Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Philip G. Wilmer Park Urban Greening Project

— Chestertown, Maryland • Founded in 1706 —

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2025

1. Philip G. Wilmer Park Urban Greening Project Marker

Inscription.

Philip G. Wilmer Park Urban Greening Project. . , In 2008, the Town of Chestertown and Washington College's Center for Environment and Society conducted a tree canopy study of the town. Based on that survey and recommendations from the US Forestry Service, an Urban and Community Forest Master Plan was created that called for an increase in the town's tree coverage by sixty percent. Since 2009, over one thousand trees have been planted in Chestertown., The tree canopy, living shoreline and rain garden projects seen here at Wilmer Park serve as examples of best practices that can be implemented to improve water quality, increase habitat, and reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Town of Chestertown wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and groups who have made our town into a model green community., Why Plant Native Trees and Shrubs? , Native trees and shrubs which are woody plants, as well as herbaceous perennials, naturally occur in the region in which they evolved. They are adapted to local soil, rainfall, and temperature conditions, and have developed natural defenses to many insects and diseases. Using native plants helps preserve the healthy balance and beauty of natural ecosystems., Native Trees and Shrubs: ,

. Clean Out Air. They take our waste product, carbon dioxide, and give us oxygen. , . Clean Our Water. They slow , absorb, and filter polluted runoff, and are essential to keep our waterways clean. , . Save Natural Resources, Maintenance, and Expense. Once established, native trees and shrubs will thrive without added water, fertilizers, and pesticides. , . Save Tax Dollars. Planting native trees and shrubs reduces the cost of controlling polluted runoff. , . Protect Soil. They hold soil in place with their root system and add nutrients each fall with their leaves. They are crucial to sustaining and replenishing our soil. , . Add Beauty. Planting native trees and shrubs adds beauty to our individual yards and our entire community. , . Increase Property Values. Native trees and shrubs can increase property values by 15 percent or more. , . Provide Food and Habitat for Wildlife. Many wildlife species, especially essential pollinators, have coevolved with native trees/shrubs, and herbaceous perennials are dependent on them. , . Are Cool. They cool the air, land, and water with leafy shade and moisture and help save money on energy costs. , . Fight Global Warming. Planting native trees and shurbs helps offset greenhouse gases.

In 2008, the Town of Chestertown and Washington College's Center for Environment & Society conducted a tree canopy study of the town. Based on that survey and recommendations from the US Forestry Service, an Urban and Community Forest Master Plan was created that called for an increase in the town's tree coverage by sixty percent. Since 2009, over one thousand trees have been planted in Chestertown.

The tree canopy, living shoreline and rain garden projects seen here at Wilmer Park serve as examples of best practices that can be implemented to improve water quality, increase habitat, and reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Town of Chestertown wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and groups who have made our town into a model green community.

Why Plant Native Trees and Shrubs?
Native trees and shrubs which are woody plants, as well as herbaceous perennials, naturally occur in the region in which they evolved. They are adapted to local soil, rainfall, and temperature conditions, and have developed natural defenses to many insects and diseases. Using native plants helps preserve the healthy balance and beauty of natural ecosystems.

Native Trees and Shrubs:

• Clean Out Air. They take our waste product,
Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online
carbon dioxide, and give us oxygen.
• Clean Our Water. They slow , absorb, and filter polluted runoff, and are essential to keep our waterways clean.
• Save Natural Resources, Maintenance, and Expense. Once established, native trees and shrubs will thrive without added water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Save Tax Dollars. Planting native trees and shrubs reduces the cost of controlling polluted runoff.
• Protect Soil. They hold soil in place with their root system and add nutrients each fall with their leaves. They are crucial to sustaining and replenishing our soil.
• Add Beauty. Planting native trees and shrubs adds beauty to our individual yards and our entire community.
• Increase Property Values. Native trees and shrubs can increase property values by 15 percent or more.
• Provide Food and Habitat for Wildlife. Many wildlife species—especially essential pollinators—have coevolved with native trees/shrubs, and herbaceous perennials are dependent on them.
• Are Cool. They cool the air, land, and water with leafy shade and moisture and help save money on energy costs.
• Fight Global Warming. Planting native trees and shurbs helps offset greenhouse gases.

Erected by Chesapeake Bay Trust; Town of Chestertown;

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2025

2. Philip G. Wilmer Park Urban Greening Project Marker

Center fro Environment & Society; The Estate of Virginia A. Gough.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2008.

Location. 39° 12.335′ N, 76° 4.008′ W. Marker is in Chestertown, Maryland, in Kent County. It is on South Cross Street (Maryland Route 289) south of Cannon Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 413 S Cross St, Chestertown MD 21620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Before There Was a Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Philip G. Wilmer Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilmer Park Living Shoreline (about 500 feet away); Charles Sumner Post #25, G.A.R. (about 600 feet away); U.S. Marines Memorial (about 600 feet away); Worrell’s Tavern (about 700 feet away); We honor them here (approx. 0.2 miles away); About Us (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chestertown.

Other markers no longer nearby. Charles Sumner Post, G.A.R. (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Kent County News (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.