WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22, 2025
8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Refreshments
Dunkirk Park and Ride
10839 Town Center Blvd., Dunkirk
9 a.m.
Wilson Dowell Farms
2905 Chaneyville Road, Owings
10 a.m.
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue 7940 N. Flint Hill Road, Owings
11 a.m.
Lunch and Roundtable
Sassafras Farms
9315 Howes Road, Dunkirk
1:45 p.m.
Swann Farms
7740 Swan Lane, Owings
3 p.m.
Dunkirk Park and Ride 10839 Town Center Blvd., Dunkirk
Wilson Dowell Farms wilsondowellfarms.com
Wilson Dowell Farms is a fourth-generation, 320-acre family farm rooted in the Dowell-Leavitt legacy, where the name honors their grandfather, Wilson Dowell Jr.
Originally a tobacco farm, it has transitioned over the decades into a sustainable, pasturebased livestock operation. Under the leadership of Judy Leavitt and later her son Jason and his wife, Kristen the farm has shifted to raising grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork through rotational grazing and regenerative practices. Established as Wilson Dowell Farms LLC in 2010, the farm sells meat directly to consumers and participates in local agricultural education and events.
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue fhhr.org
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue was founded in 2004 by Melody Trecartin to rescue foals from the pregnant mares’ urine (PMU) and nursemare industries.
Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Freedom Hill has expanded to rehabilitate and rehome abused, neglected, abandoned and owner-surrender horses. The rescue has helped more than 470 horses and became verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in 2019. Operated by volunteers and donors, it also focuses on a variety of community education and equine-assisted services. As a certified Maryland Horse Discovery Center, the rescue has developed equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs where rehabilitated horses help youth and families build life skills through hands-on, ground-based activities.
sffarmsmd.com
Sassafras Farms began operations in 1962, covering approximately 226 acres across two locations, and is owned by the Smart family.
Chad and Curk Smart became a fully registered Black Angus cattle operation in 2010, with an emphasis on natural, high-quality beef through advanced breeding techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In 2015, the farm expanded by establishing its registered Black Angus herd, and in 2021 it added registered Berkshire pigs, chosen specifically for their superior marbling, tenderness and flavor. Sassafras Farms proudly markets locally grown, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and pork at its Dunkirk location.
www.swannfarms.com
Swann Farms is a sixth-generation family farm established in the 1850s along the Patuxent River.
Originally focused on tobacco and grain crops, the farm shifted in the 1990s to growing fruits and vegetables, including sweet corn, peaches, berries and tomatoes. Today, the farm operates a wholesale produce business serving local grocery stores, restaurants and roadside stands across Southern Maryland, and features 20 acres of pick-your-own produce along with seasonal agritourism experiences like sunflower and pumpkin picking. Recognized for its conservation practices and community involvement, the Swann family was inducted into Maryland’s Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2016.
Total farmland in Calvert County
24,654 acres
Data taken from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022 Census of Agriculture County Profile, Calvert County, Maryland. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. Available online at: www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus
Number of farms in Calvert County
The Department of Economic Development plays a crucial role in Calvert County by monitoring economic trends and implementing business programs that foster economic growth. In addition to its primary goal of attracting and retaining strong, healthy and dynamic companies across various industries, the department also focuses on promoting the growth and development of the county’s agriculture and tourism sectors. By supporting these key areas, the department aims to create a diverse and thriving economy that makes Calvert County a great place to live, work and play.
The economic development team acts as a catalyst for promoting projects within the parameters set by the Comprehensive Plan to boost the commercial tax base, generate jobs, retain businesses and attract visitors. With a keen emphasis on environmental sensitivity and community interests, the team is wholeheartedly committed to fostering the growth of prosperous businesses that cultivate a thriving workforce while preserving a sustainable and harmonious relationship with the environment to ensure a high quality of life for all.
The department offers a range of valuable services at no cost, including marketing support through websites, social media and advertising, workshops and training opportunities, financial support assistance, reports and analyses on demographics, workforce and economic indicators and so much more. Interested individuals can explore the additional free services provided by the department below.
• Help navigating the regulatory process
• Site selection assistance
• Commercial real estate listings and reports
• Entrepreneurship support
• Groundbreakings and new business opportunities
• Confidential business counseling
• Incentive and loan fund programs
• Resources for businesses growth opportunities
• Workforce development
• Anniversary acknowledgments and ribbon cuttings
• Business planning and strategy development
• Ombudsman program
• Visitor Attraction
• Support to the tourism and hospitality industries
• Publication of brochures and guides
• Support of special events and tourism activities
• Seasonal farmers markets
• Programs and services for farmers and growers
• Connection to regional resources
The leaves are changing and fall is in the air! Calvert County farms are ready to welcome the community for a season full of fall fun.
1865 Horsmon Farm Lane, St. Leonard 443-532-5761
Sept. 20-Nov. 2
Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pumpkin patch • maze • farm animals
wagon rides • farm trail dirt diggers
rubber duck races • human hamster wheels
playground • fall decoration items for sale
$10 for adults
$12 for children ages 2-12 (includes a small pumpkin while supplies last)
Children under two years old are free
2925 Yoes Corner Lane, Port Republic 410-474-2205
Opens Sept. 20
Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pre-picked pumpkins • corn maze • ball pits
corn pit • bounce house • bouncy animal pit
face painting • jump pad
$5 per person
Children under two years old are free
3915 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick 410-610-0094
Opens Oct. 4
Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pumpkin patch • corn maze • wagon rides
jump pad • night maze
$10 per person
7740 Swann Lane, Owings 443-203-9418
Opens Oct. 1
Wednesdays-Fridays, Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pumpkin picking off the vine
mini corn maze • fall market
$5 to enter the corn maze
Children under two years old are free
3305 Saint Leonard Road, Port Republic 443-532-7891
Sept. 5-Nov. 2
Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pick-your-own pumpkins • corn maze
hay maze • jumping pillow • tire mountain
corn pit • two giant slides • pedal-kart track barrel cart rides • pumpkin carving
farm trail • petting zoo (select days)
fall decorations for sale • farm stand
$12 per person
$10 per person for families of four or more
Children under two years old are free
CalvertHealth Medical Center
130 Hospital Road, Prince Frederick Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
CalvertCountyGovernment DepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
184BMainStreet
PrinceFrederick,MD20678 410-535-4583 info@choosecalvert.com
www.CalvertCountyMD.gov www.ChooseCalvert.com www.VisitCalvert.com www.CalvertAg.com
JulieOberg
Director
CalvertCountyGovernment DepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
Julie.Oberg@CalvertCountyMD.gov
Phone:410-535-4583,Ext.2485
SheebahSmith
DeputyDirector
CalvertCountyGovernment DepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
Sheebah.Smith@CalvertCountyMD.gov
Phone:410-535-4583,Ext.2484
CarolineTrossbach
AgriculturalDevelopmentSpecialist CalvertCountyGovernment DepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
Caroline.Trossbach@CalvertCountyMD.gov
Phone:410-535-4583,Ext.2488
SarahFrey
TourismandAgricultureProgramAssistant CalvertCountyGovernment DepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
Sarah.Frey@CalvertCountyMD.gov
Phone:410-535-4583,Ext.2486
