The Nature Conservancy, an advocacy group focusing on land use and preservation, has identified the Greenspace Equity Program, promoting accessible green spaces in built-up areas, among its top priorities for the 2024 legislative session.
The Nature Conservancy a nation organization whose mission includes “…striving for a greener, more resilient Maryland through policy solutions that work for people and the planet” has identified multiple topics as priorities for the 2024 legislative session. Among them – a focus on downtown green spaces, accessible to urban and suburban populations to combat heat islands and promote stewardship.
From their website comes this detailed explanation of the priority topic:
Promoting Accessibility & Equity
Working to promote physical access and equity in conjunction with advancing economic accessibility and equity in Maryland’s green and renewable future.
The newly created Greenspace Equity Program, which has been a TNC conservation and environmental justice priority, will enable local land trusts, local governments and community organizations to access grant funds for creating and stewarding public greenspaces in urban areas. This includes community gardens and parks, woodlands, trails and urban farms.
Residents living in urban areas have frequently been sidelined in the decision-making process when it comes to lands in their own community. Abandoned properties have stood vacant for years due to cost barriers to repurposing the land. These grants will enable community leaders and members to access the necessary resources to guide how land parcels within their neighborhoods are used in order to better meet residents’ needs.
The new program specifically targets urban heat islands and historically underinvested neighborhoods to support residents’ physical and mental health. Greenspaces improve local air quality, which can reduce rates of respiratory illnesses. Mental health benefits include stress recovery, improved mental well-being and increased community connectivity. These spaces also create new recreational and educational opportunities within communities and reduce climate impacts.
TNC has worked closely with key partner organizations to strongly advocate for this important legislation’s passage. The Greenspace Equity Program will provide access to much needed financial support and increased decision-making power. This will improve communities’ ability to create spaces that will provide access to nature and all of its benefits.
During the legislative session, TNC also advocated for passing the Outdoor Preschool License Pilot Program. Outdoor preschool programs provide nature-based early learning and childcare opportunities that meet young children’s educational, health and safety needs. By licensing these institutions, Marylanders will have increased access to nature-based, affordable and high-quality early learning and child-care programs. Access to nature is beneficial to Marylanders of all ages.
Visit the Nature Conservancy website for more information.
