In Frederick County, Maryland, the spirit of sustainable living and environmental stewardship is a year-round celebration.
From the rolling hills of our vineyards to the treetop adventures in our hillside forests, we have many visitor experiences and attractions that are dedicated to protecting and nurturing the environment.
Whether it's savoring the eco-conscious creations at a local organic distillery, wandering through the vines of a vineyard, or embarking on an adventure in our magnificent parks, you'll find that Frederick County offers a harmonious blend of environmental responsibility and unforgettable experiences. Discover the beauty of Frederick through the lens of sustainability, where every visit leaves a positive impact on both the land and the soul.
McClintock Distilling Company
McClintock Distilling in Downtown Frederick is pioneering in its commitment to sustainability. Each April, McClintock runs its "Gimlets for Green" initiative. This program underscores the company's dedication to eco-friendly practices by supporting reforestation efforts in Maryland.
With each gimlet sold at their Back Bar, McClintock contributes to planting trees, reinforcing the link between enjoying premium spirits and contributing to environmental conservation. Their approach extends beyond this campaign as Maryland’s first organic distillery, with the distillery being recognized for its water recycling processes and environmentally friendly production methods. At McClintock Distilling, each sip is a step towards a greener earth.
Learn more about their values and practices here
Black Ankle Vineyards
Black Ankle Vineyards is a testament to the belief that great wine and environmental care go hand in hand. Their vineyard in eastern Frederick County is a model of sustainability, from the ground up - literally.
The winery's buildings are constructed from materials found on their own land, and their farming practices are meticulously designed to nurture the soil and the ecosystem. Black Ankle's commitment to sustainability isn't just about maintaining balance with the earth; it's about enhancing it, ensuring that the land remains vibrant for generations of winemakers and wine lovers to come.
Learn more about their sustainable practices and history
Hippy Chick Hummus
Hippy Chick Hummus offers a culinary experience that's as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
Their dedication to sustainability shines through their use of biodegradable packaging and commitment to zero waste. The restaurant works with Key City Compost, a Frederick County company, to achieve its goal of being 100% sustainable.
By sourcing ingredients locally and focusing on plant-based offerings, Hippy Chick Hummus reduces its carbon footprint and supports the local agricultural community.
Learn more about their values and practices
Tree Trekkers
Tree Trekkers is an outdoor adventure park that offers exhilarating experiences among the treetops while respecting the natural environment on the hills that ring the City of Frederick.
Their "visions and values" highlight an immersive experience that doesn't just leave the forest untouched - it enriches it. By integrating their zip-lining courses with the existing forest, Tree Trekkers provides an authentic nature experience that educates visitors on the importance of environmental stewardship, all while ensuring the adrenaline rush of ziplining and aerial challenges.
Learn more about their visions and values
Catoctin Furnace
You might be thinking, "Wait, why would you include an iron furnace in an article about sustainability?" And that would be a fair statement to make. The manufacturing of iron and steel products, especially in earlier centuries, was devastating to local ecosystems.
The iron-making operation at Catoctin Furnace was no different. Operated from 1776 to 1903, Catoctin Furnace's operations stripped Catoctin Mountain of trees to make charcoal, left the mountainside scarred from the mining of iron ore, and, when the furnace was in operation, left a noxious, smelly cloud of air pollution hanging over northern Frederick County.
More than a century after the closure of Catoctin Furnace, however, new life has sprouted in this former industrial village.
The site of the Furnace, parts of the village, and the once-devastated surrounding landscape are now preserved by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society and Cunningham Falls State Park. Both entities have the express purpose of preserving not just the story of the furnace and its workers but are also dedicated to sustainable tourism to the sites. The Furnace site is now home to electric car chargers and trails nearby highlight the restoration of the natural environment around the site.
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society's newest addition, a blacksmith's shop, highlights the role of those ironworkers as the "original" recyclers.
