Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership is proud to announce our involvement in the Crystal Springs Habitat Conservation Initiative. Alongside our partner Scenic Rivers Land Trust, we are excited to ensure the continued conservation of over 120 acres of private forest and agricultural land in Annapolis. Crystal Springs hosts breeding birds, box turtles, and other wildlife dependent on mature, unfragmented forest, protects adjacent waterways by reducing and filtering runoff, and acts as a key carbon sink.
A wetland created by beavers, located within the Crystal Springs forest.
“It’s not often that forest remains standing in areas of prime development,” said Gabriel Foley, Executive Director of Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, “It’s even rarer that it receives permanent protection. We are thrilled to work with our partners to maximize the conservation potential of this exceptional habitat.”
Josh Falk, Executive Director of Scenic Rivers Land Trust, said, “Scenic Rivers Land Trust is close to finalizing the easement which will ensure restoration and protection of the property in perpetuity.”
A Northern Parula, a species that requires unfragmented tracts of mature forest, eyes the viewer while perching on a branch.
Of the property’s initial 176 acres, approximately 27 acres will be developed into a senior living community, over 120 acres will be placed under a conservation easement with Scenic Rivers Land Trust, and the remaining area will be under restrictive deed covenants that eliminate future development. MBCP recognizes that our increasing population has growing land use needs, but encourages environmentally responsible decisions throughout the project management process.
This permanent protection of Crystal Springs represents years of persistence and partnership among landowner Janet Richardson, Concerned Citizens for Proper Land Use, Mayor Gavin Buckley and the City of Annapolis, and National Lutheran Communities. As the largest remaining forest in Annapolis, its preservation will keep this landscape mature, connected, and ecologically vibrant. We look forward to continuing to work with the landowner to enhance the property’s biological value and support the wildlife that depend on it.