Our Partner Organizations
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Our Members
Charlotte Davis
Co-chair
Charlotte Davis has brought deep expertise in rural advocacy and public policy to Partners for Open Space. As Executive Director of the Rural Maryland Council — an independent state agency — she drives initiatives that strengthen rural Maryland’s social, economic, and environmental resilience. Charlotte’s leadership bridges government, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to build a stronger future for Maryland’s countryside.
Owen Bailey
Co-chair
Since joining Partners for Open Space in 2022, Owen Bailey has served as co-chair since 2023. As Director of Land Use and Policy at Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, he leads initiatives that shape sustainable development and land use policy across municipal, county, and state levels. Owen also drives strategic conservation efforts through his roles with the Delmarva Restoration Conservation Network and the Chestertown Planning Commission, turning vision into measurable impact for the region’s open spaces.
Lucille Walker
Vice Co-chair
Lucille W. Walker has been a driving force for heritage and conservation since joining Partners for Open Space. As Executive Director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, she champions historic preservation, cultural tourism, and community-rooted storytelling across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and southern Prince George’s counties. Lucille’s leadership has earned her major honors — including the 2024 Preservation Service Award — as she works to connect land, history, and people in meaningful, transformative ways.
Anna Mudd
Vice Co-chair
Since joining Partners for Open Space in 2022, Anna Mudd-Griffith (she/her) has served as a board member. She leads bold policy efforts as Senior Director at Potomac Conservancy, advocating for clean water and environmental justice in the region. Anna brings people together—partner organizations, coalitions, and government leaders—to make meaningful environmental change happen.
Photo Credit: Chesapeake Conservancy
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History of the
Partnership
Partners for Open Space formed in response to threats to the Transfer Tax, a critical funding source for land conservation and park development in Maryland. Over the years, we’ve united nonprofits, local governments, and community advocates to defend and promote this vital program.
Mission Statement
Partners for Open Space is a statewide coalition advocating for and defending open space in Maryland. Guided by a single and powerful mission, Partners for Open Space works to protect Program Open Space and Maryland’s Communities.