Expanding Green Spaces: Maryland’s New Greenspace Equity Program Aims to Enhance Underserved Communities
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently launched an exciting new initiative: the Greenspace Equity Program. The program provides grant funding to land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments to acquire and develop public greenspaces in often overburdened and underserved communities. The primary goal of the Greenspace Equity Program is to improve public health and the overall livability of these communities. The program seeks to improve Maryland’s most vulnerable populations by preserving, creating, and enhancing public greenspaces. In addition to addressing these disparities, the program aims to foster a sense of stewardship among all Maryland residents.
From the article:
“Expanding access to the outdoors is a priority of the Moore-Miller Administration, especially with an eye to addressing disparities in outdoor access among our communities. This program is a step toward providing environmental justice to our most vulnerable populations, and developing a sense of stewardship among all Marylanders.” – Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz
The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through state legislation. Governor Moore’s FY 2025 budget allocated $5 million for its first year. The funding comes from the state share of Program Open Space. This long-standing initiative under the DNR represents Maryland’s commitment to conserving natural resources and providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
As previously reported by MACo, Program Open Space is the critical pillar in how counties fund many of their recreation and preservation programs. Without the local side of POS many county parks departments would be unable to adequately function. HB 503’s Greenspace Equity Program aims to enhance local preservation and recreation efforts. It preserves the local side of POS and provides access to additional state resources. County parks departments, being closest to the people, are best suited to identify and preserve greenspace in our communities.
Those interested in applying can find more information, including the grant proposal guide and application details, on the DNR’s Greenspace Equity Program webpage. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024.