Glebe Forest Is Headed for Protection and Our Community Made It Happen

From petitions to fundraising, your voices helped move this forest toward a conserved future.

After nearly eight years of steady, determined community advocacy, Glebe Forest on the Mayo Peninsula is officially on its way to becoming a permanently protected public park, thanks to the collective efforts of local residents, supporters, and County leaders.

Earlier this month, the Anne Arundel County Council approved funding for the $4.5 million purchase of the 68.27-acre property through the Glebe Acquisition Resolution, clearing the way for Anne Arundel County to acquire the land from Glebe Bay LLP. The acquisition was funded through a combination of County sources, including $2 million from the Advance Land Acquisition capital project, $2 million from the Greenways, Parkland and Open Space capital project, and $500,000 in reforestation funds.

With the Council’s approval, the forest will now be added to Loch Haven Community Park and conserved for passive public use, including hiking, birdwatching, and quiet enjoyment of nature. Located in the South River watershed, the land will remain permanently protected, benefiting both nearby residents and the surrounding watershed.

For Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Glebe Forest has long been a top conservation priority. But this outcome would not have been possible without strong community support. Our supporters played a direct role in making this outcome possible: they helped raise the funds needed to place a conservation easement on the property and showed up time and again, signing petitions, organizing, and making it clear to County leaders that this forest mattered.

Those voices made a difference.

We are deeply grateful to the landowner for choosing conservation, to County leadership for investing in the long-term health of our community, and especially to the residents and supporters who never stopped advocating for this forest. Their persistence helped turn years of effort into lasting conservation.

What’s Next

With the County’s acquisition, the next chapter for Glebe Forest is beginning. Scenic Rivers is entering the early stages of working with Anne Arundel County to develop and place a conservation easement on the property, an important step that will permanently protect this forest and guide how it is cared for over time. Our long-term relationship with this land is just getting started, and we’re honored to help ensure Glebe Forest remains a healthy, welcoming place for people and nature for generations to come.