8 Acres At North St. John's Swim And Tennis Club To Be Preserved with County Purchase

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Eight acres of land at the North St. John's Swim and Tennis Club in Ellicott City have been purchased by Howard County through its land conservation program.

This marks the second land preservation purchase through Howard County’s Purchased Conservation Easement Pilot Program with the Howard County Conservancy.

The $120,000 purchase, underwritten by a $500,000 grant from Howard County Government to the Conservancy, includes more than four acres of woodland and portions of two tributary streams of the Sucker Branch within the Patapsco River watershed. The easement ensures that the 8-acre parcel at 9200 Marydell Road will be protected from future subdivision and development.

"With the purchase of this easement, Howard County continues a second successful year of this trailblazing, innovative program, ensuring that our most environmentally sensitive areas are preserved for generations to come. We hope that this partnership with North St. John’s encourages other non-profits with environmentally significant land in the County to join the program," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The property also has high scenic value, according to county leaders, since the club is located adjacent to Route 29 and Route 70 where the wooded areas will remain a visible buffer to highway drivers and swimmers alike.

“The purchase of an easement on North St. John's Swim and Tennis Club is a significant commitment made by Howard County for land stewardship and conservation,” said Lynda Eisenberg, director of the county department of planning and zoning. “This easement is a demonstration of the county’s dedication to preserving natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability in our community.”

North St. John’s Swim & Tennis Club was founded in 1964. The non-profit offers aquatics, tennis, basketball, pickleball and other recreational opportunities to members. Proceeds from the easement sale will be used to sustain the club’s programming. Caitlin Selkis, president of the St. John’s Swim & Tennis Club, said she hopes other non-profit landowners will follow their lead and participate in the Purchased Conservation Easement Pilot Program.

"Together we are protecting valuable land and natural resources for generations to come," she said.

Meg Boyd, executive director of the Howard County Conservancy, commended county leaders and the North St. John's Swim Club for their work in reaching the agreement.

“Kudos to the North St. John’s Swim Club for recognizing the importance of the forest that surrounds their recreational areas and its value to their community and members. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to preservation," Boyd said.