Land Conservancy Nears 14,000 Preserved Acres!

Hello folks. Great news! Since 1995 our Land Conservancy of Adams County has been amassing acreage upon which we place permanent conservation easements providing ALL of us, our visitors and future generations substantial benefits, forever. Amazingly we are thirty (yes, 30 years old!), and our mission has never been more relevant.

So, what are these “benefits” you ask? Here are just a few. Spaces that are open and scenic, land that is far less or completely undeveloped, desperately needed habitat saved for flora and fauna, stream buffers that purify our water, woods and forests that create precious oxygen, and so much more.

A direct benefit of our efforts is the preservation of the rural feel and character that most Adams Countian’s hold so dear. Each of us enjoys it every day. We would certainly regret the loss of our rural character and natural expanses if it were taken from us slowly, piece by piece, never to return. Adams County is special and unique, and we intend to keep it that way. Take a trip south into Frederick County to see what we’d rather not become.

By way of background, the landowners who choose to work with us either donate an easement or are compensated for it by way of numerous sources. The easement created is a legal document that describes land use restrictions on subdivision along with impervious surface coverage (number of buildings and roads allowed); limits on types of commercial usage (i.e. no commercial solar arrays) with a focus on sustainable agricultural enterprises, etc.

Take Boyer Nursery and Orchards as a model example of what we can accomplish together. Boyer’s team has, over many years, worked closely with us to create six separate conservation easements on over 1,000 acres of their magnificent property. The sixth was created just a matter of months ago. What a win for our county!

We cannot do this without your help…and your past generosity has made what we do possible. This year, once again, we are participating in the Giving Spree on November 6. We have set a goal of raising $130,000 in today funds which will go directly to fulfilling our preservation projects over the next year. As in the past, we have in excess of $50,000 in matching funds created by a small group of our members who care so deeply that they hope to inspire you to unlock these funds to reach our goal.

Enjoy the fall weather in your unique and gorgeous county. And, give yourself a pat on the back knowing you have helped to make this happen!

I thank you in advance for your dedication and commitment to our critical mission. See you at the Spree on November 6.

Dave Salisbury is the president of the board of directors of the Land Conservancy of Adams County. The Land Conservancy of Adams County is a fully accredited, member-supported, non-profit land trust with the mission to preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County.

The Land Conservancy is proud to participate in the Adams County Community Foundation’s 2025 Giving Spree. Join us in person on Thursday, November 6 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel to learn more about the good work being done by 100+ amazing nonprofits supporting Adams County, and be sure to include the Land Conservancy’s giving number on your donation form - #67!