Since 2018, Nancy and Charles Gardetto have proudly owned and operated Copper Penny Farm in Adamstown, Maryland. In October 2024, they took a major step in preserving their land by enrolling over 350 acres into Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program—a move that reflects their deep commitment to conservation and sustainable agriculture.
The Rural Legacy Program, enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 1997, is designed to protect large, contiguous tracts of land while enhancing natural resources and supporting Maryland’s agricultural and forestry industries. Frederick County is home to two designated Rural Legacy Areas: the Burkittsville area, known as the Mid-Maryland Rural Legacy Area, and the Adamstown area, known as the Carrollton Manor Rural Legacy Area. Of the 76,560 acres permanently preserved in Frederick County, approximately 8,098 acres fall under this program—including the Gardettos’ farm. Their property features best management practices, erosion and sediment control measures, and protects 1,880 feet of Tuscarora Creek, a vital waterway that flows into the Potomac River.
At Copper Penny Farm, the Gardettos raise pasture-raised pork, beef, and lamb, along with free-range chicken eggs. They also craft handmade lard and tallow soaps. Their animals roam freely across spacious pastures, a testament to the couple’s dedication to humane and sustainable farming. A unique feature of their operation is their pair of Belgian draft horses, Jim and Jake, who help with hay production—cutting, tedding, raking, and gathering.
What Charles and Nancy cherish most is the connection they’ve built with their customers. Whether it’s a pork roast or a top round steak, their patrons know the meat was raised with care, using feed and farming methods supported by their draft horses.
The Gardettos have been exceptional stewards of the land. Securing preservation through the Rural Legacy Program is a milestone that means the world to them. Though farming is hard work, they wouldn’t trade it for anything. After outgrowing their 20-acre farm in Anne Arundel County, they’ve found their forever home at Copper Penny Farm—where their passion for agriculture continues to thrive.
Interested in exploring how you can protect your land for future generations? Visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/agriculture or reach out to Frederick County’s Agricultural Preservation Specialist, Jenna Zimmerman, at jzimmerman@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-1474 for information!