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Budding Outdoor Enthusiasts Can Get Expert Guidance The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young Marylanders with an interest in fishing, hunting, shooting sports or wildlife management to Junior Hunter Field Day events June 2 in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Queen Anne’s counties. The free events are designed for those aged 8 to 16. Certified hunter safety instructors Read the Rest…
Many of us found ourselves fishing in the rain last week. I was with a friend on the lower Choptank River last week enjoying some striped bass topwater action — the fishing was fun and the overcast weather showed us one of nature’s many moods to be enjoyed. Often less-than-perfect weather gives us a unique Read the Rest…
Projects Funded Statewide for Better Boating Access, Navigation and Safety The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation throughout the state. This critical Fiscal Year 2019 funding will go toward 57 projects in 18 counties, from Garrett to Wicomico counties as well Read the Rest…
Lovable Maryland Reptiles Belong in their Natural Habitat It’s that time of year when turtles may be seen more frequently. Irresistible as turtles may be, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges people to resist the temptation and to leave these reptiles in the wild. Helpful Marylanders do sometimes move turtles off roads to protect them Read the Rest…
Special Events Include Children’s Fishing, Geology Program and Night Hike The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomes the public to enjoy Memorial Day weekend at Fort Frederick State Park May 26-28 during their Summer Discovery Weekend program. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Saturday night will feature a unique nocturnal hike starting at Read the Rest…
Effort to Support Communities in Sustainability Planning Maryland is launching the nation’s first state-sponsored Climate Leadership Academy to help local governments, critical infrastructure organizations and state agencies effectively plan, prepare and implement climate change initiatives. At a launch event on the first day of Maryland’s inaugural State of the Coast conference, senior state and local officials Read the Rest…
Now Accepting Grant Applications for Next Year The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the awarding of 26 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants – totaling $2.5 million – to local municipalities across Maryland. From new playground equipment in Bowie and softball field lights in Delmar to tennis court repairs in Friendsville and new basketball courts in Vienna, Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Departments of Health, the Environment, and Natural Resources Raise Awareness for National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week runs May 21-27, the week leading up to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. The Secretaries of Maryland’s Departments of Health, the Environment, and Natural Resources encourage all Marylanders to take note Read the Rest…
Rates Conservation Benefits and Values Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources launched an innovative new tool to evaluate the conservation benefits and ecosystem “value” of every parcel of land across the state. The Parcel Evaluation Tool was designed to identify and prioritize the conservation and protection of ecologically important, sensitive, and valuable land and watershed resources in Read the Rest…
Most anglers know we had been going through a bit of a dry spell for several weeks, but, oh boy, did that come to an end. The heavy rains and stormy conditions moving through the state the past few days are expected to last through the weekend. But the sun will shine again and it Read the Rest…
Design Work to Begin as Facility Prepares to Host International Equestrian Competition The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will authorize $1 million for design improvement services at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in anticipation of the Cecil County site hosting a newly-designated, international equestrian event. Read the Rest…
People Can Help Protect Species on Ancient Spawning Run In the coming weeks, visitors to Maryland’s coastal bays and beaches can experience one of the world’s oldest migrations – horseshoe crabs emerging to spawn, as they’ve done here for the last 350 million years. Massive numbers of these “living fossils” will come out of the depths Read the Rest…
Enhanced Conservation Rules on Use of Bait and Hooks; Minimum Size Reduced to 19 Inches The opening of regular striped bass season May 16 coincides with new conservation-minded regulations pertaining to the use of bait, gear and hooks. The Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee recently approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, which will Read the Rest…
Police Handle Oyster and Striped Bass Violations A Washington County man known on social media as “VenomMan20” was found guilty Tuesday on two counts of illegal possession of venomous snakes. Brandon Joseph Boyles, 29, of Cascade, was prohibited from owning “dangerous animals” in Maryland and was required to perform 20 hours of community service by Read the Rest…
Statewide Opportunity to Give Angling a Try The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites new or experienced anglers to enjoy Maryland’s License Free Fishing Days June 2, 9 and July 4. This is a unique opportunity for Marylanders to test their fishing skills without the need to obtain a fishing license, trout stamp or registration.
