Montgomery Parks has officially opened the Royce Hanson Conservation Park, a 475-acre natural haven located at 21820 Club Hollow Road in Poolesville. Named in honor of former Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission chairman Dr. Royce Hanson, the park stands as a tribute to his leadership in preserving Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve and advancing smart growth policies that protected farmland and open space.
Created through the Legacy Open Space program, the park safeguards the Broad Run watershed, featuring rare plants, diverse wildlife, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore five miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature observation. The park also includes picnic areas, fishing ponds, and an outdoor classroom designed to blend recreation with environmental education.
Interpretive signage highlights the area’s agricultural history, Indigenous heritage, and Civil War-era activity, while educational partnerships, such as with Poolesville High School’s Global Ecology Program, are planned to enhance hands-on learning in ecology and conservation.
Royce Hanson Conservation Park will serve as a living legacy of Montgomery County’s balance between development, preservation, and education. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Additional information can be found here.
