Ben Alder

Principal and Founder
Broker of Record - Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina
| 443-865-1344

Since 1997, the focus of Ben’s career has been in the natural resources field. During his studies at The George Washington University, he completed bachelors degrees in Environmental Science and Biology and completed course work for his Master of Arts in Environmental Resource Policy. During his time at GW, Ben lived and worked on Vancouver Island as part of a work-study program focused on natural resource management in the Pacific Northwest. Following this experience, he worked on Capitol Hill on a range of issues related to wetland conservation for Ducks Unlimited. Ben’s tenure with DU expanded to the field when DU’s Chesapeake Bay Initiative was started in 1998. For seven years Ben delivered water quality and wildlife conservation programs on private land throughout the 5-state Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Ben’s experience working with land use, agricultural management and wildlife conservation has provided a unique platform for his land brokerage practice today. In 2011, he started building what is today The Land Group. Ben is The Land Group’s Broker of Record in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. To date, Ben’s brokerage experience over the last 18 years has involved him in more than 100,000 acres of transactional land brokerage.

Ben’s background in land conservation has given him experience restoring wildlife habitat and implementing conservation easements throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Today, Ben and his family live on a historic farm along tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Somerset County, Maryland.

a black square with a white border on a black background a man standing in a field with a dog

Listings

Featured Property

Glenbrooke Ln, Gordonsville, VA 22942

Listing ID: 5400040000100,054-00-04-00-0009-0,054-00-04-00-0011-0,054-00-04-00-0012-0,054-00-04-00-0013-0,

Price: $1300000

Status: active

Acres: 135.84

Blue Run Preserve at Barboursville is a highly distinctive recreational and conservation holding located in Orange County, Virginia, within one of the Commonwealth’s most historically significant and carefully stewarded rural corridors. Encompassing approximately 136± total acres, the offering includes a 126.75-acre primary tract protected by a permanent conservation easement, containing designated residential building envelope(s) that permit the construction of a primary residence and a second dwelling, along with four additional buildable residential lots. All parcels are being offered together to preserve the integrity, continuity, and long-term vision of the land. Set within a landscape shaped by early American history and longstanding land stewardship, the property lies minutes from James Madison’s Montpelier and in close proximity to Woodberry Forest School and Virginia wine country, anchored by Barboursville Vineyards. This region has long been characterized by protected estates, working rural land, and institutional ownerships that prioritize continuity and responsible land use. Approximately 126.75 acres are permanently protected by conservation easement, ensuring the long-term preservation of forestland, waterways, habitat, and designated viewsheds. The easement reserves specific residential development rights while otherwise limiting subdivision and intensive use, striking a deliberate balance between private ownership and permanent conservation. Once threatened by a proposed open-pit shale mining operation, the land now stands as a clear example of conservation-driven stewardship—demonstrating how legal protection, ecological restoration, and private ownership can work together to safeguard Virginia’s rural landscape. The property has been fully reforested and is enrolled in the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality nutrient trading program, a state initiative designed to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into Virginia’s waterways. Blue Run, a natural stream, flows through the property and contributes to wildlife habitat and downstream water quality. All conservation and nutrient credit work has been completed, positioning the property for a seamless transition to its next owner without development or program uncertainty. The land was ultimately acquired and professionally completed by Perdue Barboursville, LLC, led by Chandler Van Voorhis, co-founder and managing partner of GreenTrees, LLC, a nationally recognized leader in reforestation and ecological credit programs. Under this stewardship, the conservation easement, forest restoration, nutrient credits, and land preservation tax credits were carefully layered and executed to support long-term environmental, historical, and economic objectives. Surrounded by protected estates, institutional landholdings, and conserved rural landscapes, Blue Run Preserve at Barboursville offers a rare degree of privacy, scale, and permanence. Its location within a historically significant corridor—where preservation has been prioritized for generations—further reinforces the enduring nature of the land and its future use. This offering represents a rare opportunity for a conservation-minded buyer seeking recreational use, legacy ownership, adjacent land protection, or a long-term generational investment. The heavy lifting has been done: permanent protection is in place, ecological programs are complete, and defined residential development rights are secured, ensuring the land’s future stewardship for generations to come.
Read More >>
Featured Property

