Description
Just steps from the North Branch of the Potomac River and nestled within the Allegheny Front, this nearly 1,400-acre property in western Maryland bears the marks of a long history of resource extraction. Former strip mines and degraded forests dominate the landscape—but The Nature Conservancy is working to change that. Using science-based restoration strategies, we’re transforming this land into a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
Restoring this property will help protect water quality for millions who rely on the Potomac River and support the thousands of species that depend on a thriving Chesapeake Bay.
In 2021, TNC identified four priority landscapes to accelerate progress toward our 2030 goals. The Appalachians—home to 20% of the U.S.’s forest carbon and a vital corridor for climate adaptation—are one of them. Within this 2,000-mile range, the Allegheny Front plays a key role in connecting conservation lands across the region. This new property in the Potomac Highlands fills a critical gap in that ecological puzzle.
In the future, following the development of a public access plan and community input, the property will be open for recreation, permitted hunting, research, and other uses.
Check back for updates as restoration work begins!
