Illegal and unlicensed operators cut corners and can leave customers out on a limb As Maryland homeowners freshen up their properties and landscape for the summer season, they should know the proper steps to take when hiring tree removal companies to clear damaged and downed trees, limbs, and branches. In addition to the damage that Read the Rest…
Funds available to cover processing fees for donated deer The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for its 2025 venison donation grant program. Grant money is available to organizations to assist with the direct costs of butchering and processing deer with the resulting venison being donated to programs who assist Marylanders in need. A Read the Rest…
There are fun fishing adventures waiting out there and hopefully everyone can spend some time at their favorite fishing hole, or perhaps seek out a new spot or species. The first two Saturdays in June are free fishing days where no fishing license is required, so consider taking a friend fishing – it could change Read the Rest…
Jeffrey Spicer of Parkville has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Spicer is the 19th angler to achieve the highest milestone in the FishMaryland program. He learned about the Master Angler Read the Rest…
The public is invited to join two focus group meetings to help assess the opportunities, challenges, and pathways forward to the future establishment of Gwynns Falls State Park as the premier example of a “partnership park” between the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. Input on seven topics will be collected ranging from Read the Rest…
UPDATE: Contest Deadline Extended through Dec. 31, 2025 To mark its centennial, the Maryland Big Tree Program is offering $500 to whoever can find the biggest tree in a state forest. In partnership with the Maryland Forest Service, the program is offering its Big-Tree Centennial Contest, encouraging the public to explore Maryland state forest and Read the Rest…
Largemouth bass are Maryland’s most popular freshwater sportfish. Found in lakes, and nontidal and tidal rivers throughout the state, many anglers enjoy fishing for them because of their size, the sport they provide, or the tournaments that are hosted throughout the state. Recently, though, the fish has undergone a name change—sort of. The American Fisheries Read the Rest…
Next year’s blue crab stock assessment expected to inform management options, help better understand low juvenile recruitment The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, estimates 238 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2025, a decrease Read the Rest…
There is a lot of great fishing to enjoy this week from western Maryland to the coastal regions. One fishing scene that will be enjoyed by our youngest and oldest anglers are white perch, which can now be found near docks in every tidal river and creek of the Chesapeake Bay.
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space -Local projects The Board of Public Works today approved more than $4.7 million in grants to local governments from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to construct park facilities in Baltimore, Frederick, Garrett, Prince George’s, and Washington Counties.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission named writer Shawn Kimbro the 2025 recipient of the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award. The commission and department recognize Kimbro for his decades of advocacy for fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Kimbro has written extensively on fishing ethics and techniques, and championed successful Read the Rest…
Whether someone is just dipping a line for the first time or ready to jump back into the hobby of fishing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers the chance to enjoy the thrill of a catch without spending a lot of money. Licensing fees directly fund DNR’s important conservation work – the department Read the Rest…
Weekend and holiday reservations required at the two parks starting Saturday, May 24 Beginning today, visitors planning to attend Greenbrier State Park or Sandy Point State Park for Memorial Day weekend as well as future weekends and holidays can make reservations at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. The Maryland Park Service’s new day pass reservation system requires all visitors Read the Rest…
Benchmark stock assessment completed this year estimates more than 12 billion oysters are in Maryland’s waters of the Chesapeake Bay The population of Maryland’s oysters has grown significantly in the past 20 years, according to the results of the latest benchmark stock assessment for the species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the University Read the Rest…
Thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have begun landing on Maryland’s shores for what is believed to be the world’s oldest wildlife migration. Dating back an estimated 350 million years, the annual spawning occurs from May through July, peaking with high tides on or around the full and new moons in June.
The warmer weather of late spring beckons us all to explore the Maryland outdoors, and fishing is a wonderful way to introduce our youngest explorers to it. Most adult anglers can remember their first introduction to fishing and the feisty bluegill sunfish often provided that first catch.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2026 annual work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period runs May 6 through June 6, 2025.
Now that the Maryland General Assembly legislative session has ended, the Department of Natural Resources is working to act on the laws they have passed. I wanted to thank the team at the Department who dedicated countless hours providing information to state legislators on the numerous bills that impact our work to improve ecological, social, Read the Rest…
May is upon us and warm temperatures beckon all to enjoy the outdoors of Maryland. Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and the peace and solitude that comes with being near water.
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Community Parks and Playgrounds, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.9 million in grants to local governments and a land trust from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve park facilities and protect land Read the Rest…
Handling wildlife is usually unnecessary and always illegal The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions anyone who encounters a fawn that is alone to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland in order to protect animal Read the Rest…
After extensive renovations and exhibit installations, the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse at the southern tip of Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County is ready to welcome the public. Visitors will be able to tour the lighthouse five days per week–from Thursday through Monday–beginning on Thursday, May 15. The Park Service plans to use Read the Rest…
Maryland Big Tree Program inspired national effort and continues to recognize Maryland trees A hundred years ago, Maryland residents across the state set out to find big trees. In what newspapers simply called the “Tree Contest,” the Maryland Department of Forestry and the Maryland Forestry Association solicited submissions of trees that were notable for their Read the Rest…
Required reservations to relieve backups at busiest state parks The Maryland Park Service is launching a new Day-Use Reservation System, which will go live May 19 for Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park, to be followed by several other parks later in the season. This new system requires all visitors to reserve their Read the Rest…
Projects create habitat and public access at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Located in Grasonville near Kent Island, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center — known as CBEC – has been the site of living shoreline and marsh enhancement projects for more than 23 years. From work that turned concrete rubble from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium into oyster Read the Rest…
Previously the Chesapeake and Coastal Service, WCS will continue Bay restoration work with additional climate emphasis The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially rebranded its Chesapeake and Coastal Service with the name Watershed and Climate Services, a name that recognizes its mission as well as its commitment to serving all Maryland communities and watersheds. Read the Rest…
Applications are being accepted for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission, which represent the interests of various recreational fisheries-related constituencies and stakeholders. Nine seats out of 17 total on the commission are currently available; membership is open to individuals from across the state. The commissioners are appointed by the governor, and they Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting “Women on the Water,” a free introductory workshop on boating and fishing for women and girls 12 and older, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 7 at Seneca Creek State Park. While designed for women and girls, this program is open to anyone 12 and Read the Rest…
Photographers and nature enthusiasts are invited to submit their most beautiful images of the state’s flora and fauna to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2025 Photo Contest. As in past years, winning entries will be featured on the next Maryland DNR nature calendar to be published in late fall, and all winners will receive Read the Rest…