1017 CAMP RD, DENTON, MD 21629

Listing ID: 3005437, 3027805

Price: $900000

Status: active

Acres: 27.16

Prime Development Opportunity – 27.16 Acres in the Town of Denton, MD   Now offered at $900,000, this 27.16-acre parcel presents a rare and highly attractive development opportunity in the heart of Denton, Maryland. Recently rezoned UR (Urban Residential) as of June 2025, this property is well-positioned for a high-yield residential subdivision.   Key Features: Location: Within town limits, with access along Camp Road Acreage: 27.16 acres total — approximately 7.5 acres of mature woods and 19.66 acres of productive farmland Zoning: UR – Urban Residential (adopted June 2025) Development Potential: Permits up to 8 single-family homes per acre, with a minimum 60-foot lot frontage requirement — allowing for efficient yet spacious neighborhood design Utilities: Public water and sewer accessible from Camp Road; developer responsible for all utility connections With the updated zoning, this site is ideal for builders and developers looking to meet the region’s growing housing demand through well-planned, walkable neighborhoods. Located close to schools, local amenities, and Route 404, the property offers convenient access to the Bay Bridge, Easton, and Delaware beaches.   Whether you’re a local builder or a regional developer, this site represents an excellent opportunity for scalable residential growth with town infrastructure in place.   Contact us today for more information, preliminary layouts, or to schedule a private tour.
Read More >>
Featured Property

24227 Thicket Point Ln, 24251 Thicket Point Ln, Onancock, VA 23417

Listing ID: 8300A000004700, 083A00100A00000, 083A00100000100, 083A00100000200, 083A00100000300,

Price: $2350000

Status: active

Acres: 44.95

Along a quiet stretch of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where the Chesapeake Bay opens wide to endless horizon, lies Thicket Point, a 44.95± acre waterfront estate defined by privacy, scale, and potential. Set along a commanding reach of shoreline, this rare offering captures the essence of coastal living—expansive bay views, estuarian marshland, and a landscape shaped by water, light, and time. With no conservation easement in place, the property offers an uncommon level of freedom and long-term control rarely found among Chesapeake Bay holdings. At the heart of the estate are two distinct waterfront residences—Sunset House and Bayview House—each thoughtfully positioned to embrace the surrounding landscape and water views. Both homes are offered fully furnished, allowing for an immediate, seamless transition for personal use or continued short-term rental operation. Sunset House is oriented to the west, where each evening unfolds in panoramic color across the Bay. Designed with a relaxed coastal aesthetic, it offers an intimate and refined retreat—ideal for quiet escapes and elevated guest experiences. Bayview House reflects the character and charm of the Eastern Shore, with a more traditional design and a larger footprint suited for gatherings, extended stays, and multi-generational living. Together, the homes create a rare and highly functional composition—one that supports both private enjoyment and hospitality-driven income. The property is currently operated as a successful short-term rental, generating average annual income exceeding $100,000, while still allowing for personal use and flexibility. Beyond its current use, Thicket Point offers significant future upside, with identified utility expansion possibilities that present opportunities for further enhancement, additional improvements, or long-term strategic vision. The land itself is as compelling as the residences—nearly 45 acres of shoreline, marsh, and natural wildlife habitat. Owners and guests enjoy private beach access, kayaking along the Bay, hunting, fishing and crabbing just steps from shore, and the ever-changing presence of coastal wildlife across the surrounding marsh. Despite its sense of seclusion, the property is located just minutes from the historic town of Onancock—home to marinas, fine dining, galleries, and ferry access to Tangier Island—offering a seamless blend of privacy and accessibility. Thicket Point is more than a waterfront property—it is a fully furnished, turn-key Chesapeake Bay estate, offering the rare ability to live, host, invest, and create lasting value from day one.
Read More >>
Featured Property

Folly Creek Rd, Accomac, VA 23301

Listing ID: 095-00-03-00-C000-00

Price: $699000

Status: active

Acres: 93

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this 93-acre tract on Folly Creek Road offers a combination of agricultural productivity, timber value, coastal access, and rural development potential. Located just moments from the Folly Creek Boat Ramp, owners enjoy effortless access to one of Accomack County’s most scenic tidal creeks—well known for its quiet paddling waters, fishing, crabbing, and pathways out to Metompkin and Cedar Islands. The property consists of 61+/- acres if tillable land and 32 acres of Timber, underlain primarily by Bojack Soils, a well-regarded Eastern Shore series valued for its stability, drainage characteristics, and adaptability for a wide range of crops. With strong farming history and ample road frontage, the tract is well suited for continued agricultural use, recreational hunting property or exploration into rural residential home sites Located just minutes from the towns of Accomac, Parksley and Onancock the property provides convenient access to local amenities, historic downtowns, medical services, and Eastern Shore’s growing culinary and arts offerings. Outdoor recreation is abundant, with nearby public landings, barrier islands, pristine beaches, and thousands of acres of protected conservation lands. Whether envisioned as a farm expansion, timber and land investment, private estate or possible rural residentail project, this tract presents a unique opportunity to own acreage in a naturally rich and recreationally diverse area of the Eastern Shore.  
Read More >>
Featured Property

