Videos about Conservation Projects in Maryland

Beautiful farm with message: MD Farmers Partners in Conservation, Stories from the Field

Agriculture Protecting the Land and Water

Meet the farmers and conservation professionals who are working to protect the natural resources we depend on. Our videos spotlight Maryland farmers and the conservation projects they have installed to manage manure, safeguard local streams, build healthy soils and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Please watch, learn and share.

Uncover the benefits of cover crops

Howard County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:49
Small farms are growing in Maryland! Learn how MDA's Small Acreage Cover Crop grants have made a difference for this small vegetable farm in Howard County.

Healthy herds start with clean water

Frederick County | Watch Now on YouTube | 0:30

Clean water is essential for healthy livestock. In this video, you’ll see how pasture waterers, stream fencing, and designated stream crossings help protect waterways from pollution while keeping cattle healthy and productive.

Conservation practices at work on a Maryland chicken farm

Worcester County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:42

Learn how this Maryland farm family works to raise healthy chickens while protecting the natural resources that we all depend on.

Green chopping cover crops for on-farm forage

Kent County | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:38

Learn how this Kent County dairy farmer's cover crops are helping both his soil and his livestock thrive.

Saltwater intrusion: One farmer's story

Maryland Farms | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:38

Saltwater intrusion occurs when seawater flows into coastal areas like Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore. It can lead to unsafe drinking water, ghost forests, lower crop yields, and soils that can't support plant growth. Watch our video to learn how saltwater intrusion has affected this Dorchester County farmer.

Tree planting incentive programs for farmers

Maryland Farms | Watch Now on YouTube | 0:30

Discover how MDA's tree-planting and agroforestry incentive programs can help you increase farm income, enhance soil and herd health, and safeguard local streams and natural resources. It's a win-win for your farm and the environment.

Free conservation help for small horse farms

Maryland Farms | Watch Now on YouTube | 0:30

Watch our 30-second public service announcement to learn how Maryland's 23 local soil conservation districts support small horse farms with free planning and design services to restore overgrazed pastures, manage mud and manure, and protect local streams.

Streamside buffers & livestock exclusion

Allegany County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:30

Meet an Allegany County farm family that has taken advantage of incentives offered through MDA's Conservation Buffer Initiative to plant trees and exclude livestock from their farm stream.

Stream protection practices for horse farms

Harford County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:45

When Tim and Tracey Gay bought the property that would become Molly Hill Farm, they immediately began to restore the pastures. Over the years, they have installed a range of conservation practices to protect the stream that runs through their property, the quality of their pastures, and the health of their horses.

Assistance for small farms

Anne Arundel County | Watch Now on YouTube | 4:04

We help small farms too! Learn how this beginning farmer took advantage of the free services provided by the local soil conservation district to transform her small equine operation into a healthy home for her horses and the natural resources that we depend on.

Urban agriculture

Baltimore City | Watch Now on YouTube | 4:06

Learn how this veteran-led non-profit is transforming vacant land into green space in the Oliver neighborhood of East Baltimore.

Water control structure

St. Mary's County | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:19

Learn how installing a new water control structure is helping this St. Mary’s County farmer keep his soil on his field and out of the St. Mary’s River.

Grassed waterways

Cecil County | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:07

Grassed waterways protect fields from erosion and safeguard local water quality. They help prevent gullies from forming and are one of the most popular conservation practices installed by farmers. Learn why this Cecil County farmer is their biggest fan.

Wetlands restoration

Talbot County | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:59

Wetlands provide farmers with a range of water quality and enhanced wildlife benefits. Learn how this Talbot County farmer transformed unproductive areas of his farm into wetlands with the help of 100% cost-share.

Meet a grown up forest buffer

Carroll County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:19

Ever wonder what a grown up forest buffer looks like? See for yourself the many benefits of streamside forests.

All about buffers

Carroll County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:37

Get a bird's eye view of a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) planting that has transformed this small Carroll County farm.

Cover cropping

Queen Anne's County | Watch Now on YouTube | 3:44

You’ve probably heard about the water quality and soil health benefits of cover crops. But did you know that cover crops can provide a stable source of nitrogen for spring crops? Meet a pair of Queen Anne's County farmers who have taken cover cropping to the next level.

Farming with your nutrient management plan

Washington County | Watch Now on YouTube | 4:03

Nutrient management plans help farmers protect quality and improve farm efficiency and profitability. Meet a Washington County dairy and grain farmer who gets the most out of his plan.

Pasture management

Anne Arundel County | Watch Now on YouTube | 4:41

Sound pasture management provides health benefits for horses and local waterways. Learn how this Anne Arundel county barn manager uses rotational grazing to improve pasture grasses and save on feed costs.

Stream restoration

Baltimore County | Watch Now on YouTube | 4:49

Learn how this Baltimore County beef farmer took advantage of Maryland's financial and technical assistance programs to restore the stream that runs through his property.

Manure management

Frederick County | Watch Now On YouTube | 3:34

Waste storage structures come in all shapes and sizes. Hear what two Frederick County livestock farmers have to say about how these facilities protect local streams, improve their operations, and make daily chores easier.

Engineering and technology services

Frederick County | Watch Now on YouTube | 2:33

Local soil conservation districts have a long history of helping farmers install conservation practices on their farms to protect natural resources. Learn how their free engineering and technology services save farmers both time and money.