Save Crystal Spring Forest

Above is an aerial view showing what will become of Crystal Spring Forest, if the "Village at Providence Point" (VPP) mega-development is constructed. VPP would destroy half the mature forest and replace the wet meadows of Crystal Spring with a plantation of saplings.

Crystal Spring Forest is located on Crystal Spring Farm Rd. off of Forest Drive in Annapolis. It encompasses 111 acres of prime mature forest, old fields and wet meadows, making this one of the most biodiverse places on the Annapolis Peninsula. The site is so magical, that the Anne Arundel Bird Club has been using it for annual surveys for over 60 years. The forest here is nearly as old as that in Quiet Waters Park, and together with its mosaic of other habitat types, including old fields, ephemeral streams, vernal pools, and wet shrub land,  these features make it the best wildlife hotspot on the Annapolis Peninsula. In addition to all of the usual mammalian species found in our area, this is also one of the only homes in Annapolis for Wild Turkey, American Woodcock (wintering), Glossy Ibis (migration/stopover), American Bittern, and many other species. With the Forest Drive corridor becoming increasingly busy, it offers a rare sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of commuters coming and going in and out of the Annapolis Peninsula each day.

Here are some additional photos of Crab Creek Watershed, showing Crystal Spring Forest: 

Photo courtesy of J. B. Voigt Aerial Photography

Photo courtesy of J. B. Voigt Aerial Photography


One of the large trees in Crab Creek Watershed. 

As of January 2022, the City of Annapolis Planning Commission is  holding public hearings on the VPP development (Project No. PD2019-001). The developers have attempted to strike a "deal" with one local environmental group, but they do not represent the greater public interest or the interest of conserving and protecting the land. Once it is developed, it will be forever lost. The impacts will go far beyond just Crystal Spring Forest, with downstream effects reaching Crab Creek and the South River, eventually draining into the Chesapeake Bay. Increased traffic will result in more air pollution; the buildings and pavement will trap more heat; and the loss of forest and increased burning of fossil fuel will exacerbate climate change. 

The time is now to take action! Please help us save this precious site, which will be lost forever if it's developed. All donations will go to Crab Creek Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose mission is to protect and conserve the Crab Creek Watershed, including Crystal Spring Forest. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.