthur H . Helton

Fall AppealMr . & Mrs . E . Louis Wienecke IIIMr . & Mrs . Kenneth KrugMrs . Barbara and Mr . Harry V . WebsterMr . Michael Lawrence & Ms . Annette ThompsonCol & Mrs . Charles E . Day IIIJoppatowne Women’s ClubMrs . Marjorie HeagyMr . Daniel KrugMrs . Joan and Mr . Hugh Morrissey WardMr . & Mrs . Carl PunteMr . & Mrs . George F . Deibel IIIMr . Philip and Mrs . Kay CrockerMs . Margaret NilandMr . & Mrs . William BankertDr . Howard Hine Jr .Dr . & Mrs . Dennis KirkwoodMs . Kathy CaseyMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mr . & Mrs . Robert G . CrushMr . & Mrs . Jeffrey M . DresherBishop & Adkins, PAMr . Richard and Mrs . Ellen PostMr . Robert and Mrs . Nancy CassillyMr . & Mrs . James W . ConstableMr . Jesse Bane

Other ContributionsMr . & Mrs . David P . MillerMr . & Mrs . E . Louis Wienecke IIIMaryland Ornithological Society, Inc .Mr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . Harrison

Harvest Moon SupportersMr . & Mrs . Clifton DowlingMr . & Mrs . Paul J . TracyMr . Calvin M . CasonMrs . Mary and Mr . William HatterMs . Margaret NilandMr . Jeffrey L . VaughnMr . & Mrs . George F . Deibel IIIMr . Peter R . Hegeman & Mrs . Patricia EganMr . & Mrs . Michael ElderMr . & Mrs . Robert HoodMr . & Mrs . James G . MorrisMr . James D . ThorntonMs . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr .Mr . Robert Main and Mrs . Darlene SeresinMr . Andrew J . and Mrs . Kathleen P . WalshMrs . Susan C . and Mr . Thomas J . RiceMr . David ThompsonMr . & Mrs . Graham SilsbyDr . & Mrs . Alan James SweatmanMr . Michael Lawrence & Ms . Annette ThompsonMr . Richard and Mrs . Ellen PostMr . Steve & Mrs . Julie JohnsonMs . Lynne ZinkMr . Robert & Mrs . Lou Ann KellnerMrs . Linn and Mr . Peter GriffithsMr . George F . & Mrs . Cora R . Harrison

Harvest Moon Corporate Sponsors(Listed in our Harvest Moon Feature Article on Page 3)

Johnston Hegeman Land FundMr . Lawrason R . Sayre Sr . (in memory of Henry and Adelaide Crocker)

Memorial and Honorary GiftsMs . Margaret Niland (in memory of Luther “Boots” Jourdan)Mrs . Mary and Mr . William Hatter (in honor of Harry and Eileen Webster)Ms . Marcia Mundrick (in honor of the marriage of Heather Kirkwood and Dillon Yeung)Mr . Jeffrey L . Vaughn (in honor of Mr. John P. Archer Jr.)Ms . Margaret Niland (in memory of Nancy Natoli)Ms . Eileen and Mr . Harry V . Webster Jr . (in memory of Nancy Natoli)

Second Annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser Nets Nearly $30,000 For Harford Land TrustHundreds of supporters filled the Bel Air Armory on Saturday, October 26, for the Harford Land Trust’s second annual Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction which raised nearly $30,000 for the non-profit to help protect farms and forests and create community parks in Harford County .

According to Harford Land Trust Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction Chair Ann Helton, the event exceeded expectations and she has heard an overwhelming amount of praise from guests and supporters . All funds raised from the event went to support HLT’s mission to protect important ecosystems of farmland, forests, marsh and coastal land for future generations to enjoy .

The Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction featured a silent auction of 55 donated items and a live auction of 13 donated items, including two kayaks, four club-level Ravens tickets, custom tailored clothing, vacation getaways to North Carolina and New Jersey, fishing and hunting trips, custom-made

corn toss game, jewelry from Saxon’s Diamond Centers and golf for four at Bulle Rock Golf Course, among others . Harford County native and award-winning auctioneer Lynne Zink called the live auction at the event .

Guests, including honorary chair David Thompson, founder of Foxborough Nursery, Inc ., enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts provided by Dean & Brown Catering and locally sourced cheeses from Broom’s Bloom Dairy . Wallis & Co . provided

music for the evening and Jeff Conti, Patti Dallam & Nancy Worthington created and donated magnificent seasonal décor .

“This year’s HLT Harvest Moon Dinner and Auction had energy and excitement,” says Helton . “The audience was engaged from start to finish and there was a sense of togetherness that everyone was here to celebrate and support the work of the HLT .”

