ST. MARY'S COUNTY
REGIONAL FARMER'S MARKET
Southern Maryland RC&D is pleased to announce the start of the construction phase of the new Regional Farmer’s Market Complex and Three Notch Trail Extension, located on Thompson Corner Road in Charlotte Hall, MD. RC&D has the privilege of being responsible for the design and construction of this much-anticipated community project.
The project is primarily being funded by St. Mary’s County, with several other partners providing supplemental funds through grants, including Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and Rural Maryland Council (RMC/RMPIF). Support for grants was also provided by the Charles and St. Mary’s County Farm Bureaus.
The current farmer’s market, located at the Charlotte Hall Library, will move to the new site. The new complex will provide a 5,100-square-foot Seasonal Market building with multiple vendor stalls; a 5,100-square-foot year-round Value Added Market building that will provide for a vast array of market and community activities geared towards agriculture & aquaculture; a boardwalk and viewing platform through the woods linking the Market buildings to the nearby Three Notch Trail; ample parking; and public restrooms. Groundbreaking occurred in January 2021 and the Market complex is anticipated to open Fall of 2021.
Although the majority of the funding is in place and the project is under construction, additional funds are still needed to provide for the Value Added Market Building interior fit-out (kitchen equipment, freezers, training equipment, etc.), site amenities (benches, bike racks, bike repair station, picnic tables, water fountains, educational signage, native plant gardens, etc.), and other site enhancements. As such, and as part of this important endeavor, RC&D would like to also announce a NAMING CONTEST and FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN for this keystone project.
NAMING CONTEST:
The Naming Contest has now closed. Stay tuned for updates about the name chosen by the Commissioners of St. Mary's County!
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN:
RC&D is also working with local partners, including the University of Maryland Extension, to ensure the farmer’s market is a vibrant and beautiful place that is accessible to all. As part of that effort, RC&D is kicking off this campaign to support additional site amenities, including benches, picnic tables, bike racks, a bike repair station, educational signage, and native plant gardens. Those wishing to contribute may do by using the link below. All donations will be used solely for this project and are tax-deductible. Contributors will receive permanent recognition at the market.
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We are thrilled and grateful that the Gift of Trees program has generously agreed to provide $2500 for native trees from Tree-Mendous Maryland! These trees will be a wonderful addition to the farmer's market site, providing shade, attracting wildlife, and adding beauty to the area.
The Gift of Trees program is part of the MD Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service. About the program:
"The Gift of Trees program plants native trees in Celebration, Honor or Memory of family and friends and/or special events. Your Gift of Trees is actually three gifts - one to someone you care for, one to future generations, and one to the environment. Tree-Mendous Maryland will arrange for the trees to be planted in Maryland in the county in which the recipient of the certificate lives."
For more information, visit https://www.shopdnr.com/tree-mendousmarylandgiftoftrees.aspx.
