« Newer Entries Older Entries »
135 Bears Harvested in Four Counties Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 15th annual black bear hunt. Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 135 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. Several large bears were taken throughout the Read the Rest…
Opportunity to Help Statewide Conservation Efforts The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering one-day volunteer training sessions for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements. The sessions will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 8, and 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 at the Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, Maryland).
Hunting Available in Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 27 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter. The fall season was extended to include an additional day, Sunday, Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 27 and 28, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
We are now deep into a fall fishing pattern, with classic cold fronts and gusty northerly winds. This past weekend, anglers who were able to get out before or after the winds found good striped bass fishing over a wide area of the Chesapeake Bay, from Love Point down to the Calvert Cliffs gas docks Read the Rest…
Maryland Environmental Trust Partners on Conservation Easement Near Quantico The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, partnered with the Lower Shore Land Trust to permanently protect 154 acres in the Nanticoke River watershed. Property owner Mike Phillips donated the conservation easement forever protecting this important forestland. Located near Read the Rest…
Average Year for Chesapeake Bay Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen conditions for the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay for the summer of 2018 were average compared to the long-term average from 1985-2017, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Low dissolved oxygen volume averaged 0.97 cubic miles from June through September. Crabs, fish, oysters and other Read the Rest…
The War of 1812 Returns in Dramatic Fashion Visitors are invited to Point Lookout State Park the weekend of Oct. 27-28 to witness a living history reenactment of American forces during the War of 1812. Volunteers in period costumes and uniforms will interpret the life of soldiers and other Marylanders during the War of 1812, along with Read the Rest…
Opportunity for Large-scale Plantings on Private Lands The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting online orders for shrub and tree seedlings from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for the spring 2019 planting season. The nursery offers more than 50 species of shrubs and trees for large-scale plantings on private land to meet a wide variety Read the Rest…
History is all Fun and Games for a Weekend Visitors to Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County can experience the lighter side of the French and Indian War during an annual living history event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28. Members of the recreated Joshua and Alexander Beall’s Company and Maryland Militia Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
This week offers some exciting fishing opportunities for Maryland anglers – the weather is just about right, the changing color of the leaves paints a beautiful backdrop to outdoor activities and there are plenty of eager fish to catch. For the next few weeks, state hatcheries are stocking most trout management waters throughout Maryland. The Read the Rest…
Five Projects to Improve Accessibility, Connectivity and Usability The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that allocates $3,875,000 to Baltimore City for the construction, development and enhancement of five recreation projects. Funding will be provided through Program Open Space Local as well as Baltimore City Direct grants Read the Rest…
Positive Outlook for Iconic Fish in 65th Annual Index The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of its annual young-of-year striped bass survey in Chesapeake Bay, which documented healthy reproduction of the state fish. The 2018 young-of-year index is 14.8, higher than the 65-year average of 11.8. Known locally as rockfish, striped bass spawn Read the Rest…
Customer Service Enhancements to Provide Early Notification of Proposed Leases The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today launched a new set of online tools to help educate and engage the public on proposed aquaculture lease applications. The tools, which include a dynamic database and email notification system, will provide information on pending and proposed commercial shellfish Read the Rest…
Popular Season Coincides with Changing Fall Weather The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 18. This is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather. The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 18-20 in Read the Rest…
Plastic Container Successfully Removed from ‘Buckethead’ After a three day pursuit, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, with assistance from the Maryland Natural Resources Police, successfully tranquilized a 100-pound male black bear cub to remove a plastic jar that was stuck around its head. The rescued cub, affectionately known as “Buckethead,” was Read the Rest…
Permit and Reservations Available for Nov. 19-21 Hunt The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces opportunities to hunt resident Canada goose and waterfowl in Garrett County for the third consecutive year. Hunters can apply to use three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and four blind sites at Broadford Lake Nov. 19-21, 2018.
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash reports that most of the maples turned brown early and are already bare. “We did get some color last week, but most of those Read the Rest…
We have been in a warmer, dry “Indian summer” weather pattern. Many anglers have been getting out on the bay to enjoy action with top water striped bass, late season bluefish and the last of the Spanish mackerel.
Enhanced Access at Two Southern Maryland State Parks The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service announced the completion of a project to expand and enhance paddle-in camping opportunities in Southern Maryland. The improved access allows longer overnight paddling excursions along the Potomac River with beautiful landing spots at Point Lookout State Park and Read the Rest…
Limited to Select Dates in November The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a managed archery deer hunt will take place at North Point State Park in Baltimore County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November, beginning Nov. 2 and continuing through Nov. 21, 2018. Thirteen hunters per day will be permitted to hunt in five specified areas Read the Rest…
Preview the Eastern Shore’s Newest State Park Oct. 27 Nov. 11 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 Nov. 11 at the new Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County, located at 3864 Augustine Herman Highway in Chesapeake City. The event was rescheduled from its Read the Rest…
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation or torpor. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Take Extra Precautions Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 7, coinciding with the beginning of the fall wildfire season in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents throughout the state to take precautions as the changing foliage increases the risks of wildland fires spreading through brush and forests. Wildfires occur every month in Read the Rest…
Advanced Skills in Conservation, Homeland Security Missions Two Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police lieutenants recently graduated from law enforcement training academies that specialize in advanced leadership skills.
