Technique takes advantage of tree biology—try it in these wet areas Trees are a great tool for restoration—they store carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and prevent erosion with their root systems. But some types of trees hold a trick within their biology that makes them even more effective, a kind of shortcut that allows people Read the Rest…
There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland this week for angler of all ages, from excellent trout fishing provided by generous stockings, to many different freshwater species becoming active statewide, to surf and offshore fishing in the Ocean City area.
The Maryland Park Service will temporarily close Greenbrier State Park from May 5-9 as contractors repave the entrance road as part of ongoing upgrades to the park’s front entrance and contact station. These upgrades will help reduce traffic backups on busy weekends and holidays.
Maryland anglers can do their part to help the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem by catching and removing blue catfish from waterways. These nonnative fish are top predators that consume native species such as blue crabs, white perch, and menhaden. Avid anglers looking to put their skills to the test can register for tournaments and try to Read the Rest…
Program provides individual grants up to $2 million; webinar for applicants scheduled April 17 The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. This funding opportunity allows local governments with eligible projects to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $2 Read the Rest…
In portions of the state, black bears have vacated their dens and started exploring the areas around them. Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open – like birdseed, chicken feed, dog food and even trash – may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises residents and Read the Rest…
Winter is not quite ready to release its grasp, but the fishing is good regardless of the air temperature, from the Atlantic coast to the western mountains. Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas is very popular this month with anglers of all ages. Meanwhile, hickory shad are showing up for some exciting catch-and-release action.
Marina and boatyard improvements improve local water quality and help restore the Chesapeake Bay The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has certified Haven Harbour South in Rock Hall as the newest Maryland Clean Marina. The department awards this designation to marinas that comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and voluntarily adopt a significant portion of Read the Rest…
Junior Hunt Set for April 12-13; Regular season Begins April 18 Maryland’s statewide spring wild turkey season opens this month, beginning with the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 12. The regular spring turkey season opens for all hunters on April 18 and runs through May 23. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) anticipates that hunters Read the Rest…
Maryland has just celebrated its own Arbor Day, well ahead of the national celebration on the last Friday of the month. This year, I’m glad to say we are catching up on an important initiative that will impact our future. Maryland made an ambitious commitment with the 5 Million Trees Initiative in 2021, and last Read the Rest…
The Maryland Park Service and partners improved five miles of trail inside Patapsco Valley State Park’s McKeldin Area this winter with adaptive mountain bikers in mind. It is the first network of adaptive mountain bike trails in Maryland, an amenity state officials plan to improve and expand moving forward. Thanks to the efforts of Friends Read the Rest…
Mapping project gives state insight into oysters, future restoration sites Not long after the sun came up, a team of Maryland geologists set out on the Patuxent River. As they approached the Upper Patuxent Sanctuary, the team prepared the sensing equipment and took preliminary measurements in the water. With a custom crank-and-pulley system, they lowered Read the Rest…
Recent warm and sunny weather was all it took to encourage families and friends to be outside and enjoy the Maryland outdoors. The traditional opening day of trout season brought out anglers young and old this past weekend as well as other places to fish in Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April 2, 2025 as the 142nd annual Maryland Arbor Day celebration. Following tradition, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Josh Kurtz,the Maryland Forest Service, and the Maryland Tree Farm Committee presented tree seedlings to the members of the Board of Public Works at their meeting, chaired today by Lt. Governor Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure and CREP Permanent Easement programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $4.85 million in grants to local governments from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve recreation and protect a farm with a perpetual conservation easement. About $3.3 million Read the Rest…
With the close of Maryland’s deer seasons, many hunters have already put their weapons of choice into storage, at least until spring turkey season. While firearm safety during hunting season is covered extensively during the hunter education program, safe firearm storage out of season is one topic that Maryland hunters should always review and practice. Read the Rest…
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, and always wear a life jacket. With rising outdoor temperatures on the way as winter ends, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Maryland’s rivers and lakes aren’t as quick to warm. While spring can be an ideal time to be on the water Read the Rest…
