Natural Resources News
Secretary’s Message: The Story of America Can Be Followed on Maryland’s Trails
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw meet with descendants of former enslaved workers of the Colonial-era Catoctin Furnace. A re-discovered cemetery where these skilled workers were buried lies within Cunningham Falls State Park. Maryland DNR photo.
The primary mission of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is to protect our natural environment, but as stewards of a half million acres of property, DNR is also custodian of our state’s rich history.
Almost every Maryland State Park contains some historic feature that came along with the property, but some allow you to literally trace the footsteps of Maryland’s many contributions to the American story.
A good place to start is St. Clement’s Island State Park in the Potomac River off the shore of Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County. This island is where the Ark and the Dove landed with Maryland’s first English settlers on March 25, 1634. Just like those first settlers, you can only reach the island by boat Read more…
Living Fossils and Symbols of Resilience: DNR Scientists Monitor Horseshoe Crabs After Population Recovery in the Region
A recent study found that horseshoe crabs have bounced back since population declines in 1990s
Dozens of horseshoe crabs gather in the Ocean City inlet during the high tide of the June new moon. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
Under the vibrant lights of the Ocean City boardwalk Ferris wheel and Slingshot ride, prehistoric animals scuttled onto the shore of a quiet beach by the thousands.
While the setting has changed, horseshoe crabs and their close relatives have been making this same journey to the world’s coastlines for hundreds of millions of years, through mass extinctions and the shift of continents, in what is considered the oldest wildlife migration on the planet. On spawning days that occur from May to July, these ancient arthropods return to beaches in Maryland and along the East Coast in search of mates.
“The horseshoe crabs are on,” Steve Doctor, a Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist, said on a June spawning night. “It’s ‘Jurassic Park’ out there.” Read more…
Living History Takes Root Across Maryland with Liberty Tree Project
The Worcester County Liberty Tree was dedicated near the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on April 25, 2026. These trees are being dedicated at historic sites and community gathering places across Maryland. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
As Maryland commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States, communities across the state are becoming home to a unique piece of living history.
Liberty Trees served as important gathering places during the years leading up to the American Revolution. Across the thirteen colonies, groups such as the Sons of Liberty met beneath their branches to discuss rights, self-government and the future of the colonies.
Maryland’s original Liberty Tree, a tulip poplar located near what is now St. John’s College in Annapolis, became one of the state’s most significant historic landmarks. Citizens and community leaders gathered beneath its branches during the unrest surrounding the Stamp Act of 1765, making it a symbol of civic life and Maryland’s role in the nation’s founding.
This year, through the Maryland Liberty Tree Project, a genetically identical descendant of Maryland’s original Liberty Tree is being planted in each of the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. With most of the plantings now complete, Marylanders are invited to visit these trees and experience firsthand a living connection to the state’s past. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 1
This happy angler pulled in a keeper-sized striped bass that was destined for the dinner table. Photo by Travis Long
This weekend marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and family gatherings, vacations, and fishing with family and friends will be a large part of the celebration. July 4 is a license-free fishing day throughout Maryland, so if you have a friend or relative who doesn’t currently fish, take them out with you.
Board of Public Works Approves $1.18 Million for Sports Fields, Recreational Courts, and Playgrounds in Six Maryland Counties
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, and Community Parks and Playgrounds programs
The Department of Natural Resources helps Maryland communities access funds for playgrounds, sports facilities, parks, and other outdoor access points. Maryland DNR photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.18 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for sports fields and courts and playgrounds in Allegany, Calvert, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Read more…
Maryland State Trails Open to Pedal-Assist E-Bikes Limited to 20 mph
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved new regulations to allow some pedal-assist e-bikes on multi-use trails on public lands across the state.
Under the new regulations, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes — those that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour — are cleared for use on public lands. The approved regulation was published in the Maryland Register in May and is now in effect.
The change is meant to welcome new user groups to public trails in state parks and boost options for those with mobility issues, while maintaining trail safety and environmental protections. Read more…
NRP’s Operation Dry Water Takes Aim at Boating Under the Influence During Independence Day Weekend
Boaters should expect to see more police on the water and increased vessel safety checks to prioritize the safety of boaters who spend the holiday afloat.
