On February 11, 2026, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced more than $44 million in grant awards to support water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and community stewardship across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The 72 grants, awarded through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) and Small Watershed Grant (SWG) programs, will leverage nearly $31 million in matching funds to generate a total conservation impact of $75 million throughout the region.
Among this year’s recipients is the Catoctin Land Trust, which was awarded $595,269 to advance habitat restoration and conservation priorities through the Heart of Maryland Collaborative. The project will focus on restoring and protecting land along Antietam Creek in Washington County, Maryland, which is a critical tributary within the Chesapeake Bay system.
With this funding, partners will plant 40 acres of trees (30 acres of riparian forest buffers and 10 acres of upland plantings) and permanently protect 500 acres of priority habitat. These riparian buffers will improve water filtration, trap sediment and pollutants, absorb and transform excess nutrients, and decompose pesticides. Areas prioritized for riparian forest buffer restoration will consider brook trout presence which will result in more favorable habitats for cold-water species. Upland tree plantings will enhance wildlife habitat, improve soil health, and strengthen landscape connectivity across the watershed.
In addition to on-the-ground restoration, this effort strengthens long-term conservation capacity in the region. By aligning land protections, reforestation, and agricultural best management practices, the project supports working farms while advancing measurable water quality and aquatic habitat improvements. The result is a more resilient watershed, healthier streams, protected habitats, and a stronger foundation for conservation in Washington County.
Key collaborators include the Maryland Division of Forestry, Washington County Soil Conservation District, Washington County Office of Land Preservation, Chesapeake Conservancy, and the Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance. Together, this partner-driven team is advancing a shared vision of cleaner water, protected habitats, and thriving communities throughout the Antietam watershed and beyond.