American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT)
The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) was established in 1986 to protect a 436-acre property near Scientists Cliffs in Port Republic from development. Today, ACLT manages more than 3,500 acres across Prince Frederick and Port Republic. By working with the Calvert Soil Conservation District and utilizing programs like EQIP, CSP, and MACS, ACLT has been able to implement a variety of best management practices. Notable conservation projects include a grade stabilization project on ACLT’s Yoe property and planting 45-foot wildflower and native grass buffer zones around agricultural fields to slow storm water flow, reduce erosion, and prevent nutrients and sediments from entering headwater streams. Further, ACLT uses sustainable and regenerative farming techniques such as no-till soil building to minimize disruption, on site composting to eliminate synthetic fertilizer input, and a four year crop rotation cycle at its Double Oak Farm. The farm’s yield is donated to St. John Vianney Church’s Interfaith Food Pantry, furthering ACLT’s impact on the community. ACLT also aims to inspire a conservation ethic in the next generation by training high school students for the forestry section of Envirothon, working with Scout troops, and hosting Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps members. Without a doubt, volunteers are the backbone of ACLT’s success, investing countless hours into projects like invasive species removal, meadow restoration, hiking trail maintenance, and sustainable produce production. The organization is also exploring innovative techniques such as beaver dam analogs to trap sediment and slow water in streams and using apps like Avenza for improved land management. ACLT manages 26 miles of trails through two watersheds, encouraging free public access to natural elements year-round. One such trail travels 6.1 miles (one-way) from Prince Frederick to the Chesapeake Bay, appropriately named “Prince Frederick to the Bay Overlook Trail,” or PF- 2BAY for short. Additionally, ACLT visitors can hike all the way from Prince Frederick to Port Republic by utilizing its extensive trail system and unique raft on a pulley system to cross Parkers Creek. ACLT is careful to design and maintain trails to minimize soil erosion while providing a way for people to recreate and rejuvenate in nature. Through collaborative relationships with Calvert Soil Conservation District and many other organizations, ACLT and their volunteers demonstrate how challenging conservation work can lead to rewarding and impactful results. ACLT envisions its protected land as a place that remains wild and relatively unchanged, standing as a testament to the resilience, beauty, and power of nature. ACLT will continue to use innovative conservation solutions while staying true to its mission of “conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Parkers Creek and Governors Run Watersheds for the benefit of this and future generations” (www.acltweb.org). Thank you ACLT, for protecting and conserving lands for recreation, wildlife, and environmental and public health. Your commitment to conservation efforts and land stewardship are an outstanding example of your dedication. Congratulations ACLT – 2024 Cooperator of the Year!
