Jonas Green

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park is a waterfront recreation area on the Severn River located just outside Annapolis, Maryland, beneath the United States Naval Academy Bridge on Maryland Route 450. Originally known as Jonas Green State Park, the facility was transferred from state to county ownership in 2009 and is now owned and operated by Anne Arundel County. In 2018, the park was renamed to honor both Jonas Green and his wife Anne Catharine, recognizing her groundbreaking role as the first woman to serve as editor and publisher of an American newspaper. The park offers scenic waterfront views, fishing opportunities, kayak and canoe launching, and a tranquil setting for picnics and outdoor recreation along the historic Severn River.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park provides habitat along the Severn River estuary, supporting wildlife typical of Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The waterfront location attracts various species of fish sought by anglers, including striped bass, white perch, catfish, and other estuarine species. Wading birds such as great blue herons and egrets may be observed along the shoreline. Ospreys nest in the area and can be seen fishing in the river during warmer months. Waterfowl including ducks and geese utilize the waters seasonally. An underwater oyster reef located approximately halfway along the fishing pier provides habitat structure for fish and invertebrates. The park's trees and shrubs support songbirds and provide resting areas for migratory species.

The park features maintained landscapes with trees, shrubs, and lawns typical of developed parkland in the Chesapeake Bay region. Lush greenery and colorful flowers enhance the scenic waterfront setting. Native and ornamental trees provide shade and visual interest. The shoreline vegetation has been impacted by development and erosion, though restoration efforts aim to reestablish more natural plant communities. Proposals for coastal resilience projects include plans for tidal marsh, upland wetland, and beach strand vegetation that would restore habitat while providing erosion control. Submerged aquatic vegetation in the adjacent waters of the Severn River provides important habitat for fish and invertebrates. The underwater oyster reef associated with the fishing pier represents a form of living infrastructure.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park occupies a shoreline position along the Severn River, a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The underlying geology consists of coastal plain sediments typical of central Maryland, including unconsolidated sands, gravels, and clays deposited over millions of years. The Severn River carved its channel through these sediments as sea levels fluctuated during glacial and interglacial periods. The current river represents a drowned river valley, flooded as sea levels rose following the last ice age. The park shoreline is subject to erosion from wave action, boat wakes, and storm events. Sea level rise threatens low-lying portions of the park, prompting consideration of nature-based solutions for shoreline stabilization.

The park experiences a humid subtropical climate typical of the Chesapeake Bay region. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures frequently reaching the upper 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are generally mild, with average temperatures in the 30s and 40s, though periodic cold spells bring below-freezing conditions. The maritime influence of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries moderates temperature extremes somewhat. Annual precipitation averages approximately 45 inches, distributed throughout the year. Thunderstorms are common in summer months. The park is vulnerable to flooding from storm surge during hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor'easters. Sea level rise is an increasing concern for low-lying waterfront areas like this park.

The park honors Jonas Green and Anne Catharine Green, prominent figures in colonial Maryland history. Jonas Green moved to Maryland in 1738 and became the province's official printer, having learned his trade as a protege of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. He became publisher of the Maryland Gazette, an influential colonial newspaper. When Jonas died in 1767, his wife Anne Catherine took over as editor and publisher, making her the first woman to hold either position at an American newspaper. She published the newspaper for eight years while raising 14 children. The Jonas and Anne Catharine Green House, their historic residence in Annapolis, is a National Historic Landmark. The park's renaming in 2018 recognized Anne Catharine's pioneering contributions alongside her husband's.

The site operated as Jonas Green State Park under Maryland Department of Natural Resources management before being transferred to Anne Arundel County in 2009. Under county ownership, the facility was renamed in 2018 to Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park, honoring both colonial-era residents for their contributions to Annapolis, Maryland, and American history. The 288-foot fishing pier utilizes remnants of the old Naval Academy Bridge, providing an unusual recreational structure over the Severn River. Current planning includes coastal resilience projects to address threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding while enhancing natural habitats. Proposed restoration work would stabilize the shoreline using natural and nature-based solutions while creating improved habitat for estuarine species.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park offers waterfront recreation opportunities centered on its Severn River location. A 288-foot fishing pier, constructed on remnants of the old bridge, provides excellent fishing access with views up and down the river. An underwater oyster reef located about halfway along the pier enhances the marine habitat. A sandy beach area allows launching of kayaks, canoes, and other cartop watercraft. Picnic tables and facilities support family gatherings and outdoor meals with scenic river views. The park serves as a destination for quiet interludes, photography, and plein air painting. The Naval Academy Bridge arching overhead adds architectural interest to the setting. Views across the Severn River to the Naval Academy and Annapolis enhance the experience.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park provides basic recreational facilities for day visitors. The 288-foot fishing pier is a primary attraction for anglers. A sandy beach facilitates launching of kayaks and canoes. Picnic tables are available for outdoor dining. Restrooms serve visitors' needs. No camping or overnight facilities are available. The park is located on Maryland Route 450 at the east end of the Naval Academy Bridge, just outside the Annapolis city limits. Parking is available on-site. The park is easily accessible from downtown Annapolis and the surrounding area. Hours vary seasonally. No entrance fee is charged for this county-operated facility. Commercial services including restaurants and supplies are available in nearby Annapolis.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park faces significant conservation challenges from sea level rise and coastal erosion threatening its waterfront location. Planning is underway for a coastal resilience project that would address flooding threats while restoring natural shoreline habitats. Proposed improvements include establishing tidal marsh, upland wetland, beach strand, and submerged aquatic vegetation to dissipate wave energy and stabilize the shoreline. The underwater oyster reef associated with the fishing pier provides a model for living shoreline infrastructure. The Anne Arundel County Resilience Authority is involved in planning nature-based solutions that would demonstrate sustainable approaches to protecting waterfront parks. These projects would create improved habitat while providing increased resilience to storms and rising seas.