More than 160 acres will add to the open space in Essex as Baltimore County prepares to acquire properties off Barrison Point Road.

The property, in a Resource Conservation Critical Area, includes eight parcels of land that will be maintained as passive open space.

“I am pleased to add this significant open space in Essex to help ensure that we, and future generations, can continue to be good stewards of our environment,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

With approval by the County Council at a November 6 legislative session, the property will be purchased with $1 million in Baltimore County capital and State Program Open Space funds.