The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy and three other land trusts were each presented with a $7,700 contribution in a ceremony on May 8. The funds came from the proceeds of a fundraiser organized for the land trusts by North County Preservation, Inc. (NCP). NCP Vice President Alice Chalmers presented the grant to GVC Board Member Mac McAvoy, along with County Executive Jim Smith and County Councilman Bryan McIntire.
The first endeavor of its kind in Baltimore County was a huge success with a sold out crowd of over 250 residents attending the festivities at the Manor Tavern on March 31. The four land trusts that were recipients of the contributions are locally-run organizations that specialize in securing easements on targeted properties in northern Baltimore County. Like most local land trusts, the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, Land Preservation Trust, Manor Conservancy, and Long Green Valley Conservancy operate on lean budgets and rely on volunteer boards and, so the contribution provided by this fundraiser is a major help to these groups.
In addition to securing and monitoring conservation easements within the Gunpowder watershed, the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy also conducts a number of stream buffer tree plantings each year, coordinates trail maintenance days and stream clean-ups, and takes on a variety of projects that involve preservation of historical sites and features. The funding from NCP will go towards these core activities.
“We are delighted with this unexpected show of support from the community and grateful to North County Preservation, Four Corners Wine and Spirits, and the Manor Tavern for making the event possible,” said GVC President Neil Carmody. “It gave local land trusts an opportunity to display their work and motivate residents to support land preservation by considering an easement option and/or by joining a local conservancy. It also raised money that will be put to good use by each of the organizations.”
