While I still firmly believe we need to more closely and thoroughly examine CA, its history, and its structure to understand how to unleash the full potential of the institution, I also recognize that this does not necessarily make for the most compelling or engaging blog content.
The key insight here, however, is not about the interests and preferences of others, but it’s about my own biases toward institutionalism and credentialism. I’ll work on untangling those, but in the meantime, I want to write about things that are more immediate, tangible, and relevant to the lives of people who live in, work in, or simply care about the future of Columbia.
So, let’s talk about berries. Specifically, this patch of berry bushes in Stevens Forest.
At some point in the last ten years or so, the Columbia Association stopped mowing this field, allowing the natural process of reforestation to begin.
We’re in the meadow phase, and as part of this, berry bushes have proliferated (I think it’s a mix of black raspberries and invasive wineberries but I’m better at identifying trees and hawks than I am bushes and berries).
Every June, the ripening red and black berries here attract hungry, foraging residents—both human and animal alike. It’s a wonderful scene and something I look forward to every year—these berries have become a fundamental and happy part of my experience of living in Stevens Forest.
One of CA’s biggest opportunities for improvement is to focus on experience of living and working in Columbia. If there were a big bucket wherein I put most or maybe even all of my issues and concerns with CA, you could probably name it “experience”. Columbia’s founding was full of energy, enthusiasm, and optimism because the Rouse Company put the experience of living and working in Columbia front and center in its planning, development, and marketing of Columbia. It celebrated Columbia not for the things it had but for the way those things created a complete and compelling experience.
Open space is a fundamental to the experience of Columbia. It is regularly mentioned as one of the things people love most about Columbia, and it is used by more people than any other of CA’s programs or facilities. I have written about open space before and the potential for its enhancement, which could in turn help enhance the experience of living in Columbia:
But with concerns mounting about social isolation and kids not spending enough time outside, we should consider whether Columbia’s open space can be enhanced in ways previously not considered; if it can provide a better foundation for residents to engage with nature and each other; and if its use can be expanded in ways that are compatible with our larger goals for our environment and community.And I’d propose that naming some of the most important spaces is a first step toward this new “open space ethic.”But a new open space ethic should be more than this; it should be about strengthening the ecosystem that encompasses both our natural and our human communities. Maybe this means replacing tot lots with something different — rock-scapes for climbing and free play, treehouses to highlight views, art installations that encourage exploration and discovery, or stormwater management projects that help reduce or clean runoff but while also enhancing the neighborhood aesthetic.
Treating Columbia’s open space network as the managed landscape it is offers a chance to think about how we improve both its ecological integrity and opportunities for people to enjoy.
So, in the realm of concrete, tangible ideas to make Columbia a better place, perhaps we should consider planting more native berry bushes, fruit trees like Maryland’s native Paw Paw, and wildflowers.
Are there any areas in your neighborhood that are ripe for enhancement? Do you have any ideas for open space that you think could bear fruit in the years to come?
Are there any areas in your neighborhood that are ripe for enhancement? Do you have any ideas for open space that you think could bear fruit in the years to come?
