Chapel Hills Owner To Serve on County Agricultural Board

At 55, Russell Berk has spent his life working in agriculture and the sale of farm goods. Now, the owner of Chapel Hills Farm & Nursery on Chapel Road in Perry Hall will get to share his expertise related to countywide preservation issues.

On Nov. 5, the Baltimore County Council unanimously approved Berk's nomination to serve on the Baltimore County Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board, which advises and evaluates agricultural districts and the approval of easement purchases by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, County Councilman David Marks announced. 

"I was very happy to get the call, and very anxious to get started," said Berk, who has owned Chapel Hills since 1971. The year-round nursery also includes a petting zoo, a play area and a garden store. It has hosted several community events, most recently the Perry Hall Apple Festival. 

Berk also owned the Stel-Mar Garden Center in White Marsh between 1985 and 1994.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz nominated Berk for the position, which includes a five-year commitment. His first meeting with the board is planned Nov. 13. 

"Russell Berk's farm is a landmark in Perry Hall, and I think his experience will be a real asset on this board as we work to preserve Baltimore County's agricultural heritage," stated Marks, who supported Berk during the nomination.

Share your memories of Chapel Hills Farm & Nursery in the comments.