Earth Month
By Jake Wynn
As spring emerges in Frederick County, we are all heading outside to enjoy the lovely weather, a nice hike and maybe even enjoy some of the renowned outdoor dining.
This month, we are paying tribute to those local businesses and attractions that not only invite visitors and residents to explore our region but also embody practices that are kind to our planet. Let’s embark on a journey through our attractions that are leading the way in environmental stewardship.
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 the distillery’s Back Bar, McClintock contributes to planting trees, reinforcing the link between enjoying premium spirits and contributing to conservation. The approach extends beyond this campaign as McClintock, with its water recycling processes and environmentally friendly production methods, is recognized as the state’s first organic distillery.
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 were constructed from materials found on the land and its 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.
Hippy Chick Hummus on North Market Street offers a culinary experience that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds. The dedication to sustainability shines through its use of biodegradable packaging and commitment to zero waste. The restaurant works with Key City Compost to achieve the goal of being 100 percent sustainable.
By sourcing ingredients locally and focusing on plant-based offerings, Hippy Chick Hummus reduces its carbon footprint and supports the local agricultural community.
Tree Trekkers is an outdoor adventure park that offers exhilarating experiences among the treetops while respecting the natural environment on the hills east of the City of Frederick. It values an immersive experience that goes beyond leaving the forest untouched. By integrating their ziplining courses with the existing trees, the business provides an authentic nature experience that educates visitors on the importance of environmental stewardship, all while ensuring the adrenaline rush of aerial challenges.
Catoctin Furnace may seem like an odd location to learn about sustainability. After all, iron manufacturing takes a tremendous toll on the surrounding environment. From 1776 to 1903, iron operations left Catoctin Mountain without trees (used for charcoal) and scarred by the mining of iron ore. However, in the century since the furnace closed, Cunningham Falls State Park has preserved the land near the furnace and the local ecosystem recovered. Today, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society shares the story of this renewal and tells the story of the former blacksmiths, the first “recyclers” in the production of iron tools.
Jake Wynn is the senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick, the designated destination marketing organization for Frederick County. Contact him at 301-600-4023 or jwynn@fredco-md.net. Learn more about Visit Frederick at visitfrederick.org.