SILVER SPRING, MD - The Montgomery County Planning Board gave final approval yesterday
to connect several trails that will eventually form one 25-mile trail connecting the Patuxent and
Anacostia rivers. When completed, it will be longest continuous trail in the county.
The trail is named after Rachel Carson – known to many as the founder of the modern ecological
movement. Carson was a county resident and authored The Sense of Wonder and Silent Spring,
groundbreaking books that exposed the dangers to humans and the environment from indiscriminate
use of the pesticide DDT.
“The Sandy Spring community members ought to be very proud of their activism,” said Charles R.
Loehr, director of M-NCPPC’s Department of Park and Planning. “The public helped us craft a
workable, sustainable plan worthy of Rachel Carson’s environmental legacy.”
The trail will run north of Brookeville through the eastern portion of the county to Adelphi Mill in
Prince George’s. The Rachel Carson Greenway will highlight county’s natural environment and
historic landscape. Caron’s extensive writings will be highlighted along the trail.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of all
individuals in its programs and facilities. For assistance with special needs, such as large print
materials, sign language interpretation, listening devices, etc., please call 301-495-4600, TTY 301-
495-1331 or the Maryland Relay Service.