Multistate Partnership to Study Eight Migratory Species The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Willistown Conservation Trust, Pennsylvania Game Commission and neighboring states, received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to dramatically expand a revolutionary new migration tracking system across a five-state area. The competitive grant, totaling about $500,000, has Read the Rest…
Program Brings Young People into Natural Resource Management The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 35 new members to the Maryland Conservation Corps. Each year, this award-winning AmeriCorps program attracts young adults, aged 17-25, to work in comprehensive natural resource management projects and assist with conservation and environmental education efforts at public lands and parks throughout Maryland.
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 6 and 7, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. What a difference a week makes! In Western Maryland, autumn began with a slow start; however, the most recent field reports are encouraging. Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash says Read the Rest…
Welcome to “Rocktober!” Heavy rains continued through much of last week, but we finally had some beautiful sunny weather over the weekend. Many anglers got out on the bay to enjoy action with striped bass, bluefish and southern visitors such as speckled trout and red drum.
Funding for Development on Pinecrest Local Park The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will commit $1 million for the development of Pinecrest Local Park in Montgomery County. The 5.6-acre park, managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is adjacent to Pine Crest Elementary Read the Rest…
Department Seeks Local Proposals for Public Outdoor Recreation Projects The Maryland of Department Natural Resources announced that counties and municipalities can now apply for grant funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Communities are encouraged to apply and submit preliminary application forms by Dec. 18, 2018. “I encourage communities across Maryland to take advantage of this Read the Rest…
Scientific Collaborative Sees Best Bay Progress in Decades Maryland’s Coastal Bays have received their highest grade ever reported according to the new 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The “B-” grade reflects Read the Rest…
Living History Event Oct. 6 and 7 Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County invites Marylanders to take a journey back in time to commemorate the fort’s role in the American Civil War. Union, Confederate and civilian reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history and tactics demonstrations. The weekend program takes place from 9 a.m. to Read the Rest…
$200,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening and Environmental Initiatives The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program. The five grants being offered help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship and Read the Rest…
Partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust Establishes Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund Anglers, boaters and hunters who purchase their licenses or registrations from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have a new way to give back to natural resources they enjoy and love. In partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the department announced today a new voluntary Read the Rest…
Fall is a great time to enjoy our state’s spectacular and diverse terrain and gain a better understanding of the role it plays in our culture, heritage and living history. Opportunities abound to immerse yourself in the scenic splendor, storied past and bright and prosperous future. In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, Read the Rest…
Are you looking for a trail to hike with your pup? Wondering why dam removal is beneficial? Our experts have the answers!
If you look closely at an aerial survey—what scientists call a digital elevation model—of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you would notice thousands of small, elliptical depressions dotting the landscape like a bad case of chicken pox. The shallow basins are difficult to observe from the ground, and many have been filled in for agricultural use or Read the Rest…
Filing reports? Fetching coffee? What do you think this is—a boring bureaucracy gig? Over the summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed 22 interns in seven units to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Several trips into the field were also arranged for maximum exposure to different areas of expertise, as well as an opportunity to Read the Rest…
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, which opened in March 2017, has educated hundreds of thousands of guests on the life and legacy of an incredible Maryland leader. Such a place itself requires passionate leadership, which it has clearly found in Assistant Park Manager Ranger Angela Crenshaw.
When English explorer John Smith arrived in what is now Maryland in 1608, he was astounded by the bounty that would later become the lifeblood of its colonization. He noted that there was, “No place more perfect for man’s habitation,” than the Chesapeake Bay. And he was right. The bay and its rivers offered a Read the Rest…
Highly sensitive to habitat and landscape alterations, the most common freshwater mussel species in the state has been absent from the Patapsco River for decades. Fortunately, collaborative efforts between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have resulted in the return of hundreds of mussels to this scenic river, while Read the Rest…
For most Americans, the word “duck” conjures up the image of the quintessential mallard drake, with his green head, yellow beak and classic “quack!” Some Marylanders, however, are much more attached to another bird: the wood duck, or Aix sponsa. The male’s iridescent green crest, scarlet eyes and beak, and speckled chestnut breast make him Read the Rest…
Two low-slung boats glide through the water, heavily armed officers hunkered down inside. They dart to the side of a commercial vessel and within moments, the officers are on board and racing for the bridge. A sweep of the engine room and living quarters ferrets out a man with a knife who has threatened to Read the Rest…
The earliest recorded historical accounts of dolphins were approximately 1600 B.C., where they were found depicted on ancient frescoes in the Palace of Knossos on the Greek Island of Crete. According to author Chris Catton, the image of dolphins rescuing sailors or carrying humans recurs again and again in myth and folklore. “The sculptures, the Read the Rest…
“I love the outdoors,” says Fallon Jones. “I have a 9-year-old son and just being able to get into an industry where I can show him, not only about the environment, but also that mommy does something to help the planet—that’s just a great aspect for me.” Jones is a graduate of Work2Live WELL, a Read the Rest…
The morning was crisp and unusually cool for April; perfect for a morning hunt. As they trekked to their stations, pairs of hunters were enveloped in a darkness intensifying the sounds and smells of the sleeping woods. As the sun began its slow creep into the morning sky, some were greeted by wildlife they had Read the Rest…
Positive Grades for Maryland’s Coastal Bays The Maryland Coastal Bays Program recently unveiled the 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The bays’ collective health received a “B-,” its highest grade ever reported! Nutrient reductions have shown a positive Read the Rest…
Minimum Size for Harvested Oysters is 3 Inches The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2018-2019 public oyster harvest season will open Oct. 1 and run through March 31, 2019. Opening month is reserved for divers and watermen using patent and shaft tongs, as well as recreational oystering. During the season, recreational oyster harvesting Read the Rest…
