Winter’s already in full swing, but at NeighborSpace, the work doesn’t slow down—it just shifts focus. This season is critical for planning, monitoring, and maintaining our 21 sites around Baltimore County. Here’s a peek at what keeps us busy during these chilly months.
Site Monitoring
Winter provides the perfect opportunity to assess the condition of NeighborSpace’s parks and open spaces. Site monitoring, a legal requirement for properties with conservation easements, ensures that boundaries are respected, park use aligns with conservation goals, and any maintenance or restoration needs are identified. At a site monitoring visit, staff and volunteers walk the property boundaries and check the condition of amenities like trails, benches, and signage. These evaluations guide our stewardship plans for the upcoming year.
Annual Meetings with Stewardship Partners
Stewardship partners are the heart of our parks and communities. These dedicated individuals and groups maintain the daily upkeep of NeighborSpace’s community-managed spaces and foster connections with neighbors to encourage stewardship and use. Our winter check-ins allow us to review the past year’s accomplishments, discuss challenges, and plan for the future.
Spring Events and Restoration Planning
Though spring may seem far off, we’re already planning for events, including a new series of programs called Stewardship Saturdays. Stewardship Saturdays will combine education, community, and restoration activities. From tree giveaways and habitat restoration to nature surveys, bird walks, art, and music, there will be something for everyone. We’re collaborating with stewardship partners and community members to schedule these events, ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of each neighborhood.
Neighbors for Native Plants Course
We’re excited to bring back the Neighbors for Native Plants course this spring at Tollgate Wyndham Preserve in Owings Mills. This program empowers participants to make a difference in their communities by learning about native plants and their role in local ecosystems.
Winter Fieldwork and Restoration
Even in winter, there’s plenty of hands-on work to be done. Our team and volunteers tackle tasks like tree care, pruning, mulching, and installing signage. Winter is also an ideal time for habitat restoration and removing invasive species like English Ivy and Asiatic Bittersweet, which can be cut from trees during the dormant season.
Winter at NeighborSpace is a season of preparation, partnership, and care. By laying the groundwork now, we ensure our parks are ready to bloom and thrive in the months ahead. Stay tuned for updates on our events and programs—we can’t wait to see you there!
