10,000+ Trees to Rewild Former Fairways into a Thriving Park
Riverdale, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, is proud to announce a collaborative tree planting initiative at Lake Arbor, made possible through a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and in partnership with Casey Trees.
“This effort reflects how we are reimagining under-utilized recreational spaces in ways that strengthen our natural environment and serve the community,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “As these trees take root and grow, they will help create a healthier ecosystem, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and offer residents a beautiful setting to enjoy nature for years to come. We appreciate the partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Casey Trees in helping bring this vision forward.”
Funded by a $673,560 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Urban Trees Award Program, awarded in July 2025, this project supports the planting of more than 10,340 native trees at the former Lake Arbor Golf Course. This initiative will “rewild” the golf course—transforming former fairways into a vibrant urban forest that boosts biodiversity, improves environmental health, and enhances the natural beauty of Prince George’s County while contributing to the 5 Million Trees for Maryland initiative.
“Lasting change starts with people owning projects for their communities,” said Jana Davis, President of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “The Urban Trees Program empowers more local groups with the resources they need for community-driven initiatives to expand tree canopy and create thriving green spaces that promote healthier, more resilient communities across Maryland.”
Built in 1970 and closed after foreclosure in 2010, the public golf course fell into disrepair until its acquisition by M-NCPPC in 2022 for the creation of a new park at Lake Arbor. The Lake Arbor Golf Course Reuse Master Plan—shaped by extensive community input—prioritizes reforestation, conservation areas, natural habitats, and sustainable recreation opportunities such as trails and complementary active-use amenities. It also addresses legacy issues, including sinkholes, failing pedestrian bridges, overgrown paths, and invasive species.
Casey Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, developed a comprehensive tree-planting and care plan to ensure long-term success.
“Transforming Lake Arbor Park’s golf course—from vast turf to a vibrant community forest—marks an incredible step forward for the community,” said Andrew Schichtel, Executive Director of Casey Trees. “This project will deliver immediate benefits like cleaner air, cooling shade, and inviting public spaces, while serving as a model for how urban forestry investments can strengthen neighborhoods and build resilience to climate challenges.”
The restoration phase of the project, funded through this grant and implemented from July 2025 through June 2030, will unfold in phases as the former driving range and fairways are converted into natural forest habitat. Plans include seasonal plantings and the incorporation of repurposed golf cart paths into nature trails for community enjoyment. Additional elements of the Master Plan—such as community gardens and a nature-based playground—will be implemented in later phases with continued community engagement.
Transforming the site from manicured lawns into forested habitat will significantly benefit the environment, public health, and local ecology. By planting a diverse mix of native trees, the Lake Arbor project will deliver cleaner air and water, expanded wildlife habitat, cooler temperatures, and new recreational opportunities, while strengthening the County’s tree canopy and climate resilience.
This initiative is supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and is part of the 5 Million Trees for Maryland program, a statewide effort to expand Maryland’s tree canopy and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
About the Department
With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.
About the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) envisions a restored and protected Chesapeake Bay watershed and other natural resources in our area, from the Coastal Bays to the Chesapeake to the Youghiogheny River. We empower local community-based groups on the ground with the resources they need to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring forests, streams, rivers, bays, wildlife, and more in their own communities. Every year, the Bay Trust empowers about 400 groups by providing grants and technical assistance to accomplish environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration projects. The Bay Trust is supported by the sale of the Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers, and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local governments. The Bay Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades. On average, 90 cents of every dollar are directed to the Trust’s restoration and education programs.
About Casey Trees
Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Established in 2001 by philanthropist Betty Brown Casey, the organization works to revitalize Washington, D.C.’s legacy as the “City of Trees.” Through tree planting and care, volunteer engagement, education, advocacy, and land conservation, Casey Trees collaborates with residents, community groups, and policymakers to promote sustainable urban forestry practices. Casey Trees also operates as D.C.’s only accredited land trust serving all of Washington, D.C., and surrounding jurisdictions, preserving green spaces and safeguarding them from future development. With a goal of achieving D.C.’s 40% tree canopy coverage by 2032, Casey Trees has planted over 65,000 trees and continues to support initiatives that improve environmental resilience, enhance community spaces, and foster a greener, more livable capital region. Learn more at https://caseytrees.org.
