Natural Resource Management

The Division of Frederick County Parks and Recreation's sustainable natural land management opens major opportunities for both the environment and the residents who depend on it. FCPR has worked with the Office of Sustainability & Environmental Resources planting a total of 38,255 trees in 101.8 acres of land. Trees are essential for healthy communities and people. The increased tree canopy improves air quality.

Park
 Acres Trees Planted
Catoctin Creek Park 16.3 8,650
Monocacy River Park (behind DUSWM) 27.5 9,625
Robin Meadows 11 3,850
Extension Services 1.2 420
Fountain Rock Park 1.2 240
Roundtree BMP #27 2 332
Ballenger Creek Park 20 7,000
Othello Park 16 5,600
Utica Park 4 1,573
Creagerstown Park 2.6 965
Staff Planting Trees
  1. Low impact land management – Besides regularly mowing and seeding, our parks are managed in a low-impact way that is more in line with natural ecosystem processes by discontinuing the use of synthetic pesticides, as well as reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and herbicides.

  2. Protect natural resources and wildlife/habitats – Parks and public lands serve an essential role in protecting natural resources and wildlife habitats, ensuring the health of the county’s ecosystems.

    • Wetland conservation: FCPR continues to protect, restore, and care for the county’s remaining wetlands, managing the water levels and vegetation, removing invasive plant species and debris, and allowing space for wetlands to migrate.

    • Stormwater management: Frederick County has incorporated green infrastructure for stormwater management into parks. The naturalized infiltration system provides temporary storage, better drainage, and infiltration of water runoff. It not only provides a good environment for wildlife habitats but also makes the public land aesthetically pleasing. FCPR maintains 63 of these areas.

    • Middletown Park pond dredging project: FCPR worked with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to make sure that the Middletown Park’s pond dredging project has minimal impact on the local ecosystem. Approximately 4,000 cubic yards of sediments were removed to increase the water quality and 5,000 bluegill sunfish were stocked into the rehabilitated pond.

    • Porous pavement: Porous pavement allows water to flow through it rather than shedding water. It helps to preserve the ecosystem by reducing water runoff and returning water naturally to the water table. Porous pavement can be found in Ballenger Creek, Roddy Road, Loy's Station, Pt of Rocks Community Commons and Othello Parks.

    • Wildflower and grass meadows: Seven native wildflowers and grass meadows were planted at Othello Park, totaling 3 acres of plantings that improve soil and water quality, while preventing erosion. 

    • Monarch Waystations: Monarch Waystations are placed in several parks including Kemptown, Utica, Fountain Rock, and Catoctin Creek. These waystations provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration.

    • Stream Restoration: with the help of the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources, 2 stream restoration projects have been completed at Point of Rocks Park and Pinecliff Park.