Rural Legacy Program Preserves Land in Washington County
Photo by Tammy McCorkle
The State has added 150 acres to its permanently protected rural landscape and eliminated eight developmental rights in Washington County. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved funding to preserve the land on May 15. Read more 
Governor O’Malley Signs Bills Expanding Sunday Hunting Opportunities in Carroll, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s Counties
Signing of HB 214. Top: Matt Teffeau, Maryland Farm Bureau; Del. Michael Smigiel; Del. Steve Hershey; Del. Jay Jacobs; Bottom: President of Senate Mike Miller; Governor O’Malley; Speaker Michael Busch
Governor Martin O’Malley signed the final two of three bills passed during the 2013 legislative session that allow for increased Sunday hunting opportunities in Carroll, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s counties, on May 16 in Annapolis. Read more
Two Dredging Projects Along the Severn River Completed
Photo by Lori Livingston
The Severn River headwaters and Saltworks Creek, a tributary of the river, are more accessible to boaters following dredging projects carried out by the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Read more
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
MET Awards $34,054 in Grants
MET Treasurer Jay Plager (L) and Ken Oldham (R), Chief of SHA Landscape Operations, present the Hollmann Award to Elmina Hilsenrath of the Howard Co. Conservancy
Announces recipients of Keep Maryland Beautiful and Jan Hollmann
The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) awarded $34,054 in grants to school groups and land trusts for State health, beautification and stewardship projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful and Jan Hollmann programs.
MET Honors Conservation Leaders
MET Treasurer Jay Plager with Dillon Award recipient, Jennifer Stanley and MET Director Liz Buxton.
The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) announces the recipients of its 2013 Aileen Hughes and Dillon conservation awards. 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
