Money doesn’t grow on trees, but nature pays dividends in Maryland

Programs like Open Space are efficient, effective investments in the health and beauty and livability of Maryland, writes Allison Colden, and are worth defending even in lean budget times.

By: Allison Colden

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: March 19, 2026

Words: 831

Last Updated: 2 days, 5 hours ago

Body Text Preview

¸Most people might overlook the overgrown, abandoned lot in their neighborhood. But Alec Lynde saw an opportunity. While advocating for a small state-funded park, Lynde saw firsthand how Maryland’s environmental programs could benefit his community.

Now, he and other advocates are urging their legislators to protect these programs in next year’s budget.

When Lynde first moved to College Park in 2020, he immediately noticed an underutilized property in his neighborhood and sprung to action. He …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us