Natural Systems
DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
Green, natural spaces improve our mental and physical health, keep our air and water clean, and contribute to safer and stronger communities. In Baltimore, a dense urban environment, our natural systems have been altered through development. Nonetheless, the elements of natural systems, which remain, provide valuable services such as food, flood control, air filtration and emotional rejuvenation among many others. Protecting and enhancing our natural systems increases these benefits and improves residents’ access to natural areas for recreation, enjoyment and relaxation.
CURRENT STATUS
Permanently protected green space has been increasing through the creation of forest conservation easements on private land, and the use of land trusts to permanently protect Community-Managed Open Spaces. City agencies and many partners have improved our natural systems through stream restoration, riparian buffer planting, living shoreline projects, habitat creation and care of forest patches. Building on these efforts, the City’s Green Network Plan identifies additional opportunities to expand our natural systems by creating and linking permanent green spaces and better connecting to the region’s natural systems.
EQUITY INDICATORS
Baltimore’s natural systems are generally strongest and most abundant in less intensely developed areas of the city. Equitable access to nature requires focused investment in disenfranchised neighborhoods, least connected to nature. There are opportunities for government and, for- and non-profits to work together with communities to transform land into well-maintained parks, gardens, community gathering points, quiet places, play spaces and more. In areas, with demand for redevelopment, existing natural systems should be protected as part of the development review process where possible.
STRATEGIES
1. Improve Baltimore’s existing natural systems by increasing the amount of green space and funding for maintenance; and create a streamlined process for groups to enhance and transform city owned open space.
Action 1- Increase the capacity for city agencies, local organizations and communities to maintain natural lands and community green spaces, including exploring public-private partnerships. Develop a clear process for groups to seek approval for conducting short and long-term greening projects on city owned open space.
Action 2 – Implement projects identified in the Green Network Plan and future plans to increase and link green space in the city, particularly in neighborhoods least connected to nature, with an abundance of vacant land.
Action 3 – Continue efforts to restore and monitor natural lands to increase natural resource resilience, adaptability, biological integrity and places for people to be refreshed, in targeted neighborhoods.
2. Increase the area of land directly connected to regional natural systems
Better connecting local and regional natural areas improves habitat for wildlife and increases opportunities for residents to access and experience nature.
Action 1 – Implement projects identified in the Green Network Plan and future plans to better connect the natural systems within the city and to the surrounding region.
Action 2 – Work with Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition and other partners to identify and implement projects that strengthen Baltimore’s connections to the regional network of natural systems.
3. Increase the acreage of land conserved and maintained
Open space, forested areas and environmentally sensitive land should be protected to ensure they continue to provide ecosystem benefits, recreational opportunities and spaces for imagination to be developed and refreshed, into the future. A few ways partners can work together to protect green spaces are by adding to the City’s parks inventory, acquiring acreage through a land trust or easements.
Action 1 – Continue to support land trusts in protecting Community Managed Open Spaces and natural areas on private land.
Action 2 – Identify creative methods for increasing conservation easements, such as incentives for new easements, potential partnerships or land swaps with large landowners.
Action 3 – Use the Green Network Plan, the Open Spaces and Parks Task Force and others means to identify properties to acquire and maintain for permanent green spaces. Identify and explore sustainable, dedicated funding for public spaces including the capital improvement budget, Project Open Space and other funding.
METRICS FOR SUCCESS
Strategy 1: Demonstrate an increase in acreage of green space and natural areas created and maintained with a focus on neighborhoods with abundant vacant land.
Strategy 2: Demonstrate an increase in the area of land directly connected to regional natural systems.
Strategy 3: Demonstrate increased acreage of land conserved and maintained both publicly and privately.