We are thrilled to share that Catoctin Land Trust has been selected as one of just 33 projects across the Chesapeake Bay watershed to receive funding through a major conservation investment announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
Together, these agencies awarded $6.9 million to partner-led projects that advance strategic conservation—supporting fish and wildlife habitat, strengthening community partnerships, increasing resilience to natural disasters, and expanding public access to outdoor recreation. Every one of the 33 funded projects contributes to measurable conservation outcomes, including habitat restoration, long-term protection, and stronger connections between people and the lands and waters that sustain them.
As one of the selected projects, Catoctin Land Trust has been awarded $65,700 to complete an Assessment and Planning effort for the Monocacy Grasslands Important Bird Area. This investment will launch the Monocacy Grassland Birds Initiative, a new effort of the Heart of Maryland Collaborative focused on protecting one of our region’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Designated by National Audubon Society as the Monocacy Grassland Important Bird Area, this landscape straddles the Monocacy River in Frederick and Carroll counties, Maryland. It provides critical habitat for imperiled grassland bird species—some of the fastest-declining birds in North America. Our long-term objective is clear: protect and restore grassland habitat and biodiversity by working hand-in-hand with farmers and landowners who want to integrate wildlife conservation practices into their agricultural operations.
The Monocacy Grassland Birds Initiative is built on collaboration. We will engage new and existing partners with expertise in restoring native habitats for fish and wildlife. Together, we will co-create a voluntary, community-centered program that supports working lands while improving conditions for grassland birds and other wildlife. This initiative will also expand the Heart of Maryland Collaborative’s work into Carroll County, broadening our regional impact and strengthening cross-county partnerships.
At the same time, we will work directly with farmers and landowners to: enhance the ecological value of their lands, reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality, increase resilience to extreme weather through the use of native grasses and forbs, and adjust haying and forage schedules to better align with bird nesting seasons. These efforts are especially important in the Monocacy region, home to one of Maryland’s most polluted waterways. By improving land management practices upstream, we help safeguard clean water for downstream communities and contribute to the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Beyond habitat restoration, this initiative will expand public awareness of the region’s ecological significance and the vital role local producers play in maintaining it. Grassland birds are indicators of landscape health, and the working farms of the Monocacy region are central to their survival. By highlighting this connection, we aim to foster deeper community pride, encourage wildlife-friendly recreation such as birdwatching, and strengthen support for conservation-minded agriculture.
This project would not be possible without the collaboration of dedicated regional partners. We are proud to work alongside:
Together, we are building the long-term team needed to ensure success—one that supports farmers and landowners, benefits downstream communities through cleaner water, strengthens outdoor recreation opportunities, and protects imperiled wildlife.
This grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation represents more than funding—it represents confidence in collaborative, locally driven conservation. By investing in the Monocacy Grasslands, we are investing in resilient farms, thriving wildlife, clean water, and a connected community. We are grateful to our federal and foundation partners for making this work possible and excited to begin this next chapter in conserving the Heart of Maryland’s natural heritage.