County Champion Tree At Risk, Crews Tackle Project To Stabilize It

ELKRIDGE, MD — Crews will be working to stabilize a streambank near a County Champion tree that needs saved.

The 61-inch diameter County Champion swamp white oak near Field 2 at Troy Park in Elkridge is unstable as the streambank erodes around it and undercuts the tree.

The project will start Dec. 1 and wrap up in January 2026, county officials stated.

"Your County Champion trees means protecting the living history and ecological resilience of Howard County. This Champion Swamp White Oak in Troy Park at Elkridge has stood for generations, providing shade, habitat and a sense of place for our community. Stabilizing the nearby streambank is not just about saving a single tree, it is about safeguarding a symbol of our environmental stewardship and ensuring that future generations inherit the natural treasures we value today," stated Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

Signs will be posted in the project area to alert people of the construction work, which is expected to take place Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. While the project is not expected to impact vehicle traffic in the area, bike and pedestrian pathways near Field 2 will be closed for the duration of the project.

Funding for this project is provided by the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.