Natural Resources Police Celebrates 150th Anniversary at Sandy Point

“Great Outdoors Maryland” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12

To recognize the 150th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to a free open house 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Sandy Point State Park.

The celebratory event, “Great Outdoors Maryland,” will showcase the missions of law enforcement agencies and affiliated conservation partners.

“We want to give residents and visitors the opportunity to see the many ways we all work together to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources,” Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. said. “In addition to commemorating our agency’s history, this event will provide an opportunity to share with the public who we are and what we do.”

The event will feature demonstrations and displays that highlight the history and mission of the Natural Resources Police, from its roots as the State Oyster Police Force in 1868 to the present day. Patrol boats from across the state will be at the park’s marina along with Natural 1, the department helicopter. K-9 dogs, the tactical response team and dive unit will display the tools of their trade.

Other participating agencies include the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Fire Marshal’s bomb squad, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore County Police, the Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue Department and Queen Anne’s County first responders.

Participating conservation groups include: the Oyster Recovery Partnership, Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, the Humane Society of the United States and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research.

Food trucks and other vendors will be on-site. The open house includes free admission to the park.