The Govans Urban Forest is located on an approximately one-half acre lot in the 5200 block of York Road.  It was designated a Protected Urban Forest when, in the mid 1990’s trees were removed to create the CVS Pharmacy and parking lot.  (The first application of the Maryland State Conservation Legislation!)  By 2012 the remaining protected parcel had become a trash-filled dump and a homeless hangout. It was completely overrun by invasive vines; English ivy, porcelain berry and Japanese honeysuckle, making it an unwelcome neighborhood feature.

In 2012 under the oversight of the York Road Partnership’s Public Spaces & Greening Committee, volunteers from Loyola University Maryland began to address these challenges and removed trash, clear vines, and control dumping. As invasives were removed, three two-hundred-year-old white oak trees were uncovered as well as 30 species of younger trees. 

Even this small forest patch now provides educational opportunities for elementary school students who come to visit, provides environmental benefits, and is a quiet place where neighbors come and relax, particularly on hot summer days.

For more information about events, and opportunities to explore the forest, or to volunteer, please contact the forest steward Helene Perry at [email protected].