The goal of the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board (Board) is to conserve and enhance the County’s natural resources by good forest management practices and resident awareness. Neighborhood by neighborhood, community stewardship projects are helping to raise public awareness about the health of our region’s tree canopy, watersheds, air quality, streams, rivers, and the Bay, as well as the steps that can be taken to restore and protect them. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service reports that erosion can be reduced, water and soil quality can be improved, airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide can be filtered, and summer temperatures, ozone pollution, and energy use can be reduced. In addition, adding trees to a community has clear economic benefits. Studies show that urban trees and green space play an important role in providing a higher quality of life, enhancing local economic development opportunities, and increasing property values.