Center for Environment & Society

Owner: Judy Gifford

Location: 12246 Locust Grove Rd, Kennedyville, MD 21645

Driving Time: Approximately 20 minutes, allowing for slow-moving vehicles.

Directions from WC

Take 213 North toward Kennedyville (11 miles). Turn right on Locust Grove Dr/ MD-444. Continue one mile further and turn right into St. Brigid's farm, look for the cows and sign. Park along the barn.

St. Brigid's Dairy

A Brief History of St. Brigid's Dairy

St. Brigid's Dairy began in 1997, when Judy Gifford and Robert Fry bought the land, previously a grain farm, to start a dairy. They raise about 60 registered Jersey milking cows, 30 calves, and a few steers on 60 acres of land devoted to pasture. St. Brigid's Dairy has an invested interest in sustainable agriculture and the agricultural community.

Sites of Interest on the Farm

Keep extensive soil records tracing the progress from poor soil as a result of years of grain farming, to a nutrient rich soil from managed grazing practices and an effective nutrient management plan.
Boast a large quantity of earthworms and a healthy soil ecology.
A site for songbirds and other migratory breeding birds.
Near the source of Morgnec Creek, and within its watershed.
Received an award for conservation efforts.

Costs arranged on a per class basis.

Availability

Generally able to accommodate groups anytime.

Art

Scenic pastureland complete with happy grazing cows for sketching or photography.

Business Management

Good business records for studies on agricultural business management or for case studies in small scale agriculture.

Science/Environmental Studies

Opportunities to study records of soil testing and development under a nutrient management plan, as well as to participate in testing and examine soil ecology.
Possibility of examining the run-off of pastureland compared to conventional grain farming along Morgnec Creek, as well as the effects of run-off on erosion and water quality.
A home for migratory songbirds for observation and study.

300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782