Protecting Land to Improve Communities
“...As more and more land is developed, it is so important to keep green, open spaces. NeighborSpace has indeed been a good neighbor when it comes to preserving land in our Coumty.” Norma Bosley, Owings Mills Times, August 2010. More
What others have said
Sites Protected to Date
Baltimore County is made up of many diverse communities, each unique in its character, heritage, people, and amenities. NeighborSpace properties therefore vary according to a community's vision and desired use of the property. These properties may be used for passive recreation, community gardens, open green space, or remain natural wooded areas. To date, NeighborSpace has acquired interests in 9 properties totaling 26 acres and valued at just over $1 million.
“By focusing on smaller parcels like the Graystone site, NeighborSpace provides a service that nicely complements the work of Recreation and Parks to develop and program larger parcels.” The Woodlawn Villager, August 2010. More
NeighborSpace works in partnership with community organizations to identify land that can be protected and turned into community assets. At the request of a community, NeighborSpace may attempt to acquire land (in fee simple or by way of an easement) in exchange for a commitment to manage and maintain the parcel as community open space. In return for this commitment, NeighborSpace will protect the property from development in a land trust and provide limited liability insurance for parcels it owns in fee simple. A community can request that NeighborSpace acquire a property by filing a simple Site Application. NeighborSpace will then follow its Application Process, which includes conducting basic research on the property, determining whether the Guidelines for Acquisition have been met, and, where the owner wants to sell rather than donate his interest, assessing the availability of funding for the project.
NeighborSpace requires community partners to actively steward the land it protects
and is fortunate to have a number of community partners who go above and beyond in
carrying out their stewardship duties. This Spring’s Stewardship Salute Award was
given to Tollgate Wyndham Preserve, Inc. at the Gwynn Oak Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
on July 14.
Built in the 1950’s, the Tollgate community in Owings Mills was developed before open space regulations were promulgated and, other than the high school athletic field, public open space has long been in short supply. For many years, however, there was a piece of privately held land adjacent to the community that was a popular place for the adventures of Tollgate’s youngsters. This area, now called Tollgate Wyndham Preserve, has been in its natural state for at least 50 years and has many mature tulip poplars, some with trunks that are more than two feet in diameter, along with a stream and wetland area.Following NeighborSpace’s acquisition of a conservation easement on the seven-acre site, Tollgate Wyndham Preserve, Inc., with the leadership of Dave Fuller, set to work removing trash and debris from the property, making several mulch trails and documenting the area’s flora and fauna. The group wanted the Preserve to provide educational opportunities for students at the nearby Owings Mills Elementary School and passive recreational opportunities for residents of the Tollgate community. By all accounts, many of their goals are being met. A December 2009 article in the Owings Mills Times, noted that “this park gives plants and animals a safe sanctuary from any building development, and allows a relaxing, peaceful place for neighbors to go for nature walks.” It noted, further, that “Dave Fuller oversees the preserve, putting in countless hours and finding ways to enhance the area ... This area has evolved over the years and is a true gem in the neighborhood.”
Dave, we could not do this work without you and so appreciate your leadership and dedication to the cause of preserving open space!
How Additional Sites Can be Added
