Double your donation!

Double your donation!

Thirty years ago the Conservancy was a young organization focused on land conservation when Mt. Pleasant farm became our home base. Thanks to your support, we have grown tremendously since then, reaching over 40,000 people this year alone at our two nature centers,...
Giving Tuesday goal reached

Giving Tuesday goal reached

The Howard County Conservancy thanks all who contributed this #GivingTuesday to support and expand our Youth Climate Institute. We exceeded our fundraising goal, and those funds were matched by our generous sponsor, Howard Hughes. All donations will help high school...
Volunteer Spotlight: Carolyn Keaton Culp

Volunteer Spotlight: Carolyn Keaton Culp

Carolyn Keaton Culp, who started volunteering with the Conservancy after finishing her Master Naturalist training in 2022, has worked as a volunteer leading hikes and field trips and aiding with our public programs. “I love taking nature walks and exploring the...
Spotted at the Conservancy: Spun glass slug caterpillar

Spotted at the Conservancy: Spun glass slug caterpillar

The moth that matures from this caterpillar is fairly pedestrian-looking, a silvery beige with some brown spots. But the caterpillar, which Bonnie Ott photographed last month, is spectacular, nearly transparent and covered in spiny hairs. The caterpillars feed on the...
Spotted at the Conservancy: Juvenile red-shouldered hawk

Spotted at the Conservancy: Juvenile red-shouldered hawk

This awkward bundle of feathers will soon grow into a majestic red-shouldered hawk. Kurt Schwarz photographed this puffy teenager on Sept. 19 near the stone wall that runs from Montjoy Barn down to the stream. He believes this hawk is the offspring of the mated pair...
Naturalist training

Naturalist training

Like lichen? Dig dirt? Try nine-week Master Naturalist training, 1/9/24 to 3/5/24 (Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), with an in-depth look at local ecology and natural history. Apply starting Oct. 1. For more information, visit the University of Maryland...