Restoring the Antietam Watershed, One Forest at a Time
If you own open land in the Antietam Watershed, this is your opportunity to turn it into something that will create a lasting impact for years and years to come.
The Antietam Watershed Afforestation Program (AWAP) offers Maryland landowners a 100% cost-free way of establishing new forests on their property. We take care of the planning, planting, and long-term care so that you don’t have to. AWAP is administered by the Catoctin Land Trust and is supported through partnerships with technical experts, including the Maryland DNR Forest Service, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance.
In exchange for a 15-year commitment to keep the trees in place, participating landowners receive a $500-$2,000 per acre in financial compensation (on a sliding scale, case-by-case basis), along with a custom planting plan, professional installation, and five years of maintenance to ensure long-term tree health. Landowners also receive a complete planting package, including a planting plan document, species specification sheet, and site map for review.
The program uses bare-root native tree and shrub seedlings, installed with five-foot tree shelters and wooden stakes to support early growth. No conservation easement is required to participate in this program; however, landowners must agree to keep the trees for a 15-year period. Additionally, project sites may be as small as 0.75 acres.
By applying, you’ll improve your land, support wildlife, protect water quality, and contribute to the long-term health of the Antietam Watershed-while we and our partners handle the heavy lifting.
Why Landowners are Saying Yes
– 100% cost-free participation
– $500-$2,000 per acre (case-by-case)
– Custom planting plan tailored to your land
– Five years of maintenance included
– No easement required
– Minimum project size: 0.75 acres
– Must be located in the Antietam Watershed
