Oldfields News

Oldfields School Secures Landmark Conservation Easement to Protect Campus Landscape in Perpetuity

Sparks Glencoe, Maryland —Oldfields School today announced the successful completion of a landmark conservation easement with Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, permanently protecting the land surrounding its historic campus from future development.

This conservation easement ensures that Oldfields’ signature rolling hills, open pastures, and wooded landscapes will be preserved for generations of students, alumnae, and the broader community. The agreement reflects a thoughtful balance between environmental stewardship and the school’s commitment to growth and innovation.

Oldfields retains full ownership of the property, as well as full use and stewardship of its main campus, where students live, learn, and gather. The easement does not impact daily operations, maintenance, or the school’s ability to modernize, expand, or enhance its facilities.

“This is a defining moment for Oldfields,” said Ansley Smithwick, Head of School. “We are deeply grateful to Gunpowder Valley Conservancy for their partnership in helping us preserve a campus that has educated young women for 159 years and remains a place we call home. This landscape is not simply a backdrop. It is central to how our students learn, reflect, and grow. Through this agreement, we are able to protect that experience while honoring our history and ensuring that future generations of Oldfields students will continue to benefit from the same sense of beauty and belonging.”

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy oversees the stewardship of over 2,300 acres of preserved land, including several other properties in Glencoe. The 127.48 acre Oldfields parcel was preserved with funds provided by the state’s Rural Legacy program, administered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “It is always a cause for celebration when we can permanently preserve the farmland and woodland that makes the area so special,” said Ann Jones, Consultant, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy. “Our ability to work with Oldfields and customize an easement that recognizes their unique needs highlights the importance of the Rural Legacy program to land preservation in Maryland.”

“As an Oldfields alumna and now a Board member, I am so pleased that we have been able to ensure that the remarkable campus my mother knew in the 1950s and I experienced in the late 1970s will be protected for generations to come,” said Bly Hartley, acting chair of the Oldfields Board of Trustees. “The natural environment is such an integral part of the heart of our school. It has drawn so many girls to Oldfields and provides a sense of continuity when they return to visit. The easement allows us to preserve the beauty and character of the campus while thoughtfully maintaining and enhancing our facilities to meet the needs of today’s students and those who will follow.”

The partnership underscores a shared vision of conservation and responsible land stewardship, ensuring the rural character of the campus remains intact while supporting the school’s long-term strategic priorities.

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy’s mission is to engage, connect, and inspire people to preserve and restore the Gunpowder Watershed. What we do on the land is intricately connected to the health of our waterways. In addition to preserving land, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy has planted 42,000+ native trees, removed 300+ tons of trash, and created 310+ conservation gardens to promote clean water.

"Land in the Baltimore metro area is at a premium, and once it's gone, it's gone. That's what makes conservation easements so meaningful,” said Lindsay Crone, Executive Director, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy. “We are not just protecting trees and wildlife; we are protecting the water people drink, the air they breathe, and a place that will still be here long after everything around it has changed."

Founded in 1867, Oldfields School is a boarding and day school for girls in grades 8–12 located in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, known for its innovative academic program, internationally recognized Equine Science Concentration, and vibrant community. With this conservation agreement in place, Oldfields reaffirms its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its campus, which has long been central to its identity.

Posted: May 11, 2026