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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…
This week holds promise for anglers across Maryland from the western mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Warmer weather makes being outdoors – and especially fishing – a fun experience.
New fees based on inflation expected to sustain services for anglers The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing changes to nontidal fishing license and trout stamp fees effective June 1, 2025. This represents the first adjustment to nontidal–or freshwater fishing–fees in almost 20 years, addressing the rising costs of maintaining conservation efforts and angler Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service is now accepting waterfowl offshore blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners. Riparian property owners may license their shoreline to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, and/or prevent others from licensing and hunting the shoreline at a Read the Rest…
Visitors to Maryland State Parks this year have a chance to win prizes such as a year-long admission pass and camping experiences by completing 25 parks-related challenges in 2025. The Maryland Park Service 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge encourages visitors to find and photograph special scenic and historic features in several state parks. Visitors can Read the Rest…
Kaliyah Thorpe of Capitol Heights Elementary School in Prince George’s County won first place in the 2025 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest, sponsored by the Maryland Forest Service. The annual event challenges fifth graders across the state to use their creativity, crafting artful posters capturing a terrific tree-related theme. The 2025 theme was Read the Rest…
Warm springtime temperatures not only provide us with comfortable outdoor activities, but rising air temperatures and bright sunlight also warm our Maryland waters and cause many fish to become more active. The Chesapeake Channa, commonly known as the northern snakehead, is one of those fish that is responding to the weather. The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory Read the Rest…
Funding from DNR’s Program Open Space will enable Baltimore County to purchase waterfront property for a new park and help Carroll County improve three parks The Board of Public Works today approved more than $15.7 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve recreational opportunities Read the Rest…
Staff will be on hand at family-friendly Earth Day events around Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a series of free public workshops taking place at Earth Day events throughout the state later this month. Guests can learn about Maryland’s unique geographies and share their thoughts to shape the priorities of Read the Rest…
For those exploring Maryland’s outdoors this spring, the time is right for some great treasure hunting for the off-white tines of antlers left behind on the leafbed covering the forest floor. Shed antlers appear more frequently this time of year as white-tailed and sika deer drop their antlers after the breeding season. For hunters, families, Read the Rest…
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…
