Forest Estates Farmers Market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Weekly Produce Deliveries

Come enjoy our very own Forest Estates Farmers Market! This market runs twice a month from May to November. Please check the Events page for more details.

You can also enjoy a weekly or bi-weekly organic produce CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) drop-off in our neighborhood! Derwood, MD-based Common Root Farm drops off pre-paid bulging bags of fresh and delicious seasonal vegetables. Interested? Contact Farmer Ryan at farmer@commonrootfarm.com. Check out their Facebook or Instagram pages!

Beltway Expansion Concerns

In late 2017, Gov. Larry Hogan unveiled a proposal to widen I-495 and I-270 through a public-private partnership, in which private financing is reimbursed by revenue from new toll lanes. As a result of intense public scrutiny, formal environmental review processes began in March 2018, and are ongoing. FECA has been very involved with other community, regional, and state organizations, as well as elected officials, to make sure that these processes are conducted lawfully and in good faith. This should include analysis of all alternatives to best improve traffic congestion and mobility in our region.

Find the most current project status here: https://495-270-p3.com/

Citizens Against Beltway Expansion (CABE): https://www.cabe495.com/

Traffic Safety in the Neighborhood

Forest Estates is adjacent to two arterial roads maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration (MD-97 Georgia Avenue and MD-193 University Boulevard) as well as I-495, the Capital Beltway. However, our tree-lined neighborhood streets - most with sidewalks - have a speed limit of 20 mph and are well-maintained by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

We advocate for safety improvements in our neighborhood and recently ensured the painting of high-visibility crosswalks following a road repaving project. Please be mindful of your behavior when driving, biking, and walking, and be respectful of all road users!

We support Montgomery County Vision Zero which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths in the County by 2030.

Forest Estates Task Force for Racial Justice

On June 7, 2020, over 63 neighbors joined virtually to grieve George Floyd's death. We expressed concern over police brutality and systemic racism and uncovered a desire to create a just community in Forest Estates for Black and Brown neighbors, and the Forest Estates Task Force for Racial Justice was born. It is led by a multi-generational neighborhood group of volunteers. Its mission: "to become a welcoming, inclusive, respectful community concerned with each other's safety and well-being." We focus on education, stimulating dialogue on racial equity, and advocacy. All neighbors whose values align with our mission are welcome to join us.

Contact Karen Maricheau (kmaricheau@aol.com) or Mary Liepold (srliepolds@verizon.net) to learn more.

Alternatives to Calling the Police

301-738-2255: Suicide Prevention Hotline

240-777-4000: Crisis Hotline

240-777-4000: Mobile Crisis Unit

301-738-2255 (24/7): EveryMind Mental Wellness Hotline