“Imagine a shoreline where softness is the greatest strength.” This isn’t just a saying here at Pines on the Severn Community Beach. It’s a lived reality.
Pines on the Severn, or “The Pines” as locals affectionately call it, is more than just a beach. It is a charming water-privileged community nestled on the Severn River in Arnold, Maryland. It is a place where community and nature intertwine. The community association was incorporated in 1926.
Here, residents enjoy a treasure trove of amenities. A community beach beckons for sun-soaked days. A marina promises nautical adventures. You can see a beach pavilion, piers, boat slips and moorings. A boat ramp stands ready for aquatic escapades. Small boat storage keeps things tidy. Shoreline paths invite leisurely strolls.
But it’s the living shoreline that truly sets Pines on the Severn Community Beach apart. Once, a failing bulkhead stood guard, a stark barrier between land and water. Today, a dynamic living shoreline thrives. Sand, cobble, and native vegetation have taken root. They create a vibrant ecosystem. Egrets strut along the water’s edge at dusk. Horseshoe crabs mate in the shallows during summer.
This transformation began in 2012. Ellen Posten, a resident of Pines on the Severn, championed the idea of a living shoreline. She envisioned a solution that worked with nature, not against it. With the help of Severn Riverkeeper, Sara Caldes, Ellen secured grant funding. She navigated the complex permitting process.
Today, Ellen sees a different community. People sit on the dock fishing. Some sunbathe. Many walk their dogs along the shore. The living shoreline gave wildlife access to the shoreline. It also gave people access to the water.
The Pines on the Severn Community Beach living shoreline isn’t just about preventing erosion. It’s about building a resilient ecosystem. The shoreline captures sand. It creates beach strands. It withstands storms with grace. It offers refuge for nesting oystercatchers. Diamondback terrapins come ashore to lay eggs. Children wade into the water and explore. Fishermen cast lines from rocky headlands.
The Pines on the Severn Community Beach has everything. It has a tennis court, a basketball court, a pool and a playground. Residents also enjoy easy access to the B&A Trail. They can also join a swim team at the Chase Creek Swim Club. The Pines on the Severn Community Beach hosts numerous events throughout the year. This fosters a close-knit community. It is conveniently located near Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C..
So, come and experience the magic of the Pines on the Severn Community Beach. Discover a place where nature and community thrive. See for yourself how softness can indeed be the greatest strength.