'Montco Forever Green' Project Launched To Preserve Open Space

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County has a launched a new program aimed at preserving more of the county's open space in perpetuity.

The "Montco Forever Green" program allows municipalities to apply for county-funded grants to help purchase easements or develop partnerships that protect open spaces.

"The Montco Forever Green program ensures that more municipalities than ever before will be able to access the economic, environmental, and social benefits that open space preservation brings to communities," Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija said in a statement. "This is an innovative, research-backed evolution of the County’s long-standing commitment to open space preservation."

Officials say natural spaces currently return some $3 billion in housing value, as homes located near protected areas increase in value.

Open space also offers some $200 million in annual stormwater management savings, and an economic boon of $160 million, the county estimates.

In addition to economic and environmental benefits, open space also improve air quality and expand access to nature and recreation for the public.

Both municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations are eligible to apply for the county's new grant program. The maximum individual grant amount of $500,000, with $2 million earmarked initially for 2025.

Authorities said projects can be of any shape or size, emphasizing the importance of both rural farmland and urban parks.