Natural Resources News
Native Plant Profile: Evergreens
American holly (Ilex opaca) by Edwin Guevara
Winter is here, and for many animals that means either migrating or finding ways to hibernate and become less active in the winter months. For our plants and trees, the options are more limited. When temperatures start to dip and the days begin to shorten, deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves. What about plants that have the ability to remain green all year round? Read more…
In Praise of Dormancy
Meadow Mountain Overlook in Garrett County by Victoria Schwinabart
It is winter in Maryland. The days are short. The weather is wacky; it could be snow, rain, wintry mix, 60 degrees and sunny. Just spin the wheel! In our former agrarian days, winter was a time to pause and take stock, to prepare for the coming spring. For Mother Nature and her wildlife, it’s time to slow down. Or is it? Winter and cold weather are vital to the life cycles of plants and animals. We could learn a thing or two about coping with stress from our friends in natural areas. Read more…
Maryland Firearm Deer Hunting Resumes Jan. 6
Weekend Hunt Provides Additional Opportunity
Photo by Randall Gornowich, submitted to the 2022 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 6, 2023, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The winter firearm season is open Jan. 6-7 in all of Region B. The season is also open through Sunday, Jan. 8 on private and designated public lands in Cecil and St. Mary’s counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Maryland Icebreaking Fleet Readies for Winter
Newest Vessel in Service Gets National Recognition
The M/V Eddie Somers seen shortly after its arrival at Somers Cove Marina, its home base, in May 2022. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is ready to clear paths on Maryland’s waterways this winter with icebreaking boats stationed around the Chesapeake Bay.
DNR’s Hydrographic Operations team, based on the Eastern Shore, has four large boats that perform various duties throughout the Chesapeake Bay, including driving through ice sheets on the water’s surface to allow navigation. The department’s boats are shallow draft, meaning they can get into rivers and shallow areas of the Bay. Read more…
Maryland Deer Harvest Up 10% in 2022 Firearm Season
Hunters Take 29,124 Deer During Two-Week Season
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 29,124 deer during the two-week firearms season from Nov. 26 through Dec. 10. The firearms season harvest was 10% higher than last year’s official count of 26,584. Read more…
Nominations Accepted for 2023 Sport Fisheries Achievement Award
Recognition for Conservation, Education, and Sportsmanship
The plaque with names of award winners as seen at the 2022 presentation ceremony. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. This prestigious honor recognizes an individual who has provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit fish and recreational fishing in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland First Day Hikes to Welcome 2023
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland
First Day Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park, 2022. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike —Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year.
Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2022 – January 2, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities to kick off the year. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — Summer-Fall
Photo by Lauren Moses, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) this summer and fall issued citations for various violations of Maryland conservation laws including blue crab poaching, oyster harvesting violations, false deer harvest reports, hunting without permission, and others. Read more…
Groundbreaking Wild Turkey Research Set to Begin in Maryland
Citizens Encouraged to Help by Reporting Winter Flock Sightings
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations. Read more…
Cold-Stunning Threatens Aquatic Wildlife – Marylanders Asked to Help
Lethargic Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals Should Be Reported
Dolphins in the Miles River. Photo by Steve Aprile, submitted to the 2013 Maryland DNR Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks visitors to the Chesapeake Bay to be vigilant for marine mammals or sea turtles who show signs of cold-stunning or hypothermia.
Cold stunning occurs in late autumn and early winter when the Bay’s water temperatures start to fall. The cold water can cause immediate impacts making some species become slow and unresponsive, making them dangerous to themselves and boaters. Read more…
Maryland DNR Announces 2022 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
Local Departments Get Funding to Enhance Wildfire Protection
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities. Read more…
DNR Sponsors National Archery In The Schools Program in Maryland
In-School Program Supplements Educational Outreach
Students participate in a National Archery in the Schools Program in Frederick. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will once again be sponsored by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. This in-school offering will be an integral part of the department’s larger educational programming and its Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Early Winter
Photo by Matt Sell
Winter is knocking and those who can dress warm have many fishing opportunities to indulge in through the season. The preseason stocking of trout is occurring, and fishing for tautog off Ocean City is good.
Many other species are available in waters across our state – check the online Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 17
Split Season Ends Jan. 2, Resumes Jan. 13
Photo by Vinod Thomas, submitted to the 2019 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Saturday, Dec. 17. The season contains two segments, Dec. 17 through Jan. 2, 2023, and again from Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, 2023. (Please note these dates are corrected from a previous announcement.)
The daily bag limit is one goose per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone. The possession limit for all migratory game birds is three times the daily bag limit. More information on waterfowl seasons, regulations and license requirements, is available on the DNR website. Read more…
Winter Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland Waters
‘Preseason’ Stocking to Make Room at Hatcheries
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun stocking more than 300,000 trout in Maryland waters. This early “preseason” stocking of a few fish in impoundments will be done to reduce density at DNR’s hatcheries and create available space outdoors for young trout to grow.
The annual stocking program will be completed in three bursts – preseason from now through February 2023, and then two rounds of spring stocking, March 6–24. and April 3–28. All stocked locations that fall under a closure period will be announced prior to opening day on March 25, 2023. Read more…
Maryland Fifth Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters for 2023
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until January 20, 2023
Camden Steiner of Harford County won first place honors in the 2022 Arbor Day Poster Contest, with a prize of 15 trees to his school for planting.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2023 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Cool our Communities!”
All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service office by noon, Jan. 20, 2023. Read more…
DNR Dedicates Hiking and Biking Loop to Late Public Servant
Steve Kreseski of Baltimore was an Avid Bicyclist
Family, friends, and state officials dedicate the Steve Kreseski Trail at North Point State Park. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has dedicated a half-mile trail loop at North Point State Park in honor of a former public servant and avid bicyclist, Steven L. Kreseski.
A native and resident of Baltimore City, Kreseski served three years as chief of staff for former Governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. and was his legislative director on Capitol Hill from 1995 to 2003. Kreseski passed away in 2015 at the age of 58 from pulmonary fibrosis, a hereditary lung disease. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 7
Photo by Travis Long
The Maryland Chesapeake Bay striped bass season closes at the end of the day on Saturday, December 10, after which striped bass fishing in the Bay and its tributaries will be limited to catch and release. The main stem of the tidal Potomac River will be open to striped bass fishing until December 31, with a two fish per day limit if the fish measure over 20 inches. Fishing in the state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays remains open, with a 28-inch minimum.
A wide range of other opportunities continues, including catfish and various freshwater species, including some additional trout stocking in December.
Secretary’s Message – December 2022
Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New with Outdoor Traditions
Hiking at Sideling Hill State Park, photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
Maryland State Parks will again mark the new year by offering hike opportunities from December 30, 2022 through January 2, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities to start the new year. They are a great way to start the new year!
And we continue to expand Maryland’s network of public lands. Last month, Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford joined us to announce the opening of Sideling Hill Creek State Park, located in Allegany County. This new 865-acre park is located near the Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area, Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area, and the Western Maryland Rail Trail giving visitors a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in one region. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Resumes Dec. 17
Traditional Season Offers Outdoor Holiday Retreat
Photo by Ryan Deangler, submitted to the Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 17, and will run through Dec. 31, 2022. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Strong Opening Weekend for Maryland Deer Firearm Season
Mixed Weather Still Yields Success for Many Hunters
Photo by Steve Edwards, submitted to 2018 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 10,116 deer taken on the opening weekend of the 2022 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 26-27. Despite bad weather on Sunday, the overall harvest was just 3% lower than last year’s official opening weekend harvest of 10,446 deer.
The harvest total included 5,090 antlered and 4,697 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 162 antlered and 167 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 10. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 30
Largemouth bass, photo by Nathan Fernandez
If you dress warmly there are plenty of fishing opportunities this week. There is good fishing for striped bass along with freshwater species like largemouth bass. Offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, fishing for sea bass is excellent with everyone onboard catching a limit.