The Western Maryland Rail Trail in Washington County is freshly repaved and ready for warm-weather hiking and biking this spring. Over time, roots from trees had caused the trail to swell and split. The Department of Natural Resources repaved 22.5 miles of trail between June and November, fixing those blemishes and leaving the trail flat Read the Rest…
Maryland’s second second annual youth trout fishing day was beautiful and sunny, perfect to introduce our next generation of anglers to streams and ponds across the state. The traditional opening day for all trout anglers is Saturday, March 29, and it also promises to be a bright and sunny day for everyone. Based on angler Read the Rest…
State record holder for rock bass, Thomas Over Jr., reaches new milestone Thomas Over Jr., of Darlington, has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program. Over, 30, is the 18th Master Angler since the program began in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized Read the Rest…
Funds support important projects in parks statewide Friends of Maryland State Parks has awarded 22 grants totaling $37,855 to state parks across Maryland funds from the advocacy organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” (SBGI). These funds will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreational access, and promote conservation. Since launching the Read the Rest…
Marina and boatyard improvements improve local water quality and help restore the Chesapeake Bay The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has certified Cedar Point Marina in Grasonville as the newest Maryland Clean Marina. The department awards this designation to marinas that comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and voluntarily adopt a significant portion of recommended Read the Rest…
The arrival of spring for many wild animals and plants means emerging from a period of quiet and slumber – but that is not true for the small staff of the Natural Heritage Program. These biologists have a big responsibility: protecting and managing the nongame, rare, threatened and endangered species and their unique habitats in Read the Rest…
The human world is so fraught with communication it can feel overwhelming at times. Getting out into nature can be a relief for those of us looking for some peace and quiet. Although the forests, rivers, mountains, or dunes may feel tranquil and devoid of chatter, a barely perceived symphony of plant communication lies just Read the Rest…
Red-winged blackbirds are not rare, but they certainly are beautiful! Chances are you have spotted them many times or heard their call, “Conk-la-REE!” Their scientific name is Agelaius phoeniceus, which comes from a Greek origin. “Agelaios” means “flocking” in Greek, indicating these birds flock together in large groups, while “phoeniceus” comes from the Greek word Read the Rest…
Recently we received this correspondence from a Master Naturalist working in Silver Spring at a Middle School, and we wanted to share his inspiring words of wisdom. Thanks Mitch Greene, and keep up the great work caring for Maryland’s wildlife!
Maryland Environmental Trust has approved 20 grants totaling $238,751 to be awarded for environmental education, community cleanup, tree planting, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Presented annually since 1986, the grant program is managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust – a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – and Read the Rest…
Spring is making its presence known, and the warm sunny days are bringing out anglers. Maryland’s special youth trout fishing day is Saturday, March 22 and the traditional opening day of trout season is March 29. No matter what you fish for, enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors and perhaps a beautiful sunset Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Recreation Communication Board, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $15.3 million in grants to local governments and a land trust from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation Read the Rest…
Dozens of events offer safe and free fishing for children and teens The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages youths ages 3 to 15 to try their hand at fishing or hone their angling skills at any of Maryland’s 51 youth fishing rodeos happening across the state this year. DNR is working with dozens Read the Rest…
Oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay are faring well, according to preliminary results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ annual Fall Oyster Survey. After a remarkable year for oyster reproduction in 2023, the survey’s 2024 spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for oysters, was above the 39-year median Read the Rest…
Trail nominated by Maryland’s off-road enthusiasts to join national program An off-highway vehicle trail at Wolf Den Run State Park is now part of the Jeep Badge of Honor trail program. The Jeep brand announced the designation on Feb. 28, along with designations for trails in Minnesota and Washington. There are 61 Badge of Honor Read the Rest…
The Maryland Natural Resources Police issued various citations and made numerous arrests for violations of criminal and natural resource law throughout December of 2024 through February of 2025. Charges filed against individuals include hunting out of season, baiting game animals, theft, weapons violations, spotlighting deer, commercial oyster violations, and other crimes.
