1800s, Quaker innovations in soil management restored productivity, and the building of the C & O Canal and the B & O Railroad allowed for diversification of farming. Today’ s farmers are supplementing traditional output with such things as lavender, honey, vineyards, and locally crafted products.
Over 100 protected Rustic Roads wind through the County; most are located in the Reserve and reflect the historic and scenic characteristics of their rural origins. Some of these roads were adapted from Native American trails, while others were purpose built as post, rolling, and farm roads and date back to the 1700s.
Montgomery County is truly a cradle of conservation with a rich tradition of stewardship and
Turtles bask in the sun on a fallen tree in the C & O Canal.
preservation of land. In the 1950s, Supreme Court Justice William Douglas led the fight to prevent the C & O Canal from being paved over as a roadway and instead designated as a National Park protecting the waterways and natural resources along the towpath. In 1962, Rachel Carson, a resident of the County, published her pivotal
book“ Silent Spring,” which pointed to the perils of lax environmental oversight and unregulated land development, inspiring the environmental protection movement. Today the award-winning Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve stands the test of time, honoring its past, adapting to changing times, climate, and uses while protecting its resources for present and future generations.
Sarah Rogers, Executive Director of Heritage Montgomery, is an interpretive planner, designer, and executive in the areas of resource protection and development. She provides leadership in the areas of education, outreach, and stewardship to natural, cultural, and historical sites, parks, and museums at a federal, state, and local level.
ountryside
C artisans
A collective of artists in and around the Ag Reserve
Pleasant Valley Produce... Get to know your local farmer!
2025 TOURS:
apr 25-27 Oct 3-5 Dec 5-7
Spend the day in the country! Meet the artists, see where they work and learn about their mediums. Follow our map to reach each unique destination as you explore the beauty of Maryland’ s countryside.
countrysideartisans. com
Studios and galleries open 10-5pm each day Art studios open year round( by appointment)
Open June through October • Online sales year round Facebook. com / pleasantvalleyproduce
Selling our famous sweet corn picked fresh daily, locally raised beef and pork, other fresh local produce and goods. Bulk beef available for sale.
Pleasantvalleyfarmmd. com • 301-606-8854 22201 Laytonsville Rd • Laytonsville MD 20882