Land Preservation Hike: Filston Farm

Enjoy the beauty of a preserved, historic farm and learn about the benefits of land preservation!

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) has preserved over 2,000 acres across the Gunpowder Watershed. As a land trust, GVC works with landowners to conserve natural areas, farmland, and open space. Over 60% of Baltimore’s drinking water supply comes from within the Gunpowder Watershed, and land preservation is an important tool for reducing water pollution.

You are invited to spend a fall afternoon at one of our preserved properties in Sparks: Filston Farm Preserve (1341 Glencoe Road, Sparks, MD 21152). Join GVC for a quick overview about land preservation. We will then explore the 180+ acre Filston Farm on trails through fields, forests, and wetlands (trail length TBD). There is a historic Bank Barn and you can even admire a Maryland Heritage oak tree!

We have now closed registration for this hike (9/3/25)! Please visit our calendar of events for other environmental stewardship opportunities this fall!.

If you are unable to hike the full distance, we still encourage you come to take in the scenery and ask questions! We will have staff at a central meeting point throughout the entire event.

Please dress appropriately for a casual hike with proper footwear (sneakers, boots), hat, sunscreen and/or bug spray (as needed). Bring your own water bottle and we will provide light snacks.

This event is hosted by Gunpowder Valley Conservancy’s Land Preservation Committee. It is funded by the Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant program in partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the Maryland Department of Transportation.