Mission Statement
"The Guilford County Open Space Committee is dedicated to the preservation of open space throughout the County. The Committee identifies suitable lands for preservation, develops plans for their protection, and provides public education about land conservation."
The Guilford County Open Space Committee, formally established in 2000, is the result of a grassroots effort by citizens concerned about the rapid conversion of rural and urban open space to other land uses. You may view the Committee's brochure to learn about the benefits of open space and highlights of the program. The Committee consists of nine voting members, one of whom also serves on the Guilford County Parks & Recreation Commission. Members serve a three-year term and are appointed by the Parks & Recreation Commission. If you would like to become part of this important committee, contact us at rashton@co.guilford.nc.us or click here to obtain a Volunteer Application Form (in Microsoft Word Format).
Committee Activities
On April 16, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2009 Guilford County Open Space Report. This report sumarizes the activities of the Open Space Program, which seek to enhance the County's water quality, preserve animal habitats, and protect natural areas for the enjoyment of current and future residents. This report updates the original Guilford County Open Space Report adopted by the Board of Commissioners in July of 2000.
The Committee is:
- Working with the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation to add more land to the Haw River State Park. Click here to see a map of the planning area for the park. Visit the website of the North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation to learn more about the Haw River State Park. The Committee conceived the idea of a state park in Guilford County, officially nominated the Haw River corridor in 2001, and worked with the Guilford delegation to the General Assembly to pass House Bill 1025 for the park in 2003.
- Working to connect open space with local trails efforts such as the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Haw River Trail.
- Sponsoring studies to assess environmental conditions along major stream corridors. The most recent assessment was completed in the fall of 2003 for a 15-mile stretch of the Haw River in northwestern Guilford County.
- Speaking to civic organizations about the urgent need to protect open space. Contact us at rashton@co.guilford.nc.us if you are interested in having the Committee speak to your organization.
- The Open Space Committe has adopted the following statement concerning the Heart of the Triad project.
- For information on meeting times for this committee, please check the schedule below.
2004 Parks & Open Space Bond Referendum
The voters of Guilford County approved a bond referendum in November 2004 that provided $10 million to help preserve natural areas throughout the County. The Open Space Committee, working with County staff, evaluates and recommends potential land acquisitions using adopted criteria and priorities. Possible methods for acquiring or preserving important natural resources include fee-simple purchase and donations or charitable gifts. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call (336) 641-3762.
2010 Committee Members
John Young (Chair)
Alice Patterson (Vice-chair)
Joseph Alston
Dennis Burnette
Dick Feulner
Alice Patterson
Marty Spottl
Gil Vaughan
Trudy Whitacre
2010 Meeting Dates
The Open Space Committee meets monthly. Meetings are held in the Old County Courthouse located at 301 West Market Street in Greensboro, in Room 401, at 6:00 p.m.
January 26 July 27
February 23 August 24
March 23 September 28
April 27 October 26
May 25 November 16
June 22 December (no business meeting)
Partners
The Committee has worked with many organizations that share an interest in helping willing landowners preserve natural areas. Visit some of these groups through the links below:
