ESLC Preserves 186-Acre Farm Along Lloyd Creek

Kent County, MD - Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and the Prezioso family have permanently protected more than 186 acres of farmland in Kent County, Maryland. The property sits along Lloyd Creek and includes 125 acres of farmland and 55 acres of forest.

The land also includes waterfowl impoundments, successional grasslands, and scenic road frontage. A 100-foot forested buffer will protect wildlife habitat and help keep the air and water clean for nearby communities.

The easement also protects 3,115 linear feet of shoreline along Lloyd Creek, which flows into the Sassafras River. The project was made possible through the Rural Legacy Program, which is funded through Maryland's Program Open Space.

"Made possible through the Rural Legacy Program, which is funded through Maryland's Program Open Space, this easement once again illustrates the essential wildlife conservation and public health benefits ultimately supported by Program Open Space funding," said ESLC President and CEO Steve Kline.

The farm was purchased in 1992 as a hunting property by Fausto M. Prezioso, who was originally from Rome, Italy. It is now owned by his children, Andrea, Antonio, Elena, Franco, and Luigi Prezioso.

The family named the farm "La Chiusa," which means "an enclosure" or "a fenced field." The name reflects the woodlands that surround the property's grain fields.

"Having grown up on the Western Shore, the environment on the Eastern Shore has always been more tranquil and enjoyable," said Luigi Prezioso. "As the world gets more fast-paced and chaotic, conservation ensures that the people who will need the tranquility and enjoyment even more will have access to it. Protecting wildlife, the environment, and farming are critical functions of our society."

The farm is home to ducks, geese, deer, turkeys, eagles, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, ground hogs, opossums, and skunks. It also provides habitat for forest interior dwelling birds and may shelter the state-rare Spongy Arrowhead plant within a rare Eastern Hemlock-Hardwood forest.

"Part of our farm is along Lloyd Creek, with a beautiful view out to the Sassafras River," Prezioso said. "For the most part, that view hasn't changed since people first saw it. It is nice to know that we are conserving the farm, and that same view, for future generations."

This is the 348th easement completed by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy since the group was founded in 1990. ESLC works to conserve and protect the rural landscape of Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Photo Credit: ESLC