The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is managed through a cooperative partnership between Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks (the owner of the MPEA) and the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation (MPEF). Under this relationship, the MPEF provides partial funding for the maintenance of the MPEA and advises the county’s Natural Resource Manager on the protection, preservation, and maintenance of the MPEA.
Cheryl Farfaras is the Natural Resources Manager for the MPEA with Howard County's Department of Recreation and Parks. She earned her BS degree in Natural Resources Management: Plant & Wildlife Resources Management from The University of Maryland, College Park. Cheryl has been working in the MPEA since the year after its inception. She worked on the development and construction of the area’s trail system; development and implementation of natural resources inventory and monitoring programs; and implemented habitat management projects, including restoration of the woodcock habitat.
Jeff Claffy is the Assistant Natural Resources Manager for the MPEA. He began his employment with the Natural Resources Division of Howard County's Department of Recreation and Parks in 2005. Jeff has a BS in Biology which he received from Towson University, but he credits his previous volunteer management experience with helping him to land this position. Lending a hand wherever it is needed, Jeff works on a variety of tasks including: volunteer administration, trail work, habitat manipulation, deer population management, environmental education, special projects, and routine maintenance.
Jeff also prepares a newsletter about the MPEA. Links below to copies of his "Meanderings" are in the "MPEA Newsletter" page under "News and Events".
Allen Dupre is the Natural Resources Specialist for the MPEA. He first joined the MPEA team in early 2017 as the Natural Resources Technician. Utilizing a BS degree in Wildlife & Fisheries from Louisiana State University and prior work experience, he assisted the Natural Resources Managers in enacting and completing a wide variety of tasks. In his current position, Allen also acts as the volunteer coordinator for the MPEA; see the "Volunteer Programs" tab under "News and Events" for more information!
Michael Richter is a Natural Resource Technician for the MPEA. Having joined the MPEA team in October 2019, he looks forward to ensuring the MPEA serves both the natural and local community. Michael has a diverse background in natural and historical resource protection, including serving as an AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteer. Working alongside MPEA staff and local volunteers, Michael will oversee improvements to the MPEA’s trail network.