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On March 10, 1993, Harford County students
realized a goal many thought was impossible. With the help of
countless individuals and many local organizations, they raised
$34,000 over a 90-day period to assist the state of Maryland in the
purchase of Kilgore Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the
state. Here's their story:
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The falls, locally known as “Falling Branch,”
were located on private property, but as teenagers we went there
frequently. Everyone at North Harford High School knew it was a
beautiful place to hike, swim, or just sit back and enjoy the sounds
of the falls. When the owners decided to sell the property, the
state wanted to purchase the 23-acre parcel that is adjacent to
Rocks State Park but came up $17,500 short of the seller’s asking
price.
That’s when the students of North Harford
decided to take matters into their own hands and raise the
difference. Led by the efforts of the North Harford Ecology Club,
students raised money by selling T-shirts and bumper stickers, and
by requesting donations.
Many students, including myself, volunteered
their lunch money every day to offer their support. Larger amounts
came in the way of donations from local organizations and an art
auction featuring the work of local artists. By settlement on March
10, the effort had nearly doubled its goal.
Today
Falling Branch is as popular as ever. Many of the students who gave
their time and money to save the falls now take their children to
the place that captivated them not so long ago. The park is still
maintained by the Maryland Park Service, but it appears that this
may not be the case for much longer.
The
Ehrlich administration may be considering the sale of 215 acres
surrounding the falls to developers. This sale would not only result
in the loss of one of Maryland’s most beautiful resources, it
would also be a slap in the face to all of the students who worked
so hard, gave so much, and believed in the impossible.
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To submit your story, and let us know why parklands,
farms, and open spaces are important to you, fill out the form
below or email us at: marcia@partnersforopenspace.org.
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