Dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were slightly above the long-term average in early June. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.14 cubic miles, which is slightly above the early June 1985-2018 average of 0.93 cubic miles and similar to levels Read the Rest…
Dwarf Sundew Expands its Range North Botanists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy recently confirmed the discovery of a new plant species in Maryland — the dwarf sundew (Drosera brevifolia). Local volunteer botanist Chase Howard discovered and reported the plant growing in open areas with wet, peaty sand in Worcester Read the Rest…
We’ve all heard the saying about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In the past couple weeks, fishermen on the bay and freshwater areas have been dodging passing rain clouds, but were blessed with the sight of a pretty rainbow. A serious problem that pains any fisherman to see is Read the Rest…
Department’s Grants Gateway Opens Door for 96 Projects The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of $30.9 million in grants to local communities to implement projects that will restore local waterways, increase climate resilience, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards. “We are pleased to support these innovative projects that will Read the Rest…
Alerts Will Advise of Fishing Conditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching a new awareness campaign to reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season. A color-coded recommendation system will advise of fishing conditions, allowing anglers to plan their striped bass fishing trips up to seven days in advance. Seasonal high water Read the Rest…
Go Colonial to Celebrate Our Independence Fort Frederick State Park invites Marylanders to experience what life was like at the fort during the American Revolution as it presents its annual program, “The Fort is Pretty Full,” June 28 through July 7. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Built in 1756 Read the Rest…
When introducing young children to fishing, it’s important they see action to keep their attention. Go after species such as bluegills and white perch, which are always ready to step up to the plate. One more license-free fishing day is scheduled this year on July 4. It’s a perfect opportunity to get someone started on Read the Rest…
Comments Taken on Proposed Changes Through July Aug. 19 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on a proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs.
Tip Leads to Inspection of Montgomery County Business Police charged Lotte Plaza Market in Germantown with offering three bushels of egg-bearing female blue crabs — known as sponge crabs — for sale in violation of the state’s conservation laws. After receiving a tip, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers conducted an inspection of the market June Read the Rest…
I first learned about mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) several years ago, as a Penn State Extension study found it to be one of the top pollinator plants in their common gardens. Out of the 86 native plant species and cultivars tested, clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) ranked number one for the diversity of pollinators that Read the Rest…
At one time, I was deathly afraid of snakes, often screeching and running through the forest whenever I encountered a scaly friend. In college, my desire to be a field biologist, coupled with exposure to and knowledge of snakes, helped soften my feelings for them. Over the years, one snake species I have grown particularly Read the Rest…
For many years, the American lawn has been viewed as a status symbol. Traditional lawns, described as a single warm season grass species like zoysia or bermuda, completely covering a yard space and maintained at three inches or shorter, are unfortunately often ecological wastelands that require excess water, nutrients, pesticides and maintenance. Traditional lawns also Read the Rest…
Invasive Species Stopped at Dam But Spiked in Numbers A partnership overseeing fish passage at Conowingo Dam reports that 81 northern snakeheads were caught in the dam’s fish lift this spring, a dramatic increase after only one snakehead was found there the past two years. While all known snakeheads were stopped and dispatched before reaching Read the Rest…
This is a special weekend for sons and daughters to celebrate their love for the fathers – or father figures in their lives — who help them to appreciate the gifts of the outdoors. No doubt many will take out the gear this weekend and share that special time together that fishing provides. Happy Father’s Read the Rest…
Western Maryland Fishing Destination Offers Free Use of Gear The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is expanding its popular loaner tackle program to Rocky Gap State Park, offering park patrons free use of fishing gear and tackle. Eight youth-sized fishing rods have been refurbished and several tackle boxes have been donated to help promote youth Read the Rest…
Projects Funded Statewide for Better Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants in Fiscal Year 2020 to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state. This funding will go toward 58 projects in 16 counties, including grants for Read the Rest…
Stewardship and Real-World Job Training for Young Adults The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental, and natural resources management projects across the state. The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will Read the Rest…
There is a special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, and some children are lucky enough to have a grandpa or grandma to take them fishing. Lothar Weber recently took his 5 year old grandson Dexter trout fishing near Little Falls. Grandpa brought his fly fishing outfit, Dexter dug up his mom’s garden to collect Read the Rest…
Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Should be Reported Marine wildlife — dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and others –are making their seasonal return to both the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, as well as the coastal bays. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who has seen either a marine mammal or sea Read the Rest…
Forest Service to Review Proposed Changes June 18 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting June 18 to present a newly developed proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Maryland Forest Service staff will be on hand to answer general questions about the proposal and provide Read the Rest…
Maryland Was Made for Great Outdoors Month June marks the official start of summer — although it feels like it really began weeks ago — and June also marks National Great Outdoors Month. While this is a national celebration, no one does outdoors better than Maryland! The State of Maryland features a unique array of Read the Rest…
Upgrades Completed for Sept. 6 Opening The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest in Cecil County will re-open at 9 a.m. Sept. 6, following completion of a critical maintenance project this summer. During the six-week project, the department’s contractor enhanced numerous Read the Rest…
Four Counties Report Record Harvests Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,002 wild turkeys during the 2019 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today. This year’s harvest was the second-highest on record, and reflects a 4% increase compared to the 2018 harvest of 3,861 birds.