NRP will conduct high-visibility patrols, safety checks and enhanced enforcement efforts statewide this holiday weekend. Maryland DNR photo.
This Independence Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) will increase boating enforcement patrols and target impaired boaters across the state during one of the busiest boating weekends of the summer.
Participating in Operation Dry Water for the 18th year, NRP will conduct high-visibility patrols and enhanced enforcement efforts statewide to remove impaired boat operators from Maryland’s waterways during the three-day campaign, July 3–5. Read more…
Maryland DNR Offers Special Edition MD250 Hard Card for Sale in Honor of America’s 250th Birthday
This year the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new, special edition hard card for fishing, hunting, and boating licenses that honors the state’s wildlife and outdoor history in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. The new card is available for license holders to purchase on the MD Outdoors licensing website.
The artwork on the card features a landscape of marshes and fields filled with pheasants, flying geese, ducks, striped bass, blue crabs, a squirrel, and a rabbit. In the center is the outline of an oyster with an image of working watermen.
The image is a relic of Maryland’s past. It served as the frontispiece for the Maryland Conservationist magazine between 1924 and 1947. Maryland Conservationist was the official magazine of Maryland Conservation Department’s Game Division, a predecessor of today’s Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Announces New Regional Forestry Board Structure, Seeks Local Volunteers
Members of the Forestry Board plant tulip poplars in Tawes Garden after the March state-wide meeting. Photo by Sam Crane/DNR
The Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Forestry Foundation are inviting Marylanders to join their local Forestry Boards following a statewide update to Maryland’s longstanding Forestry Board network.
Originally established under state law in 1943, Maryland’s Forestry Boards have helped connect communities to forest stewardship for more than 80 years. In spring 2026, DNR updated the Forest Conservancy District Board structure by organizing districts regionally rather than by county. The new regional structure strengthens coordination across shared landscapes and watersheds while preserving county Forestry Boards as the primary local connection for volunteers, landowners, and communities. Read more…
Celebrate America 250 at Maryland State Parks with Fun Events Planned All Weekend
Maryland parks are hosting a variety of special events during the week of July 4 to mark the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, including a tree planting, bike parade, historical reenactments, and kids crafts.
With parks open on Independence Day, Marylanders can start a new tradition by hiking, learn more about our nation’s history by visiting park exhibits, or have a patriotic picnic.
July 4 is a license-free fishing day. Any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.
Additional Maryland State Parks Requiring Day-Use Reservations; New Entrance Technology Starting This Weekend
Day-use reservations are now required on weekends and holidays at Gunpowder Falls (Hammerman Area), Greenbrier State Park, Point Lookout State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area, Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point Park, and Swallow Falls State Park through Labor Day.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues to expand its reservation and park entrance system to prevent long entrance lines, traffic backups, and unexpected capacity closures on busy weekends and holidays.
Beginning June 26, Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area is implementing a QR code-based payment system, in which visitors scan a QR code on signage to pay their day-use fee online. An honor box will remain in place for those who need to pay cash. Reservations are not required at Fair Hill.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Gives Young Largemouth Bass a Head Start
Tidal Bass Program increases recreational opportunities through stocking efforts
Each spring, Department of Natural Resources biologists collect largemouth bass from the Potomac River to spawn at the Joseph Manning Hatchery at Cedarville State Forest. Maryland DNR photo
Since the early 1980s, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stocked more than six million largemouth bass in tidal rivers. This initiative aims to supplement established populations and enhance opportunities for Maryland anglers.
Tidal bass fishing is important to Maryland recreationally and economically, as each year DNR permits more than 400 tournaments for anglers to pursue black bass (the genus to which largemouth bass belong).
The stocking effort is an ongoing, year-long effort that is paid for by state fishing license fees.
The process begins each April with the collection of broodstock, followed by the release of young fish at different life stages into tidal rivers from May through early November. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 24
It is summertime in Maryland and families are enjoying vacations now that school is out and the Maryland outdoors invites anglers of all ages to enjoy fishing together.
