Department Launches Hispanic Outreach Pilot Program

“Es Mi Parque” Engages and Serves State Park Visitors

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources kicked off a new citizen outreach program, “Es Mi Parque,” or “This is My Park,” designed to better serve the growing Hispanic population at state parks throughout Maryland. The first outreach event of 2017 took place June 10 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.The new pilot program includes department staff from various units, including the Maryland Park Service, Natural Resources Police and Fishing and Boating Services. The aim is to provide information and services to Spanish speakers with the goal of increasing awareness of state conservation laws and regulations while learning more about boating, fishing and water safety.Partnering with the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives and Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, department staff and volunteers connect and engage with children and families through aquatic games, watershed activities, interactions with “Splash the Water Safety Dog,” and hands-on fishing lessons. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a national nonprofit organization, provided critical funding for the pilot program.Five more “Es Mi Parque” events are scheduled this summer:

• Patapsco Valley State Park, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland
• Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro
• Cunningham Falls State Park, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont
• Rocky Gap State Park, 12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone