Program Open Space Matters.

Here’s Why.

Program Open Space is Maryland’s promise to protect the places that define us. It ensures that every community, from the smallest rural town to the heart of the Eastern Shore, has access to nature, clean air and water, and a sense of belonging. It is a commitment to resilience, heritage, and the unique rural landscapes that sustain our way of life.

Through its Four Pillars, Protecting Our Environment, Preserving Farmland and Local Food, Creating Outdoor Opportunities, and Fighting Climate Change, Program Open Space delivers lasting benefits. It strengthens local economies, supports thousands of jobs, and safeguards the natural systems that nourish our farms, our waters, and our communities.

On the Eastern Shore, this means more than open fields and scenic views. It means preserving the character of our towns, protecting working farms, and ensuring future generations can experience the beauty and bounty that make this region unique.