Young Ella Hoenke gets some help holding on to a large red drum for a quick picture that she caught and released at Assateague Island. Photo by Kurt Hoenke
Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ New Giveaway Offers Chance to Win Free Blue Catfish Charter Fishing Trip
‘Reel in the Blues Bonanza’ is now open for entries
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is giving away 100 free Chesapeake Bay blue catfish charter or guided fishing trips valued at up to $1,500 each. The trips will harvest blue catfish, an invasive fish in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
From June 24 through July 13, anyone 18 or older can enter using a simple online form (limit one entry per person) for a chance to win a premier summer or fall fishing experience to catch these invasive predators.
DNR will randomly draw 100 winners from all entries. Winners will be responsible for contacting a participating captain or guide to coordinate their free trip. A winner may bring up to the number of guests allowed by the capacity of their chosen charter. The free trip includes fees for charter and mate tips. Read more…
Maryland Conservation Corps Class of 2025-26 Graduates 17 Members
Graduates, mentors, and crew leads attend the 2026 Maryland Conservation Corps Graduation Ceremony at Sandy Point State Park. Photo by Rachael Pacella/Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 17 members of the 2025-26 Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) during their graduation program at Sandy Point State Park. The June 23 ceremony capped the members’ completion of 9.5 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service.
The Maryland Conservation Corps began in 1984, and a decade later became one of the first programs funded by AmeriCorps. Following a sudden budget cut to AmeriCorps by the federal government in 2025, MCC has operated in partnership with the Department of Service and Civic Innovation Maryland Corps/Service Year Option. Read more…
Maryland Communities Can Access New Federal Funding Opportunities for Parks and Recreation Grants
Developing outdoor recreation space in urban and underserved areas can be supported by the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Maryland DNR photo.
The National Park Service recently announced new grants for parkland acquisition and development of recreational amenities for which Maryland counties, municipalities, and state agencies may apply through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program provides 50/50 matching grants for park projects in urban areas with a population of 25,000 or more, with a preference for projects in low-income communities. Grants range from $300,000 to $15,000,000 and project applications are due to the state by September 1, 2026. Read more…
Roots for Resilience Initiative Grants $4.5 Million for Living Shoreline Projects, Protecting Bay Communities and Habitats
A low marsh in Dorchester County. DNR photo
Roots for Resilience, a Maryland Department of Natural Resources initiative to support climate adaptation on the Eastern Shore, has approved seven grants totaling more than $4.5 million to protect large areas of healthy saltmarsh habitat.
These living shoreline projects will protect coastal areas and islands from shoreline erosion, providing a buffer for local communities and securing habitat for migratory birds like the saltmarsh sparrow and other sensitive wildlife species. The awarded projects include work that will specifically protect an important roadway and an outdoor space to support veterans.
The construction of these living shorelines will contribute to the Roots for Resilience goal of protecting 400 acres of high-quality marsh habitat by 2029.
A living shoreline uses nature-based erosion control techniques, such as marsh plantings, coir logs, sills, and breakwaters, to stabilize shorelines while maintaining natural coastal processes to ensure future resilience. These approaches reduce erosion and flooding, protect infrastructure, lower long-term costs, support working waterfronts, and strengthen coastal adaptation to sea level rise.
“These projects are ideally suited for the Roots for Resilience initiative, designed for the vulnerable communities of the Eastern Shore,” DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “The shared goals of protecting people and habitats are vitally connected. These living shoreline projects demonstrate how solutions work best when we work with nature to benefit local communities.” Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Spring 2026
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer inspects a turkey hunter in Somerset County during the spring turkey hunt. Police conducted surveillance for illegal baiting of turkeys and charged numerous people statewide. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action on alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from April through May of this year. During the spring months, individuals were charged for violations including illegal hunting, weapons charges, fishing violations, littering on state lands, crimes on public lands, and other offenses.
NRP officers also conducted successful search and rescue operations of hikers and boaters. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves $1.2 Million for Park Land, Trail Improvements, and Communication Boards in Three Maryland Counties
Board also approves $9.73 million in Program Open Space Stateside funds for protection of more than 1,100 acres
Among today’s approvals is a 200-acre addition to Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area to expand public recreation opportunities. Maryland DNR photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for parkland acquisition, trail improvements, and new recreational communication boards in Prince George’s, Somerset, and St. Mary’s counties. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 17
This happy angler holds up a keeper-sized striped bass caught in the Kent Narrows area. Photo by Craig Roberts
Maryland anglers are enjoying a wide range of fishing opportunities this week. Striped bass anglers are having a good week in all regions of the Chesapeake Bays, freshwater anglers are finding a variety of fish, and the fishing action at Ocean City is pleasing vacationers and locals.