Those who fish know that the waters they love have many moods, and perhaps one of our favorites is when they are quiet and calm. This past weekend with overcast skies and little wind was one of those times that the waters we fish seem to talk to us – from the bubbling mountain streams, Read the Rest…
Historic Reenactments May 12-13 Living historians will occupy and re-enact daily life at the centuries-old fort on the grounds of Fort Frederick State Park May 12-13 and the public is invited to attend. Activities will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13. Volunteer re-enactors will demonstrate how Read the Rest…
Despite a Cold Winter, More Young Crabs are in the Bay The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the results of the 2018 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which shows that the population of blue crabs remains healthy and sustainable. While this year’s cold weather and ice cover took a toll on the adult Read the Rest…
Nearly 700 Trees Planted at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary The Maryland Park Service recently completed an important environmental restoration project, planting hundreds of native trees at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Prince George’s County. It is the only wildlife sanctuary managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Last week, members of the Maryland Conservation Corps and Read the Rest…
Removing Wild Animals is Unnecessary, Dangerous and Illegal Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to Read the Rest…
“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 Read the Rest…
Innovative Partnership Enhances Communications and Customer Service The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is expanding its communications channels and services to include Amazon Echo. Through an innovative partnership with NIC Maryland, the department will now offer the Maryland Fishing Report, which provides anglers with the latest fishing hotspots, catch of the Read the Rest…
Guided Ride May 5 All are invited to a free guided bike tour along the Western Maryland Rail Trail beginning at 10 a.m. May 5. The 20-mile round trip will begin at at the C&O Bicycle Shop, located at 9 South Pennsylvania Ave. in Hancock. Fort Frederick State Park naturalist Ellen Kinzer will lead the group at a Read the Rest…
Registration Open to Budding Outdoor Enthusiasts The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young Marylanders with an interest in fishing, hunting, shooting sports or wildlife management to a free Junior Hunter Field Day at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County May 19. The event is designed for youth aged 8 to 16. Participants will have Read the Rest…
Centralized Location Becomes “One-Stop Shop” for Services Cumberland residents and those living in the surrounding area now have one central location to complete their Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions. As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, the Department of Read the Rest…
Warmer and more seasonable weather has finally descended upon the Maryland landscape, offering a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. The warm air temperatures and sunny weather, along with relatively cool water temperatures make for perfect fishing conditions in many local waters. Community ponds, trout management waters and lakes offer fun shoreline fishing adventures that Read the Rest…
Registration for Popular Annual Program Now Open; 1,000 Slots Available The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened registration for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities throughout the summer and fall by encouraging them to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources Read the Rest…
BAM! Have you ever had a bird hit one of your windows? Nearly a billion birds collide with windows each year, half of which happen with home windows. Unfortunately, the majority of birds die as a result of their injuries; even those that may be able to fly away often sustain life-threatening injuries. The good Read the Rest…
It’s a bee! No, it’s a fly! Have you ever seen a fly masquerading as a bee in the garden? If so, then you may have encountered a flower or syrphid fly. More than 130 species of flower flies are found in Maryland, and these animals serve both as important pollinators as well as predators Read the Rest…
Are you in need of a good, native groundcover? Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a creeping groundcover in the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). This herbaceous perennial grows up to 9 inches tall and forms mats across the ground. It prefers full sun, but it can grow in sandy or rocky soil just as well as loamy Read the Rest…
In sections of Maryland, high concentrations of white-tailed deer have created a demand for “deer proof” plants. In reality, though, there is no such thing. Deer may nibble on anything once, especially when hungry, but they do dislike aromatics, prickly leaves and thorns. Unfortunately, many of the “deer proof” plants offered at stores include invasive Read the Rest…
Commission Hits the Ground Running Recently the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission held its first meeting – and we’re ready to hit the road. Created by Governor Larry Hogan last fall, this commission will develop innovative strategies to market Maryland’s unique outdoor and heritage recreation brand, as well as recommend initiatives to attract and retain outdoor Read the Rest…
A Dorchester County man caught illegally harvesting oysters inside a state sanctuary November by Natural 1, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources helicopter, was found guilty and fined $1,000. Jody Daniel Jackson, 18, of East New Market pleaded guilty in Dorchester County District Court to a single count of harvesting oysters about 2.5 miles inside Read the Rest…
Combined Center includes Driving, Fishing, Hunting, Boating and Crabbing Licenses Residents of Annapolis and the surrounding area are now able to complete Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions in one convenient location. As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, Read the Rest…
Patience is supposed to be the hallmark of an angler, but many had theirs strained this past opening weekend for trophy striped bass season. Most understand it has been a chilly spring, and low water temperatures have delayed striped bass spawning in the tidal rivers. In the past couple of days we have seen water Read the Rest…
Activities Start at 10 a.m. on April 28 On Saturday, April 28, the public is invited to help clean up areas among the World War I-era shipwrecks moored in Mallows Bay and adjacent shorelines at Mallows Bay Park in Charles County. Local archaeologists, historians and naturalists will share information and interpret the history of Mallows Read the Rest…
Baywide Total Breaks 100,000 Acres The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports 2017 was the third consecutive record-breaking year for underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay. An annual baywide survey showed 62,356 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland’s tidal waters, a 5 percent increase from 2016. This is the fifth Read the Rest…
Partners to Provide Free Seedlings The Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board and Maryland Forest Service are having their annual tree seedling giveaway program April 24-27. Free tree seedlings are available to county residents as an educational effort promoting tree-planting, just in time for National Arbor Day.
