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DPR is committed to the protection and expansion of natural and open green spaces, as outlined in Ready2Play. In an effort to expand the protection of natural spaces in Ward 7, DPR is partnering with Casey Trees and the Trust for Public Land to acquire a 12.5 acre urban forest patch between the Naylor Garden and Hillcrest neighborhoods. DPR has secured a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to purchase the land, in partnership with fundraising from Casey Trees. Currently fenced off and not accessible to the public, this acquisition will add 12.5 acres of protected, publicly accessible greenspace to DPR's portfolio. This project will:
BE A NATURAL OASIS FOR RECREATION
Our communities deserve safe access to green space and nature. While no trails or entrances currently exist, opening the forest park to recreation will give neighbors more opportunities to gather, exercise, and relax.
REDUCE FLOODING
Ward 7 experiences more flooding than any other DC ward and has seen significant tree canopy loss in recent years. Preserving this forest helps manage stormwater and reduce flooding for surrounding neighborhoods.
COOL OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Mature forest canopy naturally cools the surrounding air, lowering neighborhood temperatures. Keeping this land as green space can help cool the neighborhood, absorb stormwater, support wildlife, and improve air quality.
CLEAN THE AIR
Wards 7 & 8 have the highest rates of air pollution and asthma, as well as the highest development pressure in the District. This forest serves to benefit both communities, as well as neighboring residents of Prince George’s County.
DPR is committed to the protection and expansion of natural and open green spaces, as outlined in Ready2Play. In an effort to expand the protection of natural spaces in Ward 7, DPR is partnering with Casey Trees and the Trust for Public Land to acquire a 12.5 acre urban forest patch between the Naylor Garden and Hillcrest neighborhoods. DPR has secured a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to purchase the land, in partnership with fundraising from Casey Trees. Currently fenced off and not accessible to the public, this acquisition will add 12.5 acres of protected, publicly accessible greenspace to DPR's portfolio. This project will:
BE A NATURAL OASIS FOR RECREATION
Our communities deserve safe access to green space and nature. While no trails or entrances currently exist, opening the forest park to recreation will give neighbors more opportunities to gather, exercise, and relax.
REDUCE FLOODING
Ward 7 experiences more flooding than any other DC ward and has seen significant tree canopy loss in recent years. Preserving this forest helps manage stormwater and reduce flooding for surrounding neighborhoods.
COOL OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Mature forest canopy naturally cools the surrounding air, lowering neighborhood temperatures. Keeping this land as green space can help cool the neighborhood, absorb stormwater, support wildlife, and improve air quality.
CLEAN THE AIR
Wards 7 & 8 have the highest rates of air pollution and asthma, as well as the highest development pressure in the District. This forest serves to benefit both communities, as well as neighboring residents of Prince George’s County.
In alignment with DPR's Master Plan, this project helps progress one or more of our agency-wide goals. The specific actions that this project addresses are listed below:
Action 1B.3 - Pursue acquisition for new parks in areas lacking access.
This forest acquisition will add approximately 12.5 acres of protected greenspace to DPR's inventory.
Action 1C.5 - Develop new and expand existing nature trails.
Nature trails are tentatively planned for Hillcrest Community Forest, pending community engagement.
Action 2E.8 - Protect existing natural and open green space in parks for unstructured outdoor play, picnics, spaces for nature contemplation and meditation and ensure that healthy natural areas on any new land obtained by DPR is protected.
Hillcrest Community Forest will include 12.5 acres of both natural and open green space.
Action 2E.9 - Pursue conservation easements either directly or through partnerships with landowners or third-parties to protect natural lands.
This land acquisition is possible through our partnership with Casey Trees.