This weekend marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year – Sunday, June 21. More daylight hours and warmer temperatures can be great for outdoor recreation, but it’s important to protect our natural resources so we can enjoy them for many summers to come.
The Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather.
The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.
DNR Seeks New Nominations for Prestigious Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award
Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz and Governor Wes Moore present Professor Thomas Miller with the 2025 ‘Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay’ Award in the governor’s office. Photo by Polly Irungu, Office of the Governor.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again hosting a public nomination process for the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award this year and is now accepting new nominations for potential awardees.
Instituted by Governor J. Millard Tawes in 1959, the admiral is a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the governor upon individuals who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
DNR is looking for nominees who have dedicated their careers to organizing communities, leading restoration efforts, deepening our understanding of Bay science, or otherwise helping to improve the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Read more…
Flood Reduction and Restoration Projects Throughout Maryland Funded with $690,000
A newly constructed living shoreline on Tilghman Island with vented marsh sill and oyster structures protects a tidal wetland and adjacent community infrastructure from coastal flood impacts. Maryland DNR photo by Maggie Cavey.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources awarded competitive grants for nine flood reduction and restoration projects to help communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events.
The selected projects will reduce risk for vulnerable communities, incorporate changing environmental conditions into existing plans and policies, and develop nature-based or natural solutions to help manage flooding and erosion.
Funding is provided by the state’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Following eight years as a pilot program, the Resilience through Restoration Initiative was successfully codified through 2026 legislation, transforming it into a permanent fixture for protecting communities from flooding, erosion and storm events. Read more…
Maryland DNR Seeks Charter Boat Captains and Guides to Participate in Blue Catfish Program
The Reel in the Blues Bonanza will pay guides and captains to fulfill blue catfish trip giveaways
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering Maryland charter boat captains and guides up to $1,500 per trip to take winners of the Reel in the Blues Bonanza on chartered trips during the summer and fall of 2026.
To participate, captains or guides must fill out an interest form by June 22. The purpose of this giveaway is to remove blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay, empower people to harvest this invasive fish species, and support the charter boat and guided fishing trip industry.
DNR will announce an opportunity for the public to be randomly picked to receive free Chesapeake Bay blue catfishing trips beginning June 24, 2026. Information about how to enter to win one of the charter trips will be publicized on the DNR website, through email, and on social media.
Winners will receive a list of participating captains and guides to contact operators directly to schedule trips. Qualified captains or guides who are chartered by winners will be reimbursed by DNR for up to $1,500 per trip within 30 days. This amount may be above the normal cost of a charter or guided trip, but it also includes a tip for mates. Read more…
Watershed Education and Stewardship Grants Support Programming in Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties
Funded by a previous grant, Anacostia Watershed Society partnered with Prince George’s County Public Schools to engage middle and high school students in hands-on mussel restoration work and education. Students learned about local watershed health and mussel biology. Maryland DNR photo.
Two Maryland organizations will receive support for education and stewardship programming to enhance environmental education in the state.
Outdoor education and stewardship funding is made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Specific amounts will be contingent upon federal funding availability and approval. Read more…
Community Parks and Playgrounds Program to Invest $5 Million in Local Outdoor Recreation for Fiscal Year 2027
DNR also currently accepting applications for FY28 Community Parks and Playgrounds funding; virtual workshops scheduled June 23 and July 23
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Gov. Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $5 million in Community Parks and Playgrounds grant funds for 26 projects in municipalities across 15 counties.
