When 6.75 wooded acres was purchased in 1967, the idea was simple: protect greenspace from yet another townhouse development.  In the years since, Dunmore Land Holdings, Inc. (DLH) has ensured to meet the goal; but with nominal dues and fewer buy-in from new home purchases this old growth forest needs a bit of a revamp.  Forest buffers will reduce flood damage and trees will clean and filter air pollutants only if they are healthy.  So, how exactly do we revamp a forest? Yet again another simple idea; communities getting together with a common goal – one that has long reaching and lasting benefits – getting together to maintain and care for greenspace and benefit from the exposure to nature.  This is especially important to the Dunmore section of Catonsville as this greenspace is the only walkable one around, making it an important component to the livability of this community.

A founding member of DLH, Dr. Levickas, a popular “ outgoing, socially minded & active ” physician had the forethought to preserve the area for the community, and just in time. 1967 was also the same year that the Baltimore County Planning Board approved to establish the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL), maximizing the efficiency of county revenues on infrastructure in urban areas and preserve important natural and agricultural resources in rural areas.  So, while the Planning Board focused on the preservation of rural Baltimore County, it has taken many decades for small niches like the Dunmore greenspace to be preserved by non-profits like NeighborSpace.  There has been a tremendous amount of research and studies providing the positive health impacts (mental, physical and emotional) exposure to nature have. We have fallen so far from connections with nature that in recent years, there is a trend for doctors to prescribe nature, as in writing adults and children actual prescriptions to get out in nature.  And like doctors prescriptions, benefits include: aiding in the focus of ADHD, lowering risk of asthma, reduction of health disparities in poorer communities to closely match wealthier neighborhoods; students perform better, crime rates are lower, kids are safer; reduction of stress levels and relaxation; longer life expectancy.

Back to that simple idea of how to maintain the area, socially engage with it and harness the benefits.  In September of 2014, NeighborSpace was donated an environmental easement from DLH, but it wasn’t until June 30 ^th of this year when NeighborSpace was gifted the land in fee that NeighborSpace learned from community members how frequently the space is used.  If the vines are removed which are currently choking out the native plants, it will bring back understory trees, flowering plants, increase biodiversity, reduce erosion and provide even more pastoral qualities this property already affords.  These qualities are what drive the prescribed increased health benefits. When you’re out walking your dog, pick up after the dog and maybe a few stray piece of trash. This action ensures the garbage won’t wind up into the stream in turn keeping it clean for your dog too, but an added benefit you’re using muscles to bend and stretch.

If you’re enjoying the cool temperatures beneath the old growth Oak and Beech trees or the fall colors, spend a few minutes removing the vines, and maybe use that as an opportunity to relieve the stresses of the day by yanking away.  The health and wealth of the forest and the stream directly correlate to the health and wealth of the individuals performing the tasks and to their community.  As DLH Board Member Mike Wall shared with us “ The woods and field at the lower end of Dunmore have provided sanctuary, beauty, and a place to celebrate our community. We are honored to pass on this legacy to NeighborSpace. "

This October, NeighborSpace will be at the annual Dunmore Chili Cook-off, and we would be delighted to meet you, chat and work together to develop the lasting community support to ensure this greenspace is here for centuries to come.