Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission produces mini guides throughout the year to promote farms and related business in the Southern Maryland Region. Specifically, to highlight and aid diversification as the region transitions away from its tobacco-dependent economy.

Southern Maryland Winter Farm Guide

The Winter Farm guide of 2009/2010 is a comprehensive collection of farms and business that produce, sell, or process various seasonal goods. Of course quite a few are Christmas or Holiday related, they even have a list of Holiday events and Activities. If you’re looking for a unique gift,  a fresh cut Christmas Tree, even a Winery, or fresh meat or poultry, the guide an excellent directory to refer and locate for your special someone.

Farms for the Holidays

These are the items listed in the So. Maryland So Good… Winter Farm Guide:

• Christmas Trees and Trimmings
• Winter Vegetables
• Holiday Events and Activities
• Gifts from Southern Maryland Farms
• Flowers, Plants and Home Decor
• Firewood
• Wine
• Turkey, Poultry and Eggs
• Meat and Seafood

For an interactive Farm Guide and to Deck the Holiday Halls, get Feasts from the Farm, see days, hours and locations of the listed business and farms visit So. Maryland, So Good…

Fireworks after a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Game

Happy Fourth of July!

Celebrate the Fourth with Trace Adkins at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, MD.  The gates open at 6 p.m. Southern Maryland’s own John Lusky will be the opening act and take the stage from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Trace Adkins will showcase the event from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. A post-concert Fireworks Spectacular will wrap up the mid-summer evening program.

Tickets can be purchased at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Box Office event website or calling the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Office at 301-638-9788.

Ticket prices are:

• $75 for the first six rows of the seating bowl
• $58 for the remaining seats in the seating bowl
• $55 for standing room only in front of the stage on the field (NO SEATS)

Are you gonna feed us or what ???

A Little Background

Zekiah Farms is located in historic Bryantown, MD and through the environmentally rich Zekiah Swamp. The Zekiah Swamp is a 20-mile long, 0.5 mile wide, bottomland swamp that runs through the heart of Southern Maryland. Zekiah Swamp is a nationally recognized and protected wetland area which provides a natural habitat for many rare wildlife and plant species and migratory birds. Several of the plant species are unique to the swamp.

The Zekiah Swamp watershed extends to more than two-thirds of Charles County, from Southern Prince Georges County, through Bryantown and to Allens Fresh where the main stream becomes the headwaters of the Wicomico River. Thus its bogs and marshes provide an essential natural filter for millions of gallons of waters before they enter the estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

Where’d “Zekiah” Come From?

Prior to the arrival of the English colonists, the swamp was a favorite camping and hunting area for the Algonquin Indians. In fact, the present name is derived from the Algonquin-Fox dialect “Sacaya,” meaning “a dense thicket.” Through the years there have been many spellings: “Zachiah,” “Zachia,” “Sakiah,” and now “Zekiah.”

Zekiah Farms

Local seasonal fruits and vegetables are available in the farm store. The store hours are Monday though Friday 2-7 and 10-7 on the weekends. The also sell naturally raised USDA inspected meats. Have a need for a unique gift? They got you covered. They sell local artisans and craftmans items.

According to Zekiah Farms website:

Zekiah Farms makes the perfect place for family, school, youth, or corporate outings.  Zekiah Farms has developed programs to help educate and give memorable farm experiences.  These programs will not only be educational, but entertaining and fun as well.  Our goal is to share an understanding and love for agriculture and the environment.

They have a corn maze in the fall with over 3 miles of pathways. Hayrides, maze challenges, face paintings, a covered picnic area, plenty of free parking, and farm animals. They’ll teach you about the different breeds they raise. Like the cows above :)

How Do I Get There?

Take Route 5 South in Md until you get to the at traffic light on Route 5 (Leonardtown Rd) in Bryantown. Turn left onto Bryantown Road. Proceed approximately 1.0 miles and the farm will be on your left. Their street address is 5235 Bryantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601. You will see two white barns with greens roofs and don’t forget… it’s a farm… wear appropriate clothes and shoes.

Cindy and David Thorne
Zekiah Farms, LLC.
P.O. Box 784
Phone 240-216-4065
Fax 301-579-2635
info@zekiahfarms.com