This competitive grant program managed by the Department of Natural Resources provides funding to municipal governments to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks; create new parks; or purchase and install playground equipment. Read more…
Governor Wes Moore Announces $31.5 Million for Ecological Restoration Projects to Improve Water Quality in Local Waterways and the Chesapeake Bay
Natural Lands Project. Photo Courtesy of Dan Small
Governor Wes Moore today announced the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is awarding $31.5 million in grants from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for 25 ecological restoration projects encompassing 188 sites throughout the state that will improve water quality and wildlife habitats.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the centerpiece of our tourism and seafood industries in Maryland,” said Governor Moore. “It’s a key part of our cultural identity and the place where countless family memories are made. These new investments represent our commitment to continuing to improve the Bay, its surrounding watershed, and the rivers and streams that connect our communities.” Read more…
Free Pumpout Adapter Kits Available to Maryland Boaters and Marinas
DNR develops free kit to help keep waters clean
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Pumpout Grant Program is offering boat owners and marinas free pumpout adapter kits, which department staff developed to help boaters empty holding tanks securely at area pumpout stations.
The kit has a plastic adapter that screws into the existing waste discharge deck fitting on a boat, which is secured by a cam lock found on most pumpout hoses. The free kit also contains instructions, protective gloves, a storage tube, and a QR code to a list of pumpout stations in Maryland.
Maryland residents can request a pumpout adapter kit using an online form. Supplies are limited. Kits are provided with funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Clean Vessel Act Grant funding and the Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 10
Jenna Barben was fishing in the lower Susquehanna when she caught this impressive Chesapeake Channa. Photo courtesy of Jenna Barben
There are plenty of fishing opportunities this week in Maryland waters from Ocean City surf to the cool waters of the western Maryland mountains.
Saturday, June 13 will be the second free fishing day this year where anglers over the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to legally fish in all of Maryland’s waters. July 4 will be the third and final day for anyone who does not have a fishing license to give fishing a try for the day. If you have a license, bring a friend!
As temperatures rise, the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather. The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.
Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 10 – June 16)
Maryland Landowners Encouraged to Become Certified Tree Farmers
Tree farmer Don Grove gives an overview during a tour of his farm sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension and supported by the Maryland DNR Forest Service. Photo by Sam Crane.
The Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers to access resources to help them manage their land sustainably. The Forest Service is an official co-sponsor of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), which certifies small sustainable tree farms and works to connect tree farm owners through events and education programs.
Landowners who own between 10 and 10,000 acres of forestland are eligible to participate in the program. Many join to protect their land’s long-term forest health, create a family legacy, access tax incentives, and market certified sustainable wood products. Read more…
Three Fishermen Earn FishMaryland Master Angler Award in May
Anglers from Somerset, Frederick, and Anne Arundel counties recognized
From left to right: Joshua Bernstein, Alex Gaillardo Perez, and George Cropper all achieved the Master Angler Milestone Award in May. DNR collage from submitted photos.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized George Cropper of Princess Anne, Joshua Bernstein of Frederick, and Alex Gaillardo Perez of Millersville with Master Angler Milestone Awards under the FishMaryland program in May 2026.
These men respectively are the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd anglers to achieve the highest milestone in the FishMaryland program since its inception in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch 10 trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – We Are Opening More Doors to Maryland Natural Spaces
Secretary Josh Kurtz leads Gov. Wes Moore and Chesapeake Bay Foundation President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk on a 2024 tour of what is now Holly Beach Natural Resources Management Area. Maryland DNR photo.
When I was appointed Secretary of Natural Resources in 2023, I made clear that we would follow through on Gov. Wes Moore’s promise to expand access for all to Maryland’s nature spaces and outdoor recreation.
Since then we have opened several new parks and areas that provide access to Maryland’s natural beauty along with its profound history–and there is much more to come.
Maryland State Parks and Other Public Lands Expand Traffic Flow and Park Entrance Technology
Weekend and holiday day-use reservations are now available for Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area, Rocky Gap State Park, and Swallow Falls State Park
Rocky Gap State Park is among the parks now taking reservations for weekends and holidays during the busy season to better manage traffic and assure visitors can access the park. Photo by Ranger Sarah Milbourne, Maryland DNR
NOTE: This announcements has been updated. As summer crowds return to Maryland State Parks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is expanding its traffic flow management and park entrance system to help visitors avoid long entrance lines, traffic backups, and unexpected capacity closures on busy weekends and holidays.
Some of the parks have also experienced parking overflow issues that have impacted the surrounding community and limited visitors’ access.
Through this system, day-use reservations are currently required on weekends and holidays at Greenbrier, Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, North Point, and Sandy Point State Parks, all of which introduced the system in 2025.
