The words just kind of work for our situation in Baltimore County. For almost 50 years, the URDL has, by and large, curtailed sprawl in a place where little thought was given early on to parks or open space and where traditional zoning, which separates uses, created communities that are hugely unwalkable (witness our map of the URDL and  walk scores in the County).   70% of residents lack sufficient access to open space within a 1/4 mile walk from home. Strip malls and acres of impervious surface abound.  Every watershed that touches the URDL is impaired by sediment, nutrients or both.  There is much that can be improved in the land that lies south of the URDL, which we have dubbed "SubURDLia."

Given the scope of the task, it's only fitting that we stop from time to time and to recognize the people who are helping us make a dent in the challenge through contributions of their time, talent and treasure.  That's what we intend to do at Ridgely Manor Park on June 21st from 6 to 8 PM. For those who may not know about the Ridgely Manor, it's a new two acre park just south of the intersection of Loch Raven Blvd and Joppa Rd. in Towson. We've prepared a short, 7-minute video to give you a sense of its history. This event is completely free - we aren't going to ask you for money - we just want to pause to recognize those who've helped us and share some of the fruits of those labors. The park's landscape architect, Tom McGilloway, will be on hand to say a few words and there will be plenty of refreshments.  More details and a sign-up link are available here.