Maryland's Grasslands Plantation, Inc. and Bluestem Farm are a testament to the close relationship between commercial farming and conservation stewardship. "The farm has pushed the envelope for conservation best management practices, while maintaining profitability," explained owner Dr. Henry F. Sears. Dr. Sears produces grains alongside CRP trees and grasses that are improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

The farm has 500 CRP acres, including land enrolled under the Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Dr. Sears planted buffers along four miles of river and a 90-acre lake. Vesper sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, bobolinks, and bobwhite quail now inhabit the farm's plentiful warm weather grasses. While the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service bands these and other birds on the property, the University of Maryland studies the birds, along with grasses and plants.

The Sears farm is one of 3,000 that are restoring wetlands along the Bay and its tributaries through the Maryland CREP, FSA's first CREP agreement. The 70,000 acres currently enrolled contribute to cleaner water, healthier fish, and a safer environment for millions of Chesapeake Bay watershed residents.

Sailboat on Chesapeake Bay. Water quality is enhanced by CREP grass filter strips and riparian buffer.

Filter strips installed through CREP filter sediment and nutrient run-off from crop fields before it can enter the Chesapeake Bay.

A boater on the Chesapeake Bay enjoys a cleaner ride thanks to the filter strip installed between the cornfield and the water.

A work boat passes near cropland bordered by CREP filter strips. Water quality in the Bay impacts the fishing industry as well as recreation.

Corn harvest on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay.

Commercial farming and conservation work hand-in-hand on Maryland's Grassland Plantation, Inc.