To achieve our envisioned future, we must first acknowledge the past, defined by the epitome of post-World War II industrial pollution. We are taking action to enhance natural efficiency and restore balance to the present, shaping the clean industry of tomorrow. Ecoscale is our effort to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable industry that redefines what’s possible. As we undertake this journey, we’re preserving the past through initiatives like ensuring that the historic Carrollton Manor House at Quantum Frederick, built in 1820, will be enjoyed for decades to come.
Restoring nature for a better future
Ecoscale at Quantum Frederick Revitalizes the Environment
A New Chapter for Frederick
Carbon Emissions over Time
Frederick County Through History
The Path Forward
We stand at the precipice of a great transformation, one that binds the fate of humanity with the health of our planet. Our mission is to create a solution for the sustainable advancement of human innovation, using the technology of Nature. With the help of our community, this mission will trigger significant progress both with our landscapes and within ourselves.
600-ACRE NATURE RESERVE
We’re making Ecoscale a reality with purposeful action, breathing new life into our local ecosystems. Adding nutrients to the soil, one million plants to the landscape, and a pollinator habitat promotes a thriving ecosystem, reinforcing the natural processes that sustain our environment.
Planting 300 acres of new forest
Revitalizing wetlands and meadows
Restoring 2 miles of streams
Quest for Environmental Enhancement
Proposed Nature Reserve
Stream
Proposed 3 mile Nature Trail
Connection Point to County Trail
Proposed Trail Start
Nature and Technology in Harmony
Ecoscale represents a pivotal shift in how we approach sustainability. By weaving together technological innovation with the well-being of our planet, we’re harnessing the power of nature as a technology to create a better future.
The Nature Reserve: A Buffer and a Beacon
Nestled within a former industrial brownfield, our Nature Reserve serves a dual purpose. It acts as a buffer, protecting the integrity of the surrounding community, while also standing as a beacon of environmental rejuvenation—a testament to the transformative power of stewardship.
Carbon Reduction and Removal
At Quantum Frederick, we follow the core tenants of Ecoscale, allowing us to reach for negative emissions targets. Through strategic site selection, infrastructure reutilization, and exploration of cleaner fuels, we’re working to reduce emissions. And with our Nature Reserve acting as a carbon sink, we’re aligning ourselves with Maryland’s ambitious climate goals.
IMPROVING WATER QUALITY
Our goal is to enhance the resilience of the Reserve’s water resources, maintain high water quality, and thereby sustain conditions that are optimal for biodiversity. Within the Reserve, we will prioritize the restoration of streams and groundwater flow, the regulation of erosion, as well as the filtration, storage, and diffusion of water as key indicators of water resource health.
Two miles of streams will be restored in the Tuscarora Tributary, part of the Potomac and Monocacy River Basin in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
A HEALTHY SOIL MICROBIOME
The soil microbiome is a critical component of the Reserve’s ecosystem, comprising a complex network of microorganisms—including minerals, molecules, bacteria, fungi, and archaea—that interact within the soil environment. These interactions drive essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression. The Reserve will nurture a diverse and robust soil microbiome by minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining a protective soil cover, and promoting increased organic matter. These efforts will enhance the soil’s capacity to sequester carbon, improve water retention, and bolster resilience to environmental stresses. It's the foundation of our ecosystem and a key symbol of the intricate and interconnected nature of life on Earth.
Preserving Biodiversity
Maryland is home to a diverse array of pollinators. From over 400 species of bees, to butterflies, ants, beetles, flies, moths, wasps, and hummingbirds, each maintains the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By planting native species and creating wildlife corridors, we're ensuring that these vital creatures have the habitat they need to thrive.
A SYMBOL OF THE FUTURE
Quantum Frederick’s Nature Reserve efforts are intended to set a global example that helps inspire others in the steps that make industry a part of nature by using the innovations that nature has already provided us.
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
– Robert Swan
