The 2025 Leopold Conservation Award in Maryland is presented by the Sand County Foundation in partnership with the American Farmland Trust and several state and regional partners including the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau. This prestigious award is given in memory of conservationist Aldo Leopold and seeks to honor outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship among private landowners actively engaged in farming, ranching, or forestland operations.
This award aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate exemplary voluntary conservation practices that support soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working lands. Eligible recipients include farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go beyond legal compliance in their environmental efforts and serve as role models for the broader agricultural and conservation communities. The Leopold Conservation Award underscores the concept of a "land ethic," promoting a respectful and sustainable relationship between people and the land.
Nominees may self-nominate or be nominated by others, with applications requiring detailed information across five evaluation criteria: Conservation Ethic, Resilience, Leadership and Communication, Innovation and Adaptability, and Ecological Community. Each response should be limited to 1,000 words. Applicants are also asked to provide supplemental details such as acreage under management, a brief description of their operation, involvement with conservation programs or partners, and names of farm advisors. Additionally, three letters of recommendation are required, with at least one from a natural resource conservation entity.
Applications must be submitted via email to MarylandLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org by July 15, 2025. Winners will receive a $10,000 cash prize, and a video will be produced showcasing their agricultural operation. Awardees should be prepared to engage in media and outreach efforts as part of the program’s goal to promote voluntary conservation on private lands.
The award is further supported by regional environmental and agricultural organizations including Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Conservancy, Delmarva Chicken Association, ShoreRivers, The Nature Conservancy, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Full details can be found on the Leopold Conservation Award website at www.leopoldconservationaward.org.