Maryland Natural Resources Police honored dozens of officers, civilian staff, first responders from other agencies and members of the public Saturday at its annual awards ceremony. Officer First Class Antonio Colvin received the Medal of Valor, the agency’s highest award, for rescuing an injured duck hunter whose kayak capsized in the ice-choked water of the Read the Rest…
Partners to Name Poster Contest Winners, Provide Free Seedlings The Kent County Forestry Board will announce the county’s 2018 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners and celebrate Chestertown’s 37th anniversary as a Tree City USA participant on April 24 at 1:15 p.m. in the Kent County Courthouse Courtyard on Cross Street. In case of inclement weather the Read the Rest…
Reporting Helps Manage State’s Fishing Resources The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching new mobile-friendly volunteer angler surveys, making it easy to turn a fishing trip into scientific research by submitting catch data right from a phone. The survey is a simple tool where volunteers provide valuable information to department biologists such as species caught, Read the Rest…
Calvert County Children Partner with Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative Students at one Calvert County school are getting their hands dirty by helping with habitat enhancement and oyster restoration. Fifty students, along with a dozen parents and faculty at Tidewater School in Huntingtown are assisting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative by creating several Read the Rest…
Stewardship Opportunities Abound April 22 Earth Day gives people all over the planet a chance to do some good for our environment and society, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to help out Sunday, April 22. The Maryland Park Service is hosting several events in every region of the state.
Seven men in Washington and Frederick counties were charged this week at the start of spring wild turkey season with illegal hunting with the use of bait. Maryland Natural Resources Police officers fanned out before the season opened to locate illegal bait – mostly corn – left near hunting blinds. They returned before dawn Wednesday Read the Rest…
Connecting People, Innovation and Opportunity May 21-23 in Cambridge The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science will bring together more than 200 local officials, business and industry leaders, resource stakeholders and users, scientists, and federal and state agency experts for Maryland’s first State of the Coast conference. The Read the Rest…
This coming Saturday, April 21, is a big day for those who dream of catching a trophy striped bass. More than a few anglers will spend the night before checking alarm clocks just to find themselves waking up a half-hour before the alarm is set to go off anyhow. Weather is predicted to be a Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Acquisition Benefits Environment and Outdoor Recreation The Board of Public Works today unanimously voted to approve the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 224.5 acres in Worcester County as an addition to Pocomoke State Forest. The site provides both exceptional ecological benefits as well as recreational opportunities, especially for hikers — with trails linking Pocomoke River State Read the Rest…
State awards nearly $2 million to support community clean-up and beautification First Lady Yumi Hogan highlighted first-year accomplishments and launched a new transit advertising campaign for the Keep Maryland Beautiful program in a ceremony held at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Back Creek Nature Park Campus. Officials also announced awards of nearly $2 million to support Read the Rest…
Cold nights and chilly days have prevailed far too long in the past couple of weeks, but change is on the way, with air temperatures of 80 degrees promised for the weekend. We are a little more than a week away from the opening day of the trophy striped bass season and it would be Read the Rest…
Feature Shows Updated Health-Based Meal Advisories for Fish Caught by Maryland Anglers The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced the development of an interactive map that provides modernized, user-friendly information on fish consumption advisories. It is one of the only “clickable” maps for fish consumption advisories in the nation. A consumption advisory is a Read the Rest…
