Did you know ...
In Montgomery County…
- you're never more than two miles away from a park
- 19% of the land is parkland, with 61,250 acres of federal, state, municipal and county parks
- there is a dedicated Department of Parks that manages more than 34,600 acres of parkland
- more than 127 miles of natural surface trails are maintained by the Department of Parks
there are 89,500 acres of forested land, of which 31,300 acres are protected in existing parks- 93,000 acres have been set aside for an Agricultural Reserve, 17% of which is public parkland
Wild areas…
- reduce air and water pollutants
- reduce greenhouse gases
- reduce stormwater runoff
- alleviate flooding
- lower stream temperatures
- control erosion
- replenish groundwater
- provide habitat for wildlife
- are beautiful places for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and more!
Rachel Carson ...
... was an environmental scientist and visionary who lived right here in Montgomery County. She knew our natural surroundings are vital to our existence and important for our happiness.
It was Rachel Carson’s belief that if people appreciated these natural spaces, they would be more likely to protect and care for them; therefore, the Wild Montgomery campaign seeks to connect - or reconnect - citizens with the County’s public green spaces.
Montgomery Parks has dedicated a greenway in her honor. When completed, the Rachel Carson Greenway trail corridor will span 25-miles stretching from the historic Adelphi Mill in Prince George's County north to Patuxent River State Park. Highlighted along the trail will be educational interpretive elements relating to our county's environmental, historical and cultural heritage.
“Drink in the beauty...and wonder at the meaning of what you see.” - Rachel Carson
Back to top - Last update: August 31, 2010
Montgomery County Department of Parks