Maryland Farm Stewardship Program
The Maryland Farm Stewardship Program funds tree planting and conservation practices to improve water quality and wildlife habitat on Maryland farms, led by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (contact for current availability)
Funding Amounts: 100% of costs for plant material, installation, and 3 years of maintenance—no direct cash award; in-kind support provided.
Summary: Supports Maryland private farmland owners with free trees, installation, and maintenance for streamside buffers and upland plantings to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
Key Information: No fixed deadlines; confirm availability with program contacts before planning a project.
Description
The Maryland Farm Stewardship Program, coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides comprehensive support to private farmland owners for conservation plantings. The program offers free plant material, professional installation, and three years of maintenance for streamside forest buffers and upland tree plantings. It also helps coordinate related conservation practices such as stream bank fencing and livestock watering systems, and offers guidance for livestock producers interested in transitioning to rotational grazing through the Maryland Grazers Network. The overall goal is to enhance water quality, wildlife habitat, and the sustainability of Maryland’s agricultural landscapes.
