outdoor recreation generated $ 10.6 billion in statewide economic activity, supported more than 85,000 jobs, and accounted for 1.9 percent of Maryland’ s gross domestic product. In Montgomery County alone, heritage tourism generates approximately $ 376.1 million annually, supports more than 5,300 jobs, and contributes $ 50.4 million in state and local tax revenue.
Development has continued through partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Preservation Maryland, the Sandy Spring Museum, the Sandy Spring Slave Museum, Montgomery Parks, Afro Charities, and the Maryland Historical Trust. Preservation Maryland commissioned a study and is helping develop a concept-level master plan that will guide conservation, recreation, and historical interpretation.
Much remains to be decided. Future ideas for the park include restored historic structures, interpretive exhibits, archaeological research, guided experiences, school programs, trail connections, and opportunities for descendants and community members to help shape how the history is presented.
As Freedman’ s State Park continues to develop, it has the potential to become one of Montgomery County’ s most significant heritage tourism destinations, offering residents and visitors a place where African American history, agriculture, recreation, and conservation come together on the landscape itself. New trails, interpretive programs, restored historic resources, and educational experiences can deepen understanding of the Howard family’ s story while connecting visitors to the county’ s broader network of museums, historic communities, cultural sites, and the Agricultural Reserve. In doing so, the park can serve as both a place of reflection and discovery and a gateway to exploring the people, places, and landscapes that shaped Montgomery County.
“ Freedman’ s State Park demonstrates how preservation, recreation, and tourism can work together to bring about lasting community benefits,” said Rogers.“ As the park develops, it can strengthen that impact by attracting a wider range of visitors, prompting them to discover heritage sites within the Heritage Area.”
Cory A. Van Horn is an award-winning tourism and nonprofit leader who works with heritage organizations, including Heritage Montgomery, to strengthen community engagement, enhance visitor experiences, and improve operational efficiency.
Protect the Ag Reserve
Ongoing and new challenges to farmland, the environment and open space in our area require persistent vigilance.
n Data Centers. The Montgomery County Council has imposed an 18-month moratorium on large-scale data centers. None can be approved and no data center applications can be processed during the moratorium. That includes the proposal by a company called Atmosphere to build a 110-acre, 5-building data center campus in Dickerson. The 18-month pause will allow the Council and County officials to thoroughly evaluate the risks posed by large data centers, and draft regulations that will specify where they can be built and what rules they must abide by. SCA advocated in favor of the moratorium.
n Waste Management. Montgomery County’ s plans to overhaul its waste disposal and recycling systems has been delayed for several years. This fall, the County Council plans to again take the issue up, with hopes of a decision by the end of November. The Council will weigh options. SCA supports an option that would close the County’ s polluting, aging and costly trash incinerator in Dickerson, and transitions to landfilling our non-recyclable trash in environmentally-sound landfills. That’ s what most counties and cities do with their trash.
n Agritourism. The idea of allowing more“ tourism” and nonagricultural activities on working farms is gaining momentum, including in the Ag Reserve. Some activities— such as tasting rooms, shops, pick-your-own, and farm education— can be a good fit and enhance revenue. Other activities, such as corporate retreats, weddings and music venues may be weakly or not at all related to agriculture. SCA is deeply engaged in these discussions, with the priority of protecting farmland and enhancing actual agriculture.
You can read about these issues and more on SCA’ s website.
Help us advocate on behalf of the Ag Reserve. Consider becoming an SCA member and supporter. For more information, visit sugarloafcitizens. org or email us at info @ sugarloafcitizens. org
SUGARLOAF CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
P. O. BOX 218, DICKERSON, MD 20842 plenty I autumn harvest 2026 35