One fifth of Baltimore’s tree canopy is made up of forest patches of at least 10,000 square feet outside parks. These bits of forest are valuable for their ability to absorb and filter stormwater, cool the city, and provide habitat for birds (such as eagles and songbirds) and other wildlife. Unfortunately, they have little protection, and many are neglected or, worse, treated as dumping grounds.
Many of Baltimore’s forest patches are on land that is unsuitable for development due to streams, slopes, and the large trees that have grown.