Additional state parks that are now accepting reservations for weekends and holidays include Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area in Middle River, Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland, and Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area in Pylesville, all of which experience significant traffic backups or overflow parking issues during busy times.
Same-day reservations can be made if parks are not at capacity.
At these new locations, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays starting on the weekend of June 27 through Labor Day. Reservations can be made at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service’s Large-Scale Tree Planting Expands Riparian Buffer at Newtowne Neck State Park
Maryland Forest Service staff oversaw the planting of nearly 32,000 native seedlings at Newtowne Neck State Park in April. Freddy Bascom (left) was the Forest Service’s lead specialist for the project. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed a 71-acre planting project at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County in April that will help prevent rain runoff from reaching the Potomac River.
The Maryland Forest Service oversaw the planting of 31,990 native seedlings across 15 fields along the park’s edge. The project expanded the riparian buffer, the area of trees and vegetation near the shoreline, from 100 to 300 feet in most areas.
Newtowne Neck is a 794-acre peninsula surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay, and the Potomac River. The park’s seven miles of waterfront make buffer protection central to safeguarding Maryland’s waterways.
Riparian buffers intercept sediment and filter pollutants, including pesticides and fertilizers, before they reach the water. Tree roots stabilize banks and reduce erosion. The expanded buffer will also increase habitat and food sources for wildlife. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 3
John Green taught his grandson Gus Petrakis the finer points of catching yellow perch at Deep Creek Lake recently. Photo courtesy of John Green
Maryland offers free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4, the perfect time to introduce a friend to freshwater or tidal fishing, with no fishing license or trout stamp needed. In this wonderful time of the year for fishing, it is great to have a mentor who can guide you, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Children under 16 don’t need a license, so anytime is right for someone in their life to introduce them to the joys of fishing.
On June 13, there will be a free Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) fishing derby and outreach event, Snakes on the Dundee V, at Gunpowder Falls State Park and Dundee Creek Marina. Information about the derby can be found on the DNR website.
Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 3 – June 9)
Board of Public Works Approves $3.35 Million for Outdoor Recreation and Land Conservation in Four Maryland Counties
In the Anne Arundel South Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement to preserve a 136-acre farm, protecting more than 3,000 feet of stream buffers. Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.3 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for outdoor recreation and land conservation in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Montgomery, and Washington counties.
More than $2 million in Program Open Space – Local funding was approved for two recreation projects. Calvert County will receive funds to purchase 1.1acres of waterfront property to expand the Calvert Marine Museum campus. Potential future improvements may include a boardwalk extension and improving the greenspace for recreation and educational purposes.
Montgomery County will use its funds to improve Stonehedge Local Park by renovating the playground and basketball court and constructing a community garden.
In land conservation, $1.26 million of Rural Legacy program funding was approved to acquire permanent conservation easements in two Rural Legacy Areas. In the Anne Arundel South Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement to preserve a 136-acre farm, protecting more than 3,000 feet of stream buffers along Lyons Creek and its tributaries in the Middle Patuxent watershed. In the Mid-Maryland Washington Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement on 61 acres of agricultural and forested land. This easement will protect water quality by preserving 840 feet of forested stream buffers along tributaries to Marsh Run, a waterway that flows directly to the Potomac River. Read more…
Paddlefest Returns to Janes Island State Park June 6-7
An attendee paints on the water during Paddlefest 2024.
The annual Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park takes place June 6-7, offering an opportunity to explore the salt marshes and water trails of Maryland’s southernmost park.
Janes Island State Park boasts more than 30 miles of water trails, weaving in and out of the 2,900 acres of salt marsh which compose the island. This park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy both the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Paddlefest includes nine scheduled paddles, as well as events for non-paddlers – pontoon boat tours, kids crafts, an afternoon concert and s’mores in the evening. There is something for everyone at this family-friendly event, and paddles are open to kids, as long as they have an adult with them. A full schedule of Paddlefest events is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Shooting Qualification Sessions for Managed Deer Hunts Scheduled for 2026 Season
Demonstrating proficiency hitting targets is part of the shooter qualification program to participate in managed hunts. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2026 Shooter Qualification Session Schedule for hunters. Many of Maryland’s managed deer hunts scheduled in fall and winter require hunters to obtain a Shooter Qualification Card, which begins by attending these sessions before taking a proficiency test.
