In 2006, Maryland couple bought a 116-acre farm. 20 years later, it's home to otters, beavers and dozens of bird species

When Louise and John Durocher from Maryland decided to buy a 116-acre farm in Kent County, they didn’t know that it would become a thriving wildlife haven, providing food and shelter to diverse wildlife. Initially, the Durochers bought the Tavern Creek Farm in 2006 for hunting, but 2 decades later they stopped growing crops and instead decided to give as much land as possible to nature. The gesture proved to be fruitful, as now the farm is bustling with animals and a wide range of plant species.

Farm secured for conservation, native trees planted

The Tavern Creek Farm has been permanently conserved through an easement with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), as per a statement released by the organisation.

Louise and John Durocher planted shrubs, wildflowers, native grasses, as well as different varieties of trees, including white oaks, black walnuts, river birches, sycamores, pawpaws and tulip poplars, to name a few.

Restored habitats support wildlife and protect waterways

The couple’s efforts finally paid off with open meadows connecting with forests through hedgerows. The space has become a haven for otters, beavers, opossums, muskrats and several other migratory birds

Apart from that, the property also has about 26 acres of wetlands and 24 acres of woodland. With over 9,000 ft of the farm borders in Tavern Creek, trees and other vegetation help protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay too.

Preserving a family legacy for future generations

Durochers’ granddaughter, Sarah Starman, takes care of the Tavern Creek Farm. According to a report by People magazine, she has been watching the landscape grow and her grandparents nurturing it to usher change.

For Sarah, however, protecting the farm is not only about preserving the trees, wetlands, and wildlife. She is also keen on preserving the life her family has built around them over the years. In conclusion, Sarah hopes that the next generations will also kayak and fish in Tavern Creek, enjoying being one with nature.