2023-2024 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner Announced
Second-time Winner Takes 49th Annual Competition
“Marsh Buddies,” painting by Gerry Putt. Maryland Department of Natural Resources image.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Gerry Putt won this year’s Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Putt of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, won the 49th annual contest with his stunning painting of three American wigeons, titled “Marsh Buddies.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 23
Photo by Monty Hawkins
Everyone at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes you a pleasant and warm Thanksgiving holiday. More than a few anglers will slip out for a little fishing before the big celebration or on the weekend. There are plenty of exciting fishing opportunities out there this week.
DNR Accepting Recipes for Wild Maryland: The Holiday Edition
Marylanders Encouraged to Submit Holiday Recipes Featuring Foods Fished, Foraged, and Hunted
Roast Goose with Dumplings by Gabrielle Perret, from the Wild Maryland online cookbook. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again putting out a call to all wildlife and cooking enthusiasts to submit their favorite recipes for its Wild Maryland online cookbook, this time for the holiday season.
The department encourages Maryland’s hunters, anglers, and foragers to submit their best holiday recipes, along with photos of their dishes, featuring Maryland species. Read more…
Words from the Winning Photographers of the 2022 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest
We are so pleased to present to you the 2022 winning entries of the Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, with some words from the photographers who captured these images. This year’s contest received nearly 2,500 photos submitted by 500 photographers. The contest is judged by a team of department experts in both visual arts and natural sciences, based on technical skill, aesthetic merit, and representation of the natural world. Three winning works are chosen for each season. From among the seasonal winners, one photo is selected as the Grand Prize winner. Read more…
A Hunter’s Story: A Hard Lesson in Tree Stand Safety
I was bleeding from my head and lying on the ground under my tree stand, unsure how I got there. Somehow, in my state of confusion, I fumbled for my phone and managed to tell my neighbor that I’d fallen from my stand. He found me on my back on top of my fallen aluminum ladder, blood drippi
ng to the ground.
I recall only a few scattered snippets of the next three or four hours, with no recollection of an ambulance ride to the emergency room and numerous CT-scans being taken of my entire body. Read more…
Harriet Tubman: The Ultimate Outdoorswoman
Harriet Tubman bust with a birthday bouquet by Ranger Angela Crenshaw
Harriet Tubman had many roles in her 91 years of life. She was most notably a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a nurse, scout, cook, and spy during the Civil War. But she was also a consummate caretaker, an attentive daughter, a devoted aunt, a thoughtful wife, a loving mother and of course a friend. As a young, enslaved girl in the swampy wetlands and upland forests of Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman learned to navigate inhospitable terrain, mimic the sounds of birds, trap animals, and utilize plants for both medicine and food–the ultimate outdoorswoman. Read more…
Rutherford’s Travels
Lt. Governor Rutherford at Hart Miller Island State Park
In late 2018, I read a newspaper article where Virignia’s then-governor, Terry McAuliffe, stated that his goal was to visit every park in his Commonwealth during his tenure as governor. I never found out if he actually completed his mission, but the idea caught my attention.
I was already planning to participate in Maryland State Parks’ annual “First Day Hike” on New Year’s Day 2019. That hike would eventually serve as the launch of my State Park Bucket List campaign, in which I officially set my own goal to visit every property managed by the Maryland Park Service during my four remaining years in office. My hope was to use this effort to open Marylanders’ eyes to the natural beauty of our state, and encourage everyone to lace up their boots and get outside to enjoy what our public lands have to offer. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: the Smartphone Camera
Photo of maize calligrapher fly taken with a smartphone camera by Edwin Guevara
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer
These days, most of us have a high-tech scientific instrument on hand at all times. Can you guess what it is?
