New Hope Chapel And Partners To Create Native Plant Habitat In Arnold

New Hope Chapel (NHC) is undergoing a new environmental stewardship project at its Arnold location, made possible by grant funding from Unity Gardens. In partnership with One Square Yard and Alison Milligan, NHC will install a native plant garden designed to enhance the neighborhood and the community.

Volunteers are invited to join the project for the community planting day on October 18 at 9:00am (rain date October 25). Attendees will learn how to prepare the soil and install the new plantings. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact One Square Yard  at 1sqryard@gmail.com or the NHC church office at barbara@newhopechapel.org.

Project Highlights

• 1,135 Square Feet Of Layered Native Plantings: The garden will feature 20 species of trees, shrubs and perennials designed to support pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
• Biodiversity And Habitat Creation: The garden will provide food and shelter for pollinators and birds through diverse native plantings.
• Stormwater Management: Native plants will help absorb runoff, reducing erosion and improving water quality.
• Reduced Maintenance: The shift from turf to native plants will decrease mowing and add shade to the property.
• Community Education: The site will serve as a demonstration garden, offering educational opportunities for church members and neighbors.

Upcoming Events by One Square Yard

Monday, October 6, at 7:00pm
One Square Yard will present a free community event at New Hope Chapel. Stacey Wildberger of the Cape Conservation Corps will discuss native gardening and community restoration.

Saturday, November 1 (time to be determined)
A workshop on how to identify and remove invasive vines and other plants that kill trees and damage habitat will be free and open to the public. For more information, or to RSVP, email 1sqryard@gmail.com.

About the Partners

New Hope Chapel: A community-oriented Christian congregation on Windsor Road in the Mago Vista area of Arnold. To learn more, visit www.newhopechapel.org.

Unity Gardens: An organization that empowers Anne Arundel County communities to create healthy ecological spaces. Each spring and fall, Unity Gardens awards grants to support initiatives that use the power of native plants to address issues like stormwater runoff, pollution and habitat loss. Unity Gardens funds groups such as homeowners’ associations, faith-based organizations, schools, scout groups, garden clubs and other qualified nonprofits.

One Square Yard: A local environmental group promoting native plants and sustainable gardening.

Alison Milligan: An expert in native landscaping and environmental education, Milligan is a Watershed Steward, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist renowned for her expertise in native landscapes. She has designed and sourced gardens for hundreds of Maryland homeowners and organizations.