Since its establishment in 2009 by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has been a unique easement program protecting agricultural and natural resources statewide. Frederick County, one of the original nine participating counties, has remained a leader, reaching the milestone of 40 properties preserved under this program. The Albaugh family’s Peace and Plenty Farm in Rocky Ridge is a recent success story, with their 90-acre property preserved through a CREP easement.
Purchased by Ron Albaugh’s father in 1959, Peace and Plenty Farm is adjacent to Loy Station Park offering views of a historic covered bridge and the Catoctin Mountains. Originally a dairy farm, the Albaugh family transitioned to raising beef cattle in 1978. Ron grew up assisting his father with the cattle, even throughout his time away at college. Upon his father’s passing, Ron moved back to the family farm. He married his wife Bonnie in 1984, and they continued farming the property ever since. Recently the couple shifted their focus from raising beef cattle to crop farming corn, soybeans, small grains, and hay.
Ron and Bonnie, both educators, have brought their environmental expertise to the farm, earning numerous accolades for their stewardship. They have participated in the USDA Conservation Stewardship Program to enhance their conservation efforts and implemented best management practices (BMPs), including cover crops, grassed waterways, and a riparian buffer along Owens Creek. In 2012, the farm was recognized as a Certified Agricultural Conservation Steward, and in 2017, the couple became the first farmers in Frederick County—and the second in the state—to receive the Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program certification. This voluntary program highlighted their early success in meeting nutrient and sediment control goals to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Most recently, in 2018, the farm was honored with the Take Pride in Frederick County Award.
The Albaughs began working with Frederick County’s Ag Preservation team in 2020 to place their farm under a permanent CREP easement, ensuring the land remains dedicated to conservation-friendly farming. These easements limit certain farming practices in designated areas to promote soil, water, and wildlife conservation. Drawing on years of experience implementing BMPs, Ron identified areas best suited for practices like hay, pasture, and forest, as well as fields optimal for row crops. He thoughtfully designed the easement to balance conservation efforts with continued productive farming.
Ron sees CREP as a way to preserve the farm’s legacy. “When the property is sold in the future, it will be farmed in a manner that fits proper conservation practices,” he said. The Albaughs also support education, hosting students and researchers on their farm for agricultural and environmental studies.
With their dedication to sustainable farming and conservation, the Albaughs demonstrate how CREP helps safeguard Frederick County’s agricultural heritage for future generations. “When we are ready to leave this farm, we hope that we will find a buyer that shares our love for farming and nature,” they said.
If the Albaughs story has inspired you to learn more about preservation programs, visit https://frederickcountymd.gov/7980/Agricultural-Preservation or contact Agricultural Preservation Program Administer, Shannon O’Neil. Stay connected by following us on Facebook and Instagram.