Gardenhour Orchards, which encompasses 105 acres within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, is the 100^th Maryland farm to receive the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCP) certificate and sign from the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.

The orchard, operated by Bill Gardenhour and his family outside of Smithsburg, Md., was recognized at a May 6 ceremony there. FSCP was established to recognize farmers who are good stewards of their natural resources and to encourage farmers to put additional best management practices  on their land.

The Gardenhours are the fourth generation to operate the orchard. They sell they apples, peaches, corn, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in their market and pick-your-own orchards and fields.

On their farm, the Gardenhours use nutrient management planning, conservation crop rotation, micro irrigation, proper irrigation management, and integrated pest management.

More information on the FSCAP certification process can be obtained at www.mascd.net or by contacting Lynne Hoot, [email protected], 410-956-5771.