There will be at least 27 shooting qualification sessions at 11 locations across the state from June through December. Additional sessions may be available upon reservation.
Hunters should note that several shooter qualification sessions are conducted by appointment only and that many charge a minimal fee to cover expenses. Additionally, a photo ID as well as eye and hearing protection may be required at some locations. It is recommended that hunters contact the organization hosting the session to receive more detailed information prior to your attending a qualification session. Read more…
Greenspace Equity Program Now Accepting Applications for the Fiscal Year 2028 Grants
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting grant proposals for the Fiscal Year 2028 Greenspace Equity Program.
The goal of the Greenspace Equity Program is to preserve, create, and improve public greenspaces that enhance the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities. The competitive grant program provides funding to land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments to acquire and/or develop public greenspaces in overburdened and underserved communities.
Interested applicants should visit the Greenspace Equity Program webpage for more information about this grant opportunity, including the Grant Proposal Guide, the Application and Project Agreement, and the MDEnviroScreen tool which maps the qualifying areas throughout the state.
DNR staff will hold a virtual Grant Workshop via Google Meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to review the grant requirements and answer any questions. Questions about this grant opportunity may be directed to: Stephanie Benavides at [email protected] or 443-510-4572. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Read more…
Maryland Spring Turkey Hunters Report Harvest of 5,094 Birds
Photo by Tessa Farley, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland hunters harvested a total of 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season. This year’s harvest was 5% higher than last year but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 set in 2023. Read more…
DNR Seeks Input on Land Preservation Plan to Guide Conservation and Recreation Priorities for Next Decade
New Germany State Park. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now seeking public comment on the draft Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP). This report outlines statewide priorities for land conservation over the next decade and identifies recreation needs across the state. The public comment period will remain open through June 28, 2026.
For the past year, DNR has worked in partnership with a public lands planning firm, Agency Landscape and Planning, to gather data about existing land preservation and recreational amenities in Maryland. The planning team also gathered input through two surveys, four regional public events, and four stakeholder focus groups. Read more…
Public Asked to Report Marine Mammal and Turtle Sightings and Strandings to DNR this Summer
Dolphins are regular summer visitors to the Chesapeake Bay – such as these enjoying the waters off Tilghman Island – but unfortunately some can get stranded in shallow water. Photo by Dennis Raulin, submitted to the 2018 Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks residents and visitors enjoying coastal and tidal waterways to remain alert for marine mammals and sea turtles throughout the summer and into early fall.
Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and other marine wildlife are regular seasonal visitors to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, the Atlantic Ocean, and coastal bays.
Anyone who sees a distressed or injured marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is encouraged to report it via the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944 or by using a simple online form to report deceased marine mammals or sea turtles. Anglers, boaters, and beachgoers should especially be on the lookout for stranded, dead, sick, injured, or entangled animals. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 27
Brian Buckman is all smiles with this northern pike that he caught and released recently. Photo courtesy of Brian Buckman
It was a cloudy and overcast Memorial Day Weekend, not ideal for the beach and picnics, but a great one for fishing. Anglers across Maryland enjoyed a variety of different fishing adventures.
Starting Monday June 1, fishing for striped bass will get a lot easier to understand when all waters of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers will open to striped bass fishing until July 31. A 19-inch to 24-inch slot will still be in effect, with a one fish per day limit for anglers.
This weekend we’ll see the second full moon of this month, designating it a blue moon. This will trigger the annual May worm swarms and fish will take full advantage of the nutritious feast. Spot have arrived in many portions of the Bay and anglers are reminded that they must use non-offset circle hooks when targeting striped bass with live bait or cut bait.
Anglers Can Explore Maryland’s Diverse Waters During License-Free Fishing Days
License-free fishing days are great opportunities to give fishing a try or bring a friend who doesn’t have their license. Maryland DNR photo.
All state residents and visitors can fish without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration on June 6, June 13, and July 4.
