News from the fields, farms and beyond…
The race is on for After The Races to find a new farm. Bonnie McRae, executive director of the non-profit in Elkton that takes retired thoroughbred racehorses, rehabilitates them and finds them new homes and purposes, said the current location off of Telegraph Road has been sold, although the new owner has indicated there is no immediate need for ATR to vacate the farm.
Meanwhile the American Society for the Preservation of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is challenging supporters of After The Races to match their $60,000 grant.
“It’s a match it or lose it,” McRae said Thursday of the looming May 24 deadline. “If we can raise $60,000 they’ll give us $60,000. We need to get that match.”
A few days into the program $17,000 came in, she added.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” McRae said.
The Kentucky Derby will also include them in their Derby Give: Racing For More fundraiser May 4 at Churchill Downs. Each horse in the first jewel of the Triple Crown will be assigned a charity. If the horse that races for ATR wins it means a $25,000 donation for the Elkton non-profit.
Since announcing that the farm was up for sale ATR has raised about $500,000 toward a new home. McRae needs at least 40 acres, with or without buildings.
“We’ve heard of properties that may be going up for sale,” she said. Offers have been made on other sales but ATR came up on the short end of those. McRae is looking for any potential farmland for After the Races. To let McRae know about farms, to volunteer or to make a donation go to https://www.aftertheraces.org/ .
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Calvert Grange holds its first yard sale of the season Saturday at the grange hall, 2357 Telegraph Road in Rising Sun from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
There will be vendors inside and out and vendor space is still available for resellers, crafters, bakers, and more. The cost is $30 for an indoor 9-by-9 foot space, which can be set up the evening before. Outdoor spaces are $20 for a 10-by-10 vehicle space or $25 for a trailer space. Set up begins at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Proceeds from the Yard Sale, which will include food and refreshments by the members of the Grange, benefits their scholarship program. Call 443-406-8505 for a vendor space.
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Family Day on the Farm will be held May 5 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Rolling Hills Ranch in Port Deposit. Proceeds benefit Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program.
Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program offers hippotherapy — or equine based therapy — for children and adults with emotional, physical and developmental challenges.
Admission is $10 for children and free for adults. The fun includes entertainment by Dave Read and Bog Turtle Bob, plus games, activities, pony rides, hay rides, equine demonstrations, food and refreshments and so much more.
Rolling Hills Ranch is located at 33 Rolling Hills Ranch Lane in Port Deposit. Get tickets in advance at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fhtrp/event/2024familydayonthefarm/ .
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According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, now is a good time to fish for flathead catfish at the Conowingo Dam. Hickory shad is also being caught at Susquehanna and Octoraro Creeks as well as Deer Creek.
Blue and channel catfish are being caught from the Lower Susquehanna to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Anglers report the blues are large. The best bait? Chicken breast or livers scented with WD-40 is attractive to the fish.
Meanwhile, DNR reminds anglers that the ban on catching rockfish, or striped bass, in the bay and its tributaries does not end until after May 15. Fines for catching can run as high as $2,000.
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It’s a Silver Anniversary Year for St. Mary Anne’s Garden Market, returning May 3 and 4 at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church in North East.
From 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday — rain or shine — there will be dozens of vendors offering locally and regionally grown plants including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vegetables. Other vendors will offer crafts and products in a similar vein, or tools and materials with a garden connection. There will also be activities, food and refreshments.
This is the 25th Garden Mart at St. Mary Anne’s, located at 315 South Market St. in North East.
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Kayaking fans have until May 1 to take advantage of a Triple Pass offer from Bay Venture Outfitters. Buy one two-hour rental pass and get two more sessions free, which can be used until the end of the paddling season. The deal also includes stand up paddle boards (SUP).
Quantities are limited so go to https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/bayventureoutfitters/items/232007/?full-items=yes&flow=711881 to get yours, or go to Benson Outfitters, 15 North Main St. in North East.
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River Sweep 2024 is in the books. Last weekend more than 220 volunteers of all ages gathered at locations in Cecil and Harford counties and picked up trash and debris from the water and the shorelines.
According to Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, which organizes the annual event, four tons of garbage was removed from Charlestown, Conowingo, Perryville, Port Deposit and Havre de Grace waterways including Garrett Island.
If you have a farm or natural resources related event, idea or story you’d like to share in AgriCulture contact Jane Bellmyer at jbellmyer@cecilwhig.com or 443-245-5007
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