Green Spring Valley Hounds’ History & Land Preservation

Mr. Redmond Stewart organized the Green Spring Valley Hounds in 1892 and carried on the Mastership through 1915. The kennels were moved to the Philpot Estate in Western Run Valley in 1925. The Green Spring Valley Hounds enjoy the some of the same territory that existed in 1892, which is currently 35 miles square in Baltimore and Carroll County. The territory is a combination of open rolling hills and rough heavily wooded terrain. Landowners line their property with post-and-rail, coops, and board fences, the east side of the territory adjoin the Elkridge-Harford Hunt; to the west and northwest the territory adjoins the Howard Count-Iron Bridge Hunt and the Frederick County Line.

Green Spring Valley Hounds placed 168 of their 196 acres into Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, showing a commitment to agriculture as well as land preservation. This commitment to land preservation had a domino affect on the community and many neighboring farms took advantage of the Agricultural program, which offers incentives to keep the land in agricultural status versus being sold off for development. This movement has encouraged the growth of the small independent organic farmer whose products are now showing up in our local restaurants and grocery stores, we are fortunate to have access to fresh local food.

To learn more what you can do preserve open space and the rural character of Northern Baltimore County you can go to the following links: the Maryland Environmental Trust, the Valley’s Planning Council, the National Lands Trust, and the Shawan Downs.

In addition to land preservation, Green Spring Valley Hounds are proud to share that the Philpot Estate has only had two owners, the Philpot’s and Green Spring. The mansion on the estate known as Stamford, was registered in 1977 in the National Register of Historic Places. Stamford serves as clubhouse for hunt teas, dinners, and a residence for staff members, its origins date back over 200 years is well preserved and home to Green Spring Valley Hounds. An interesting note about Stamford, adjacent to the main house is a very rare brick gable-roofed privy and the only privy in the neighborhood with two seats.

Green Spring Valley Hounds are also committed to the next generation of riders. Offering learning opportunities for a young child to learn to ride and care for their pony through Green Spring Pony Club and Green Spring Pony Camp.

For more information about Green Spring Valley Hounds Contact Us