Outside Perspective

This year Maryland commemorates the 200th anniversary of when experts believe that Araminta Ross–later to be known as Harriet Tubman–was born in Dorchester County.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resource is proud to partner with the National Park Service at our Harriet Tubman State Park and Visitor Center, which is also celebrating a milestone fifth anniversary since its opening on Harriet Tubman Day, March 10.

In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, staff from the park share some of their favorite sites along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, which highlights key locations that influenced her life and her journeys throughout the Eastern Shore. Additionally, we read an account of Tubman’s activities in Baltimore and how they helped people to freedom.

DNR and the Maryland Department of Commerce, along with our federal and local partners, will continue to celebrate and highlight aspects of Tubman’s story throughout the year. Please look for them on our website and social media channels.

Additionally, our departments are working together to create new outdoor recreation opportunities and related economic development opportunities. To that end, Governor Hogan recently announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and the hiring of Daryl Anthony to serve as Maryland’s first executive director.

Daryl is a familiar face here at DNR, having spent 35 years in the Maryland Park Service—with experience in conservation law enforcement—and ultimately serving as Assistant Secretary for Land Resources before retiring in 2018. Daryl’s experience with and enthusiasm for natural resources and innovative ideas will help us expand those opportunities for Maryland even more.

Among the adventures awaiting you in Maryland is fly-fishing; in this magazine, Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford shares his firsthand account of when he and I traveled to Morgan Run Natural Environment Area in Carroll County to try our hand at it. As a saltwater angler myself, fly-fishing was a new experience for me. Fortunately we had a very patient guide and we had a great time. You can learn more about how to enjoy this year-round pastime in an accompanying article by our expert staff.

In our From the Field feature in this magazine, we recognize our DNR employees who have provided 10, 20, 30, and even 40 years of service. I was pleased to host Employee Appreciation celebrations at various state park locations throughout Maryland to formally recognize them for their amazing dedication and celebrate their milestone anniversaries in their years of service to the state of Maryland and DNR. Their depth of knowledge and dedication helps us excel at our mission and makes our state a better place. Please join me in congratulating them!

Finally I am pleased to share more recipes from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online cookbook, Wild Maryland. The cookbook includes recipes with ingredients that can be hunted, trapped, caught, or foraged in Maryland’s outdoors. Feel free to try our recipes or submit one of your own by sending an email to Recipes.DNR@maryland.gov!

Thank you for continued support of DNR’s mission, and I wish you a happy and healthy 2022!

Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Secretary

Article appears in Vol. 25, No. 1 of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine.