New Community Garden Preserves Farmland Once Slated For Development In Edgewater

EDGEWATER, MD — A former family farm once slated for development will be conserved as a community garden in Anne Arundel County.

Officials cut the ribbon on Nov. 26 on McNew Community Gardens, a greenspace where residents can grow their own produce.

“Demand for community garden space in our county far exceeds the supply,” Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a press release. “This partnership with Grow Annapolis, thanks to the conservation efforts of Chesapeake Conservancy and the McNew family, and persistent work by our team at Recreation and Parks, will allow more of our residents to engage in the fulfilling and healthful act of growing food.”

The McNew family donated its farm in 2019 through Chesapeake Conservancy's Giftlands program. The county government now owns the farm, located at 2672 Solomons Island Road near the South River.

“The idea to put conservation easements on the property to prevent further development was to create a lasting habitat for all things wild,” said J. Kent McNew, the conservation-minded owner of the farm. “The County gardens are a great idea, and priority should be given to those most vulnerable in our society that need fresh vegetables.”

The area used to be predominantly farmland, but Maryland Route 2 has since become a busy corridor. The McNew farm was once zoned for development as an assisted living complex, but the donation ensured the property will forever be conserved.

“To protect biodiversity, the world’s leading scientists have called for the protection of 30% of the Earth’s lands and waters by 2030. Success will be realized one parcel at a time and through conservation heroes like J. Kent McNew, who chose conservation for the future of his family’s farm, and through partnerships such as this one between Anne Arundel County, Chesapeake Conservancy and Grow Annapolis,” said Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn.

The site will be administered by Grow Annapolis, a nonprofit volunteer organization that has fostered and sustained community gardens for 14 years.

McNew Community Gardens will have about 36 plots, ranging from 8 feet by 10 feet up to 12 feet by 12 feet. Plots will be available to rent in the spring 2025. More information is available here.

“The McNew Community Gardens will provide much-needed green space for people to grow fresh, healthy food and enjoy nature in an increasingly developed area,” said State Sen. Sarah Elfreth. “One of the things that makes this community garden so special is that it can be reached by public transportation.”

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Director Jessica Leys said the garden is “cultivating an environment where nature and community flourish side by side.”

“McNew Community Gardens stands as a testament to our shared dedication to preserving green spaces for future generations while nurturing a sense of belonging and stewardship among our residents,” Leys said.

Anne Arundel County Council Member Lisa Rodvien echoed the support.

“Thank you to the McNew family as well as Joel Dunn from the Chesapeake Conservancy for creating an outdoor space for our community. County residents will enjoy this gift now and for generations to come,” Rodvien said.