The former U.S. Naval Academy farm has organic produce, educational centers and no high-powered lights ? and Anne Arundel County residents want it to stay that way.
“That farm is important to the ecological education of our county students,” said Stephen Barry, a coordinator with an environmental program at the farm used by Anne Arundel public schools.
About 150 people gathered at Arundel High School in Gambrills to hear the county?s plan for the 857-acre farm, which the county is negotiating with the Navy for a long-term lease.
“This project is so unique, because there?s nothing in the county you can compare it to. It?s an agricultural gem,” said Recreation and Parks Director Frank Marzucco, who was encouraged by the relatively positive response from the crowd in support of the farm remaining an organic operation.
The farm is the single largest organic farm in Maryland and accounts for about 13 percent of the state?s organic product.
Not all comment was positive. Several residents backed the state?s proposal for a horse park. Members of the county?s 4-H Club, which uses the farm, wanted expanded service, including a show ring. But Anne Arundel?s plan excludes equestrian activities at the farm, which sparked some anger from the crowd.
“The county has turned its back on the horse community,” one woman said.
Marzucco said land would not be used for athletic fields, which was met with rousing applause from the crowd.
Residents also wanted no lights in the park and efforts to minimize traffic impact to the area.
While reaction was fair, most of the critical questions were deferred to the yet-to-be formed advisory committee, which will have heavy power in sculpting the farm.
“I still have a lot of question marks that will eventually need to be answered,” said Odenton resident Robin Ireland, who is a member of the Severn River Commission that protects historical and natural aspects of the Severn River.
A stream on the property is part of the river?s watershed.
AT A GLANCE
Anne Arundel County?s plan for the former U.S. Naval Academy farm is to:
» Create 14 themed gardens linked by a trail system
» Use existing concrete pads for a hillside amphitheater, similar to Quiet Waters Park
» Set aside land for community garden plots, with a possible farmers market
» Preserve historic sites on property, and allow archeological digs, some of which are prehistoric
» Create a botanical garden crafted by 17 local gardeners
» Keep 82 percent of the land for farming, with a bid process for a long-term farmer
For more information, visit aacounty.org.
