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Department of Recreation and Parks - Park Conservation and Community Outreach
Hugo S. Lam, B.S., M.F.S., Director
2600 Madison Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217
Phone: (410) 396-0339
Fax: (410) 396-7861
“The
true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade
you do not expect to sit.”
-- Nelson Henderson
Baltimore’s park woodlands protect 30 miles of streams and provide homes for countless species of local wildlife and migratory bird populations. These natural areas are important to improving the quality of life in urban areas and need our help to stay healthy.
The Park Conservation Office coordinates tree planting and environmental enhancement/restoration projects in Baltimore’s parks through the Community Forestry, Urban Weed Warrior and Neighborhood Tree Steward programs. Please contact us in order to find out how you can help “ TREE BALTIMORE!”
Community Forestry
2600 Madison Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0339
Trees provide many benefits to the citizens of Baltimore, including cleaner air, shade, cooler temperatures in the summer and habitat for urban wildlife! Volunteer with the Community Forestry Program to plant trees in city parks so that this valuable resource will continue to provide benefits for future generations!
Urban Weed Warriors Program
2600 Madison Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0359
Alien plants are invading Baltimore! We need dedicated volunteers to help stem the tide and save our city parks. Invasive plants are alien or non-native species that are characterized by rapid, unrestricted growth and are causing severe harm to the environment, the economy, and to human and animal health. Plants such as English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and porcelainberry are escaping from gardens and thriving in the urban landscape. These plants strangle native trees, overgrow herbaceous plants, increase songbird nest predation, repel native pollinators, and lead to soil and water pollution. Over 200 citizens have been trained and certified as Weed Warriors. Together, with over 1,300 volunteers, they have worked more than 5,000 hours clearing out invasive plants. But there is still more work to be done!
If you would like additional information about invasive/exotic plants in Baltimore, to join the ranks of the Urban Weed Warriors, or to volunteer for a project, please contact the PCCO office or e-mail us at weeds@baltimorecity.gov.
Neighborhood Tree Steward Program
2600 Madison Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0729
Help care for Baltimore’s trees by becoming involved in the planning, planting and maintenance of the urban forest!
The Neighborhood Tree Steward Program aims to create a network of volunteers throughout Baltimore who know how to correctly plant and care for trees by providing a series of workshops that educate about the urban forest. Through a combination of classroom training and hands-on practice, participants can learn how trees function in an urban environment and become certified to perform various tree care and maintenance techniques.
Since the start of the program in March 2006, the following has been accomplished:
- Three Tree Steward Programs were held in which 49 tree stewards from 11 different neighborhoods were trained.
- Five additional training sessions were held in which 46 Recreation and Park staff members and 28 volunteers were trained in various methods of tree care.
- 489 trees have been planted.
- 656 trees have been maintained.
This program is coordinated in partnership with the Parks & People Foundation through funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Forest Enhancement Program
2600 Madison Ave
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0359
Invasive plant species are quickly becoming a strong force
in many of Baltimore’s parks. The Office of Parks
Conservation is focusing on the removal of invasive plant
species and replanting of native vegetation in Baltimore.
Management plans are being developed for select parks
within the city to enact conservation strategies within
these parks. These plans include improving the quality
and health of critical areas by removing invasive and
harmful plant species, replanting areas with native vegetation,
trash removal, and clearing city views for recreational
use. To find out more about the program or about the parks that will be managed by this program, please e-mail Hugo S. Lam at Hugo.Lam@baltimorecity.gov.
Park Stewardship
Emily Ellickson-Brown, Community Outreach Coordinator
(410) 396 7837
Become a park steward! Opportunities are available for one time or ongoing projects. Volunteers assist with park improvements such as tree plantings and maintenance, painting murals and assisting with neighborhood and citywide events. There are many ways to become involved, including joining your local Friends group or helping to organize a park service project with your school, company or church.
To find out what opportunities are available or to find contact information for your local Friends group, please e-mail green@baltimorecity.gov or call (410) 396-7900.
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