““For too long, the church has misrepresented the Genesis 1 creation story. God did not create humanity with special privilege over creation, but with special responsibility for it.”
— Rev. Joel L. Tolbert, Pastor, The Presbyterian Church of Chestertown
Green Stewards Project
What is the Green Stewards project?
This congregation has three empty lots on one side of Gateway Drive. They have been mowed and sprayed for years, and have become a grass desert. We agreed to give these lots back to God and the community, and started this project.
When will changes be happening?
The idea arose spring of 2022. The phased plan was on the table by late 2022. The first trees were planted in spring of 2023. The wildflower meadow begins installation in fall 2023. The timing of other phases will depend on volunteers and donations.
Why is the church doing this?
In Genesis 1, God commands humanity to be good stewards of creation, to take care of it, not take advantage of it. Humans are harming creation for our own convenience and/or profit, and we want to do our part to stall and reverse that bad habit.
Who will be allowed to use the space?
Everyone! This isn’t just for church members or the neighborhood. This space is for all the community, anyone looking for a place to wander, walk, think, plant, grow, rest, or be inspired. We manage it for God, and therefore all God’s children are welcome, no matter their age or stage of life.
Who is involved in making this happen?
It all began when Shore Rivers made a presentation to Chester Valley Ministers Association. Rev. Joel heard the way Shore Rivers helps residents, corporations, and government use land better for creation care. Now, members, neighbors, and others are involved.
How could I help?
We will need lots of human volunteers to give hours when we launch each new phase, and more humans to helps us care for each phase through the years. We will also need monies from donations or foundations to make each phase happen. We hope you will consider giving hours, monies, or connections to help this project happen!
Community Partners and Funders
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Shore Rivers
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Chesapeake Bay Trust
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Robert F. Schumann Foundation
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Crestview Community HOA
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Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River
Volunteer
If you have time or unique skills that could help this project come to fruition, please contact us! As a gift to the community, we know it will be a better project if more of the community comes together to help make it happen.
Donate
If you have money, materials, plants, or unique items that would complete or enhance the vision, we’d love to recieve your gift.
At the very top of this page, in the menu or header, you will see an option to GIVE. Click that and when prompted, choose to give a “Designated Offering”. Later, you will be offered the chance to write a note or memo in the transaction. Let us know it for the “Green Stewards” project.