Save The Trail Petition

Testimony before the

COG Transportation Planning Board

June 17 , 2009

Written Testimony

Mary S. Rivkin, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Presented to Metro Washington COG Transportation Planning Board

June 17, 2009

Good afternoon.  I am Mary Rivkin, Associate Professor of Education at UMBC, and an advocate for children being outdoors.  I am here today to defend the ongoing existence of the Capital Crescent Trail because it is an important outdoor space for children in lower Montgomery County.

There is increasing empirical evidence that being outdoors in nature is good for children, for instance, reducing symptoms of ADHD. Comprehensive and recent reviews of such research can be read at www.childrenandnature.org. 

The State of Maryland has strongly supported this point with the Governor’s 2008 Executive Order on Children in Nature and its subsequent report on actions and policies the State should support in order to increase children’s access to and enjoyment of natural space (at www.dnr.state.md.us/).  I participated in writing this report and endorse its conclusions. 

National support for children in nature may soon be legislated by passage of the bill titled No Child Left Inside, co-sponsored by Maryland Congressman Jon Sarbanes. Indeed, President Obama only Monday told the American Medical Association that children should “spend more time playing outside.”

The Capital Crescent Trail is a perfect example of what is most important in bringing children into nature—it is close to many children.  The term is “nearby nature.”  Children no longer roam freely outdoors as in past generations, but rather need to be accompanied to natural areas. 

The long stretch of trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring is accessible to many children and their families who bike and walk to it, and once there enjoy safe, uncomplicated exercise and pleasure. Because it is nearby to so many in the densely populated down-county area, it receives constant use. 

Anyone who has ridden bikes with children knows the overhanging fear of cars that shadows such rides; but once on the Trail the only shadows are from the abundant trees. In fact, the trees, shrubs, and wildflowers of the mature woods lining the Trail constitute an argument for the Trail as excellent “nearby nature,” rich in diversity, rich in vistas –think of the views of the creek valley in the changing seasons. 

If we want children to grow to be stewards of the natural world, they need to experience the natural unbuilt world.  Unfortunately, a track with a fast train every few minutes hurtling by a narrow path landscaped with tiny trees cannot replace the singular stretch of beauty and peace that the Trail is now.  No one will be able to call the proposed Purple Line “nearby nature.”

And a further regret for the down-county children must be that “nearby nature” will not be increased elsewhere in the area.  More density and more infill argue against creating accessible nature places for children.  No one gains short term profits from children’s age-old explorations of rocks, bushes, trees and streams.  Yet, society, we all, gain from children knowing and loving their home place –first they love the Trail and Rock Creek Park, and then they love more largely, the whole planet, we hope.

Governor O’Malley has proclaimed an “Outdoor Bill of Rights” for children (www.governor.maryland/documents/OutdoorBillOfRights.pdf).  I urge the Members of the Transportation Planning Board to conserve the Capital Crescent Trail and safeguard these rights.