WISH LIST $100: outfits a colonial interpreter in period clothing; $500: produces an educational sign describing environmental restoration projects; $1000: sponsors a performance at African American Heritage Day

George Washington once said of Mount Vernon, “No estate in the United America is more pleasantly situated than this.” To this day, Mount Vernon commands a breathtaking view of the Potomac and of the rare wildlife habitat beyond. Just fifty years ago, however, plans were underway to industrialize the land that Washington’s home overlooks. Founded in response, the Accokeek Foundation became one of the nation’s first land trusts and was named protector of the hundreds of acres of Piscataway National Park that it sought to save. Today, visitors can hike a network of trails winding through wetlands, visit a native tree arboretum, and observe an award-winning forest restoration project. To emphasize the connection between nature and history, Accokeek has used part of the preserve to build the National Colonial Farm, a living history museum that depicts a Maryland family farm on the eve of the American Revolution. Nearly extinct heirloom crops and heritage breed animals—on view to schoolchildren and families—are preserved here for future generations. The Foundation’s organic Ecosystem Farm stresses the future of agriculture as organic farmers learn the tools of a new trade, and visitors follow their progress. Accokeek celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 and has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years. Each year, the Foundation hosts over 35,000 visitors, including 6,000 schoolchildren. Please help protect this great national treasure!

Wilton C Corkern, President 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 301 283 2113 ext 14 www.accokeek.org