Submitted by: Lesley Riddle
Submitting Department: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Memorandum of Understanding: Heritage Garden at McClanahan Park
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Anacostia Watershed Society, Master Naturalist Program for the use and administration of a ‘Heritage Garden’ at McClanahan Park, pending review and approval of the City Attorney.
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Summary Background:
In 2020 the City received a Stormwater Stewardship grant from Chesapeake Bay Trust. The Manager of Environmental Programs for the City of Hyattsville, Dawn Taft, developed an ongoing relationship with Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) to routinely sponsor Master Watershed Stewards to raise awareness and education about stormwater in our city. Ms. Tracie Yorke completed her Master Watershed Steward program through AWS and went on to take the Master Naturalist Program. As a requirement of the Master Naturalist Program trainees are required to identify and participate in community-based projects. Ms. Yorke, a resident of Hyattsville, structured her project around the food Forest at McClanahan Park. Her project will “examine the native and invasive gardening practices through the lens of African American and Indigenous experiences”. This Heritage Garden initiative will serve to meet the Capstone Project requirement for both of Ms. Yorke’s certifications with AWS.
Currently, the City has two demonstration Food Forests, McClanahan Park, and Burlington Road Park. Both parks are always in need of extra landscape maintenance and general care. The opportunity to have Hyattsville Master Naturalists steward the McClanahan Food Forest is an amazing opportunity for the City.
Next Steps:
With the approval of the MOU the Master Naturalists may begin work at the garden with the approval of DPW staff and the City Arborist.
Fiscal Impact:
None
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend support.
Community Engagement:
Pending
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Pending