Leverage local expertise and community interest in urban ecology to enhance and sustain the York Road Corridor as a clean, green, and welcoming space. This committee will serve as a Community Advisory Committee for all streetscape and public space improvement projects throughout the York Road Corridor, ensuring these efforts are community-informed, environmentally sustainable, and equitably implemented.

The York Road Public Spaces & Greening Committee aims to:

• Build a network of well-maintained greenspaces and increase the York Road tree canopy to create an environmentally resilient corridor.

• Address environmental equity issues by enhancing greenspace access for underserved areas.

• Foster lasting community engagement through volunteer initiatives, leadership development, and partnerships with local institutions and organizations.

• Serve as a Community Advisory Committee for all streetscape and public space improvements, ensuring projects are responsive to community needs and incorporate sustainable, equitable practices.

Public Greenspace Maintenance and Enhancements

• Support and advise Govans Boundary Church in addressing illegal dumping and human waste in the Govans Urban Forest while collaborating on solutions for individuals living on the church porch.

• Provide guidance and input to YRID and other partners on maintaining key greenspaces, including:

  • • SE Corner Garden at York & Cold Spring Lane

    • Bellona Triangle

    • Curran Clock Tower

    • Garden Beds and Tree Pits at the Northern Community Action Center

    • Dewees Park Rain Garden & Urban Orchard, in collaboration with the Dewees

    • Recreational Center

    • Removal of metal shipping containers adjacent to the Dewees Rec Center

    • Govans Post Office Grounds

    • Private commercial spot plantings at the Sunoco, BP, and Marathon gas stations

Tree Canopy Expansion and Stormwater Management

• Advise and collaborate with YRID and other stakeholders to support new street tree installations along priority blocks, including:

  • Expanding canopy coverage in the 5500-5700 blocks (east side)

  • Grinding stumps and planting new trees in the 4600 and 5200 blocks

• Assist YRID in conducting an annual tree survey for all street trees and storm drains along the York Road Corridor from the City/County line to 39th Street. Support reporting of tree replacement needs and storm drain maintenance issues to the Department of Forestry and 311.

• Partner with local organizations to plan and execute volunteer-led tree planting events, ensuring broad community engagement and education on tree care and environmental stewardship.

Greening Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Provide input and support for local greening initiatives, including:

  • The installation of the Memorial Garden at Dewees Park, in collaboration with local groups.

  • Expanding the tree canopy on York Road’s east side, working with neighborhood associations and forestry experts.

  • Assisting local organizations and residents in Adopt-A-Lot Transformations, turning underutilized spaces into vibrant, green community assets.

Loyola Community Days

• Support and help plan projects for Loyola Community Days, which are scheduled for the spring and fall. These student volunteer events will focus on greenspace improvements such as tree planting, gardening, and clean-ups along the York Road Corridor.

• Draw in additional volunteers from surrounding neighborhoods to ensure broad community participation and collaboration on impactful projects.

• Coordinate efforts with the commercial corridor to engage and support local businesses, fostering partnerships that enhance community vitality while supporting environmental improvements.

Leadership Development and Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop and advise on a leadership pipeline strategy to help YRID and local partners recruit, train, and empower new volunteers, increasing committee membership and expertise.

• Collaborate with schools, community groups, and other local organizations to foster lasting partnerships and build a network of community stewards to maintain greenspaces along York Road.

Monitoring and Emerging Opportunities

• Provide guidance to YRID on enhancing greenspace maintenance and tree pitimprovements, particularly between Tunbridge and Woodbourne Avenue.

• Monitor church closures along the corridor, assessing potential opportunities for new greenspaces or mitigating impacts on community access to existing green areas.

Partnerships and Events

• Partner with Loyola University Maryland to advise on and support greening activities for Loyola Community Day events, in addition to planning coordination with the commercial corridor to support local businesses during these events.