Spring is slowly beginning to emerge with signs of warmer weather ahead. Spring fishing is already kicking into high gear with yellow perch and white perch spawning runs, plus the promise of the traditional opening day of trout season on March 29. In addition to stocking waters under closure until that day, hatchery crews are Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to conduct a controlled burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Allegany County this week as weather and other conditions allow. Residents and visitors to the area are advised they may see smoke in the area southwest of Rawlings due to the controlled burn. This burn Read the Rest…
The Farmer’s Almanac calls the March full moon the “Worm Moon,” a name that originated among Native American tribes. The name marks the changing of the seasons, as the coming warm weather will prompt earthworms to stir from their winter dormancy. Among other important signs of spring, it means it’s time for fishing! In Maryland, Read the Rest…
Maryland’s recreational and commercial striped bass fisheries is set for the 2025 season. While there remains uncertainty around future spawning potential for the species given recent population declines documented in juvenile surveys, Maryland is maintaining the recreational seasons, limits, and the commercial quota instituted last year based on the overall 2024 coastwide Atlantic striped bass Read the Rest…
The number of wildfires in Maryland during 2024 was much higher than the ten-year average, but acreage burned was significantly lower, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report. The report, which was released this month, covers data related to wildfires on 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the Maryland Forest Service. Read the Rest…
Spread across the state, watershed-scale programs will start next phase of restoration in Maryland, benefitting habitats and local communities Maryland has selected the five watersheds in the state that will receive initial state grant funding as part of the Whole Watershed Act. These watershed-scale restoration efforts will contribute to both short-term and lasting economic benefits Read the Rest…
New trails are available for adventurous hikers at the former Bay Club property in Worcester County, and soon local residents and visitors will see a number of environmental improvements coming to the property that’s now managed by the Maryland Forest Service. The currently unimproved trails offer about 12 miles in hiking opportunities throughout the land Read the Rest…
Second annual youth-only trout fishing day March 22; trout waters open to everyone March 29 Maryland’s trout season officially opens March 29 at 6:30 a.m., and the Department of Natural Resources is set to release thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout across the state. For young anglers, the second annual Youth-Only Trout Fishing Read the Rest…
Meeting scheduled at Savage River Lodge in Frostburg on March 13 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is scheduled to host an informational meeting on March 13 in Frostburg to take public feedback related to the potential Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) power transmission line project being planned by NextEra Energy that could stretch through Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.7 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation easements. About $226,000 in Program Open Space – Local funding Read the Rest…
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act would allow interested processors to use the technique in Maryland A traditional Japanese method for processing fish may be expanding in Maryland. The technique, known as ike jime, results in a high-quality fish product and is considered the most humane way of processing fish. “With traditional practices here in Maryland, Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington. The revised 2025 season will now close March 22 to make up for unfavorable weather conditions.
Statewide harvest 10% higher than the 5-year average Maryland deer hunters harvested 84,201 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 6, 2024 through Feb. 4, 2025. The statewide harvest reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources included 32,148 antlered and 47,271 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 2,143 antlered and 2,639 antlerless Read the Rest…
Maryland plays host to a robust white-tailed deer population, most recently estimated by the Department of Natural Resources to range between 200,000 and 250,000 deer. The current estimated deer population is down from a high of nearly 300,000. But even with effective management, deer can have an impact on residents and landowners through conflicts such Read the Rest…
Fish reeled in from Marshyhope Creek weighing 20.5 pounds The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognizes David Confair of Secretary in Dorchester County as a new state record holder for longnose gar – Lepisosteus osseus – in the Chesapeake division. Confair caught the 20.5-pound, 49.5-inch fish on February 8 while fishing in Marshyhope Creek. He Read the Rest…
The Board of Public Works approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to purchase a historic property that would become the first Maryland State Park in Wicomico County. The Department will acquire approximately 445 acres of land along Wetipquin Creek from owner Donald Graham for $3.3 million. Wetipquin Creek State Park, currently in the planning Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space and Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ items totaling $5.4 million in grants to local governments to acquire land and improve parks. Nearly $5.4 million in Program Open Space – Local was approved for six projects, including the Read the Rest…