The event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors including H . P . White Laboratory, Inc ., Harford County Executive’s Division of Agriculture, Boyle Buick, The Mill of Bel Air, PNC Bank, Hickory International, Inc ., MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Kinsley Foundation, Adams Chevrolet, John W . Dallam Inc ., C .L . Dallam Inc ., Ann and Art Helton, MacGregor’s Restaurant, Aflac Mid Atlantic, Councilman Chad Shrodes, Maryland Aquatic Nurseries, Exelon, Windmill Hill Farm, Plaza Ford and Cat Sense .Remembering Nancy Natoli

Nancy Natoli was the director of the US Army Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, where she led the Pentagon’s effort to protect military test and training facilities, including Aberdeen Proving Ground, from incompatible development. She worked closely with the Harford Land Trust in 2007-2008 on our first Army Compatible Use Buffer project, and together on other initiatives after that. We join military installations and conservation groups across the country in mourning her loss.

For  inside  back  page  

 

Harford Land Trust • P.O. Box 358 • Churchville, MD 21028

 

2014  SPONSORSHIP  &  AUCTION  DONOR  FORM  Harvest Moon Dinner & Auction,

Saturday, October 4, 2013 Water’s Edge Event Center

Through partnerships with local residents and businesses, HLT financially ensures the long-term effectiveness of

conservation efforts in Harford County. Your sponsorship or auction donation will help preserve some of Maryland’s most diverse and productive landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

2014  Sponsor  Information   Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________ Business _____________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone________________Email ___________________________________________________ For gift recognition, please list my/our name as: _______________________________________ € I wish to remain anonymous in any listing of donors.

Commitment  Level  for  Sponsorship:  

Commitment Level White Oak $5000

Red Cedar $2500

River Birch $1000

Dogwood $500

Sweetspire $250

Listing in Auction Brochure

Full Page Advertisement

Half Page Advertisement

Quarter-Page Advertisement

Business Card Sized Advertisement

Name and Logo

Tickets included 8 (Full Table) 4 2 0 0

All Donors will have logo and name displayed at the event, and will receive credit in our newsletter, website, Facebook page, and HLT email signature.

Donation gift and advertisement materials are due by August 29, 2014.

# # # #

2014  Auction  Donation  Information   Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________ Business _____________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Phone__________________Email _______________________________________________________ Description of item (please be as specific as possible and attach pictures, brochures, certificates, checks, or other relevant materials) _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________  Approximate retail value of the item_______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Delivery/pick-up Instructions ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

We reserve the right to refuse any auction item donations and to disperse all as we see fit.

auction@harfordlandtrust.org

Gift commitment is due by September 5, 2014.

“Continue to Save the Places You Love”

From the President’s DeskThe term of my presidency will end on March 22, 2014, but I assure you that I am not going anywhere . I will continue my involvement as a member, active volunteer and supporter . I will continue to serve on the lands committee, to further the Army Compatible Use Buffer relationship, and assist in fundraising . Harford County land

preservation is my passion . My interest started in 1991 with the first HLT project, the Forest Greens Lake Preserve . With that success I saw how HLT’s preservation easement work was a powerful force for a healthy environment and a unique way to provide a public benefit to our community, and I have been pursuing that goal ever since . I am now the president of the Forest Greens Perryman Community Association, where I assist with the continuing stewardship of that property, and I look forward to further conservation in the community .

Honestly, I can’t get enough of working with you, our volunteers, the HLT board, and our dedicated staff whose efforts have become a constant reminder of the good work we do for the county . I plan to keep up my membership and maintain a close relationship with the Maryland Environmental Trust, the Land Trust Alliance, and of course my favorite nonprofit, HLT .

As a member of the Lands Committee, I look forward to reviewing new projects as they come in and seeing on-going projects come to fruition . HLT has tremendous opportunities to protect land and natural resources from Norrisville to Edgewood, and from Darlington to Joppa . Each project brings with it the knowledge that we have made Harford County a better place to live, to raise a family, to farm, to enjoy the outdoors and a better quality of life . I will enjoy working with the committee to develop new and foster old relationships, to improve our monitoring of easement properties, and to continue to bring our organization closer to Land Trust Alliance accreditation . Hand in hand with land projects is raising the funds to make them happen and keep our organization strong and viable; you will hear more from me in the future in that regard .

Just as this is not the end of our relationship, it’s the beginning of a greater relationship . Ben Lloyd is stepping up as President of the Board . Ben has been an active board member since his inception in March of 2008 . Ben is a smart guy with a BA in Political Science as well as a Masters of Public Policy in Local Government . Ben is a Harford County employee, has six years of experience on the HLT board, knows the folks well in the county’s land preservation department, and has deep roots in Harford County . Ben knows how to use his skills and the right tools to get the HLT job done . We needed and we found the right President who will now lead the HLT mission . Congratulations Ben!

