David Force Natural Resource Area

2995 Pebble Beach Drive Ellicott City, MD 21042 Directions: PDF | Google Maps  Phone: 410-313-4700 GPS Coordinates: Decimal Degrees NAD 83 datum Latitude: 39.2891 Longitude: -76.8719

Here is a 221-acre natural resource area that is relatively undisturbed. This area is allowed to remain as an important forested area to protect water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and support recreational hiking and nature observation.

This site is sandwiched between Interstate 70 in the north and US Route 40 to the south. The main entrance is located on the southern edge of the property off of Pebble Beach Drive in the Community of Turf Valley. The area surrounding is mostly residential and Turf Valley Country Club is positioned to the north and west of this location. There are no restroom facilities at this site.

“Howard County has a multitude of natural resources that add to the County’s character and it is imperative that they are protected to help maintain the high quality of life that Howard County residents enjoy. The natural resources of the County are finite. As development continues and the County nears build-out, the protection of these resources will become increasingly vital to protecting the health and quality of life of Howard County’s citizens, wildlife and the natural environment”. These are words taken directly from the Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan developed by the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks. They clearly indicate the Department’s commitment to natural resource stewardship.

History 

The park is named after David W. Force who was a County Commissioner in the 1960’s. He was the equivalent to the County Executive; however, the County was not yet in its current form of charter government at that time. David W. Force lived in Ellicott City on Folly Quarter Road. Prior to becoming County Commissioner, he owned a trucking business that served the railroad industry.