DNR Secretary Honored by Maryland Sportsmen
MLSF presenting Griffin with the Sportsmen’s Best Friend of the Year Award
The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (MLSF) presented DNR Secretary John R. Griffin with its prestigious Sportsmen’s Best Friend of the Year Award at its 12th Annual Banquet and Auction. More than 200 people attended the event, which was held on May 15 in Annapolis.
“Hunting is a time-honored tradition in Maryland, and the State’s sportsmen are among our most committed environmental stewards and conservationists,” said Griffin, who takes on a new role as Governor Martin O’Malley’s Chief of Staff on May 20. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the department’s extraordinary team of dedicated natural resource professionals, who work to manage our fish and wildlife populations and provide extraordinary opportunities for sportsmen and women.”
Learn more about foundation’s work at www.mdsportsmensfoundation.org.
Fort Frederick to Host Families in Nature Program
Children identifying organisms in the water
Who: Open to the Public
When: May 25 to 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool
Cost: Maryland residents: $3 per car; Non-residents: $5 per car
Contact: 301-842-2155
Fort Frederick State Park will be hosting a Memorial Day weekend filled with outdoor fun for the entire family. There will be a variety of nature programs, exhibits, demonstrations and activities throughout the three day event. Read more 
NRP to Celebrate National Safe Boating Week
Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day and boat safety check
DNR’s leadership team and PFD Panda wearing their lifejackets to work at last year’s event.
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers encourage the public to join them in wearing a lifejacket to work on Friday, May 17. The State initiative kicks off National Safe Boating Week, May 18 to 24, by raising awareness on the importance of these life saving devices. Read more
DNR to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Keynote Speaker Dr. Miles M. Yu
Who: Open to the Public
When: Tuesday, May 21 at 12 p.m.
Where: Tawes Building, Room C1, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Cost: Free
Contact: 410-260-8058
To celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an event featuring Dr. Miles M. Yu, Professor of East Asia & Military History and founder of the Asia Forum at the United States Naval Academy. The program will include a reading of the Governor’s Proclamation, an open dialogue and a light lunch. Read more
Park Quest Registration to Open May 13
Interested families encouraged to register right away
Families across the State are gearing up for a summer of adventure with the Maryland Park Service’s annual park-hopping challenge, Where a Family Becomes a Team. Registration for Park Quest 2013 opens at 6 p.m. on May 13. The event is expected to fill up quickly so interested participants are encouraged to register right away. Read more
Fort Frederick to Host Junior Ranger Program
Who: Children ages 4 to 7
When: June 24-28, Daily from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool
Cost: $20 per child
Registration: 301-842-2155
Fort Frederick invites kids to kick off the start of summer at its Junior Ranger Sprouts program! Packed with fun nature-themed activities, games and discussions, this five-session series is a great way for children to get outdoors and learn about nature in a safe environment. Read more
New Germany State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo
Who: Children 15 and under
When: Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-895-5453 or lmongrain@dnr.state.md.us
Young anglers of all skill levels are invited to enjoy a morning of fun and fishing at New Germany State Park’s annual Youth Fishing Rodeo. Read more
Fort Frederick to Host French and Indian War Reenactments
Who: Open to the Public
When: May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool
Cost: Maryland residents: $3 per car; Non-residents: $5 per car
Contact: 301-842-2155
Historic Fort Frederick will take visitors on a journey back in time with Joshua Beall’s Company of the Maryland Forces and the fort’s volunteer cannon crew reenacting what life was like at the fort during the French and Indian War. Read more
Washington Monument State Park to Unveil New Museum
Washington Monument Visitors Center
Who: Open to the public
What: Museum Grand Opening Celebration
Where: Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown
When: Saturday, May 11 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $3 per vehicle
Contact: 301-791-4656
Calling all nature lovers and history buffs! Washington Monument State Park is unveiling its newly renovated museum at a grand opener celebration, featuring fun, family-friendly tours, activities and presentations. Read more
Maryland Land Conservation Conference a Success
MET Director Elizabeth Buxton, Keynote Speaker Peter Forbes and MET Board Vice-Chairman Jim Constable
The Maryland Environmental Trust’s (MET) 13th annual statewide Land Conservation Conference, The Challenge of Perpetuity, lent itself to great dialogue and informative workshops, providing guests with opportunities to exchange ideas and solutions regarding the challenges of land conservation. More than 140 people from 80 land conservation organizations across the Chesapeake Bay region convened on April 23, at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, for the daylong training and networking event. Read more