As we move forward, we remain true to our core initiatives, as we have since the organization was founded . I ask that you consider helping the HLT reach its mission by using your skills and work with our staff, and board of directors to:

• Help grow HLT membership across the county and state by increasing individual, family, business and corporate membership and sponsorship .

• Help us escalate the Harford Land Trust’s “Campaign to Preserve Land” . This fund financially supports HLT operations by reimbursing expenses incurred in easement acquisitions and negotiations, land acquisition and outreach activities .

• Help grow the HLT board of directors . We are committed to growing from a 10 person board to a 15 member board to better populate our standing committees and meet the growing demand for our mission .

It has truly been my pleasure to serve along with the many board members over the years and with executive directors David Miller and Peg Niland . Our community is very fortunate to have such dedication in an organization that cares so much for our county, and whose work gives back to the public even more over time .

Helping landowners, private and public, to conserve land and protect the natural resources, scenic beauty,

rural character, and a healthyway of life in Harford County.

Board of directors

HARRY V . WEBSTER, JR .President

RICHARD M . POSTVice President

GLENN R . DUDDERARSecretary

JAMES G . MORRISTreasurer

GARY A . DAVIS

LINN L . GRIFFITHS

DIANE JONES

DENNIS L . KIRKWOOD

STANLEY A . KOLLAR

BENJAMIN A . LLOYD

H . TURNEY MCKNIGHT

JO A . TYSON

MICHAEL I . ZELLER

staff

MARGARET L . NILANDExecutive Director

NICHOLAI MAIN Office Support/Special Projects

ALAN FETTIGVolunteer Bookkeeper

Page 2 Page 7

TABLE OF CONTENTSAnnual Meeting 1

From the President’s Desk 2

2nd Annual Harvest Moon 3

Forst Filters 4

Spotlight on Volunteers 5

Conowingo Eagles Day 5

Thank You for Support 6

HLT Pledge Card 7

UPCOMING EVENTSApril 19 – 9:00 am

Earth Day

Willoughby Beach Road

Edgewood

May 3 – 9:00 am

Gulch Work Day

Kelly Property, Pylesville

June 14 – 10:00 am

Fourth Annual Kayak Poker Run

Location TBA

July 12 – 10:00 am

Canoe/Kayak/Picnic

Broad Creek, Darlington

August 16 - 11:00 – 5:00

HLT Day at Broom’s Bloom Dairy

Fountain Green Road, Bel Air

October 4 – 6:00 PM

3rd Annual Harvest Moon

Dinner and Auction

Water’s Edge Event Center,

Belcamp

November 1 – 10:00 am

Fall Foliage Hike

Raven Rock, Street

All dates are subject to change, contact the HLT office

for confirmation

Annual Meeting: Celebrating 22 Years!

Please join us for our

Annual Membership MeetingCelebrating 22 Years of Land and

Natural Resource Conservation

Fiore Winery

3026 Whiteford Road • Pylesville, MD 21132

Saturday, March 22, 2014

9:30 - 10:00 am - Registration and Coffee

10:00 - 11:30 am - Meeting and Presentations

See and hear an overview of the Trust’s accomplishments in 2013 and join us for a fond farewell to three of HLT’s long-standing board members and

officers: Les Eastman, Dennis Kirkwood, & Harry Webster.

GUEST SPEAKER:Jonathan McKnight

Associate Director for Habitat ConservationWildlife and Heritage Service

MD Department of Natural Resources

Lunch and Wine Tasting to follow

Join us in our efforts to protect Harford County’s natural lands, open space and wildlife habitat. Please check the appropriate category and enclose a check payable to Harford Land Trust.

Harford Land Trust, Inc.P.O. Box 385Churchville, Maryland 21028www.harfordlandtrust.org

Phone: 410-836-2103email: pniland@harfordlandtrust.org, orinfo@harfordlandtrust.org

❑ Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10❑ Senior/Retiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15❑ Individual or Family . . . . . . . . . .$50❑ Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75❑ Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100❑ Believer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150❑ Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500❑ Benefactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000❑ Sustaining (lifetime) . . . . . . . . . .$2,500❑ Small Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100❑ Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250❑ Corporate Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000

❑ Johnston Hegeman Land Fund

❑ Special Operations Trust Fund

❑ I’d like to volunteer my services

❑ I’d like more information about the Trust and its land conservation techniques .

❑ Please remove my name from your mailing list .

A hearty group of hikers enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Raven Rock on Deer Creek. Naturalist Stan Kollar (above) describes the plant life of the Piedmont Plateau.

Name _________________________________________

Address ________________________________________

______________________________________________

City, State, Zip ____________________________________

Phone _________________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________

Dues, contributions, and land donations are tax deductible

Spring 2014