Partners for Open Space

Join us for a preview of some of the major issues facing the legislature in 2025.

In these last few days leading up to Election Day in the U.S., Partners for Open Space are discussing WHY voting is just so important. Why do YOU vote? Let us and others know in the comments below!

Maryland's parks and open spaces, like the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and metro areas, are still experiencing a significant increase in park visitation. The quality of life in our state depends on access to open space. Let’s continue to protect together, for the benefit of this and for all future generations!

"This huge increase in park visitation more than demonstrates the public's demand and value for nature." -Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn⁠
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Did you know that Maryland data still shows a 99% increase in visitation to places like national and state parks,⁠
public beaches, marinas, dog parks, plazas,⁠
and public gardens compared to its baseline? This shows just how important protecting and preserving truly is! Check out the data right here https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility/.

"We have truly seen the value of Open Space in the weeks under quarantine and social distancing." - Elly Comers Cowan, Director of Advocacy, Preservation Maryland⁠
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In Maryland, park visitation has increased dramatically. How have you seen your community shift during the pandemic? See the data for yourself over at https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility/.⁠
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According to the Google Community Mobility Report, since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, there was been an 144% increase in Maryland park visitation! This truly shows just how essential open space is in our communities. Open space is as essential as the air we breath and the water we drink. From forests and farm fields to your local city park, open space happens when lands are permanently set aside and protected for the benefit of our environment, for our local economies, for us.

What's your favorite park to visit in Maryland?

Did you know that since it's inception in 1969, Program Open Space has put nearly 300,000 acres of farmland under easement through the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation? As for continuing to protect and preserve Maryland's open spaces, that also depends on YOU! That's why we invite you to join us as we advocate for the protection of Maryland’s treasured landscapes, its many local and state parks, and its rich history and heritage. Let’s protect Maryland’s Open Space together, for the benefit of this and for all future generations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people throughout the United States have turned to nature and open spaces for their health and recreation. In a time of social distancing, we have seen the true value of open space in Maryland, and beyond. This is why the quality of life in Maryland depends on open space. The health of our rivers and streams, the quality of our air and our water supplies, the existence of our wildlife, the livelihoods of our farmers, our very health and ability to get out and enjoy the outdoors – all this depends on open space.

What outdoor location or park have you been turning to during the pandemic? Let others know in the comments below!

Do you have a favorite park or outdoor space in Maryland? Thanks to Program Open Space, nearly 400,00 acres of open space, including state and local parks, have been preserved. Since 1969, over 100 groups have been working to secure, save, and protect Maryland’s open spaces, and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Follow along to learn more about Partners for Open Space and what you can do to protect and preserve Maryland’s open spaces!

Visit us online at partnersforopenspace.org

Did you know that, since it's inception in 1969, Program Open Space has protected over 103,000 acres of natural resources through the rural legacy program? That's a lot to protect! This is why Partners for Open Space works to protect Program Open Space and Maryland’s related conservation and preservation programs.

Did you know that Partners for Open Space is a statewide coalition advocating for and defending open space in Maryland?⁠ Through Partners for Open Space, over 100 groups seek to secure, save, and protect Maryland’s open spaces!
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We are guided by a single and powerful mission, Partners for Open Space works to protect Program Open Space and Maryland’s related conservation and preservation programs!

Open space is as essential as the air we breath and the water we drink. From forests and farm fields to your local city park, open space happens when lands are permanently set aside and protected for the benefit of our environment, for our local economies, for us.

Summer 2020 was not typical or easy by any means, but during even these challenging past summer months, Maryland's great outdoors have been there for us. Parks and open space give us the chance for escape, to explore and enjoy nature, to hike, bike, paddle, swim, and play.

Summer 2020 might be over, but we want to know about YOUR favorite memory from this past summer in Maryland's outdoors! Re-post a photo or tell us about your favorite memory in a park, on a trail, or having a picnic and help us CELEBRATE Maryland's open spaces!

Remember to tag us () and use our hashtag !

Protecting Maryland’s open space depends on all of us! We invite you to join us as we advocate for the protection of Maryland’s treasured landscapes, its many local and state parks, and its rich history and heritage. Let’s protect Maryland’s Open Space together, for the benefit of this and for all future generations. Follow along and be a part of this important work!