7751 Dividing Creek Road, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Listing ID: 04-060350, 04-060296

Price: $595000

Status: active

Acres: 45.88

45.8+/- acre farm with a 1,672 square foot farmhouse built originally in 1920. The farm is also improved with a three bay 40X60 pole building that includes a finished area with storage space above, Concrete floors, plumbing and electric. Land consists of 25+/- tillable acres, 1+/- acre in residence/barn, and 19+/- acres in timber. Soils consists mostly of hambrook sandy loams. Property is zoned R-1
Read More >>
Featured Property

James Wharf Road, Exmore, VA 23306

Listing ID: 13-A-37

Price: $150000

Status: active

Acres: 11.5

11.5±  Acre Opportunity with Deeded Water Access – Northampton County, VA Approximately 11.50 ± acres of farmland located on James Wharf Road in Northampton County, VA, with approximately 1,200 ft of road frontage. The property includes deeded water access and offers potential for a single-family home site, continued agricultural use, or subdivision into additional lots. The soil profile consists primarily of Bojack Fine Sandy Loam Soils which are characterized as well drained with moderately rapid permeability.  Buyer is responsible for all due diligence, including but not limited to soil evaluation, septic feasibility, zoning, and permitting.  
Read More >>
Featured Property

Route 13, Bridgeville, DE 19933

Listing ID: 131-10.00-89.03, 131-10.00-89.02

Price: $2000000

Status: active

Acres: 6

Two Parcels yielding approximately 6 Acres zoned Heavy Commercial.  Current land use is hay ground. Land is North of city limit of Bridgeville.  Land is framed by Route 13 on the East and Fawn Road to the North.  Natural gas line boarders the property along Fawn Road. Potential uses per the Sussex County code are as follows.  The C‑3 Heavy Commercial District in Sussex County is designed to support larger-scale, auto‑oriented retail and service businesses located along major arterial roads that serve both local/regional residents and through traffic. Large retail stores and service businesses Automobile, truck, RV, boat sales and rentals Major vehicle maintenance and repair facilities Restaurants, offices, gas/service stations, and similar commercial uses Accessory and Conditional Uses Certain accessory uses and conditional uses may be permitted, subject to site plan review or special exceptions as outlined in county code. Site Development Standards Larger minimum lot sizes appropriate for heavy commercial use Design requirements for setbacks, buffering, parking, and loading zones Sign restrictions and screening rules tailored to high-traffic commercial areas
Read More >>
Featured Property

9431 Whaleyville Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872

Listing ID: 000

Price: $259000

Status: active

Acres: 16.1

This 16.1± acre parcel is located on the northwest side of Whaleyville Road. Conveniently located close to Ocean City, Salisbury, and the Delaware line.Three Approved Sewage Reserve Areas (SRAs) from 2007 offer flexibility in site planning. Great property to build your home in a private setting away from the main road with additional room for livestock, horses, and recreation around you. The property has recently undergone significant site improvements including stump removal, back filling stump holes, as well as a permitted culvert installed for convenient access off of Whaleyville Road. A subdivision plat and wetland delineation were completed in 2023 and recorded in 2024 and can be found in documents. Talkie Internet service and electric utility tap are available at the road frontage. All engineering documents will be provided by the Seller. The property is zoned A-1 (Agricultural), offering flexibility for various uses. Buyer to perform their own due diligence.
Read More >>
Featured Property

2735 Lloyd Webb Rd, Crisfield, MD 21817

Listing ID: 12-009240

Price: $1499000

Status: active

Acres: 1119.42

Presenting, Lawson Marsh, Crisfield, Maryland – 1119.42+- acres. The habitat value of Lawson Marsh is significant both today as it was in the mid-1900s when the Ward Brothers were perfecting their decoy carving craft along Jenkins Creek and Lawson Marsh. This property includes a 7.43+- acre parcel on Lloyd Webb Rd featuring a 1,250 sq ft lodge. On the opposite side of the property along the shoreline, the various recreational activities are enhanced through the use of the cabin with pier to access the vast amount of acreage and to extend your stay on the marsh and water, as well as the offshore blind.     
Read More >>
View All Listings

Land Advisory

Brokerage
Services
Poultry Farms & Agribusiness
Conservation and Ecosystem Market Services
Deal Sourcing For Solar and Renewables
Corporate & Non-Profit Services
a field of corn with the sun setting in the background
a black and yellow drawing of a barn

Get in Touch
with Ben

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)