Just a few miles from Washington, D.C., lies a rural oasis that rivals the English countryside. Spend an autumn day exploring the scenic 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve in Maryland’s Montgomery County, designed as a means to preserve farmland and rural space in the northwestern part of the county. Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a longtime resident of the reserve, serves as guide and introduces some of her favorite places in this close-in slice of paradise at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Along the way, hear two remarkable stories of preservation: Gordon Strong’s lifelong mission to save Sugarloaf Mountain from development and keep it open for public enjoyment and education and Montgomery County’s innovative farmland preservation program, which has served as a model for agricultural areas throughout the world.
Visit historic farms and meet farmers who will discuss the progressive methods they use to bring fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products to local markets. The morning includes visits to Kingsbury Orchard and Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, where you meet the people who provide care, rehabilitation, and sanctuary to abused, abandoned, and neglected farm animals—plus wildlife—at the 400-acre refuge. You also meet some of the animals, who include sheep, goats, rabbits, and pigs. After lunch, visit local Morningstar Studio, home to artist Tina Brown, before taking an autumnal walk on one of Montgomery County’s picturesque trails. Wrap up the day at Shepherd’s Hey Farm, known for its longwool sheep, and enjoy local cider, wine, and cheese.
A local lunch is included.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St. NW, with a pickup stop at the Giant Food, 5320 Zenith Overlook, Bethesda, MD, at about 8:15 a.m.
- Tour includes lunch and afternoon refreshments.
- The tour involves a short, flat hike, plus walking and standing at most sites.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