Annual license-free fishing days provide a unique chance to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities. They are also a great time for licensed anglers to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on Independence Day to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. Read more…
Maryland DNR Announces Major 2026 Update to Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant List
Among the notable findings, the list highlights the rediscovery of the wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) in Allegany County after 118 years. Photo by by R.H. Wiegand
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its updated 2026 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered (RTE) Plants of Maryland list, an important resource reflecting significant conservation efforts by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.
This document, available in list-only and expanded versions, is a vital resource for botanists, researchers, naturalists, and plant enthusiasts. It contains a unique assemblage of global and local conservation rankings, historical records, natural histories, and local knowledge of all plant species known in our state. The 2026 update incorporates extensive work and hundreds of edits to species information, reflecting the most current understanding of Maryland’s plant populations. Read more…
DNR Unveils New Features on Maryland Public Lands for 2026
A dozen new showers were installed at Assateague Island State Park, ready for use this summer.
As summer begins, there are new paths to follow, new places to explore, and old history to learn about in Maryland state parks and public lands.
Throughout this past fall, winter, and spring, hundreds of rangers, engineers, builders, historians, planners, and other professionals with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have worked to bring a new state park online, to forge new trails, to restore historic structures, and to make safer harbors for the public. Here are some highlights of this ever-growing list.
The Maryland Park Service has two adventure challenges running this year, both with prizes available for completion – Miles for Maryland, a challenge to hike 250 miles in state parks in 2026, and America in Miniature, a photo scavenger hunt across state parks to honor the semi-quincentennial of America. The Park Service encourages anyone up for meeting these challenges to purchase an Annual State Park and Trail Passport to enjoy a full year of Maryland’s outdoor adventures.
New Law Eases Path for Living Shoreline Loans in Maryland
Legislation modernizes DNR’s shoreline erosion loan program
A living shoreline at Windy Hill Farm in Queen Anne’s County that was built with support of DNR’s Shore Erosion Loan Program. Maryland DNR photo
A new state law will remove financial barriers and make it easier for Maryland residents to build living shorelines on their property.
Governor Wes Moore signed the Supporting Inclusive Community Adaptation Act into law April 14. The legislation, which was supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, evolves and modernizes a program DNR uses to provide funding and technical assistance for shoreline protection. The law will alleviate upfront costs, which will increase access to more property owners, and establish a framework for partial loan forgiveness. Read more…
Reminder: Day-Use Reservations Required for Several Maryland State Parks Beginning Memorial Day Weekend
Photo by Winn Brewer, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
NOTE: This announcement has been updated with additional parks: Visitors planning to attend Greenbrier State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area, Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls aream Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point State Park, and Swallow Falls State Park are required to make reservations at parkdayuse.maryland.gov prior to arrival,
The Maryland Park Service is using the same reservation system as last year to prevent sudden capacity closures and long entrance lines. Under the system, advance reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead when visiting Maryland State Parks by checking the online Park Status Dashboard, which confirms if a park is open or has any important information for visitors. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 20
Young Emerson Desmond and family went out with a Chesapeake Bay fishing guide and he caught this striped bass. Photo by Travis Long
Summer is knocking on the door with the recent hot weather and the Memorial Day weekend upon us. Increasingly, families and friends will be out fishing and enjoying quality time together.
Board of Public Works Approves $9.2 Million for Park Pavilions, Playgrounds, and Land Conservation in Four Maryland Counties
Board also approves Program Open Space – Stateside funds for protection of 244 acres of forest in Frederick and St. Mary’s counties
A conservation easement will be preserved within the Mid-Maryland Rural Legacy Area, which borders South Mountain to the east and is within the viewshed of the Appalachian Trail, to protect 1,700 feet of forested stream buffers. Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $9.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and a land trust for park pavilions, playgrounds, and land conservation in Allegany, Baltimore, Frederick, and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Migration Arriving in Maryland
Photo: “Horseshoe Crab Family Gathering” by Willy Conley, submitted to the 2023 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have started landing on Maryland’s shores this spring 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.
One spawning female horseshoe crab will deposit an average of 20,000 eggs into the sand, with a mate grasping onto her shell and fertilizing the eggs. In addition to perpetuating the ancient species, the eggs are a seasonal buffet for migratory shorebirds preparing to return to their summer nesting grounds in northern Canada. Read more…