The smartphone camera has revolutionized research and data collection in the field, lab, and classroom. New applications for high-powered cameras emerge daily. Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists use these cameras to conduct their own field research. You can follow their lead, using your selfie-capturing devices to explore the world outside in a new and different way! Read more…
Outside Perspective
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Lt. Governor Rutherford at St. Clements State Park
Congratulations to Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who completed his State Park Bucket List challenge, having officially visited all 75 Maryland Park Service properties with his October visit to St. Clement’s Island State Park in St. Mary’s County. We are grateful for his leadership in highlighting the importance of our public lands and outdoor recreation! Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Hire Licensed Tree Experts
Make Sure Work is Legal, Safe, and Insured
Now that leaves are fallen, many Marylanders will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 17, 2022
Western Maryland the week of October 13 – Photo by Melissa Nash
Maryland Fishing Report – November 16
Photo by Travis Long
Colder temperatures have anglers bundling up to enjoy the good fishing available for a variety of species that are still being caught this fall. Anglers can now be seen dressed in duck hunting garb, gloves, knee boots, or similar warm clothing. Be prepared and have fun!
Final Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report for 2022
Bay Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Better Than Average
Water monitoring data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were better than average for May-October 2022.
The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) oxygen — averaged 0.65 cubic miles during May-October 2022, compared to the historical average (1985-2021) of 0.79 cubic miles. 2022 ranked 10th best of 38 years of monitoring. Additionally, a seasonal average of 0.15 cubic miles of anoxia (waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) was observed versus a historical average of 0.14. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 26
Popular Season Helps Significantly to Manage the Deer Population
Photo by Tim Ray, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 26 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Maryland Reports Strong 2022 Early Deer Season Results
Early Muzzleloader and Archery Harvests Increase 24%
Sika deer, photo by Brian Griffith
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters harvested 20,220 deer during the early portion of the 2022 archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 24% increase from last year’s official harvest of 16,314 deer for the same period. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 10, 2022
The close of autumn is upon us in Maryland. The western and northern regions of our state are covered with fallen leaves, crackly forest floors, and bare trees indicating fall’s passing. However, there are still fall destinations and foliage worth a visit in other areas of Maryland, revealing some of fall’s last glory for us to savor.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 9
Kaelyn O’Hop has a good reason to smile as she holds up this great-looking striped bass she caught recently. Photo by Travis Long
Chilly nights and pleasant days are heralding late fall, and anglers are trading their lighter clothing for more substantial and warmer attire to enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful fishing opportunities of the season.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has designed a 15-minute online survey with a goal of reaching at least 1,400 anglers and fish enthusiasts in Maryland. Your input would be valuable to this research effort to better understand recreational fisheries in Maryland.
Managed Waterfowl Hunt in Garrett County in Late November
Hunters Can Apply for Blind Sites at Deep Creek and Broadford Lakes
Canada geese flying over Deep Creek Lake, photo by Glenn Thompson, submitted to the 2021 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a waterfowl hunting opportunity on Deep Creek Lake and Broadford Lake in Garrett County on November 21, 22, and 23, 2022. Canada goose and waterfowl hunting on Deep Creek Lake and Broadford Lake is by permit and reservation only during select days of the season.
Hunters can apply to hunt one of three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and one of four blind sites on Broadford Lake. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2022
The red in our Fall Foliage map is inching its way across Maryland, picking up six additional counties and Baltimore City, all reporting peak conditions as we enter November. Perhaps most surprising this week are reports of peak conditions out of St. Mary’s County. Yes, far Southern Maryland has arrived early to the fall show, thrilling visitors with vibrant shades of burgundy and gold. Even the pawpaw trees are an especially bright mustard yellow this year.
Secretary’s Message – November 2022
Park Quests are Completed, but the Adventure Continues
Photo by Anthony DePanise, Maryland State House
The beginning of November marks the end of Park Quest, the Maryland Park Service’s annual program geared toward youth and families. Many thanks to our creative team members who have organized this fun and educational series for 15 years now! And thanks to everyone who participated. We hope it inspired you to continue your enjoyment of Maryland State Parks, which are open year-round.
I also want to congratulate Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who finished his own quest! Last month, he completed his State Park Bucket List challenge, having officially visited all 75 Maryland Park Service properties with a visit to St. Clement’s Island State Park in St. Mary’s County. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 2
Photo by Rich Watts
There is a wide variety of fishing opportunities this week for Maryland anglers. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has stocked trout in many put-and-take waters, including ponds that are ideal for our younger anglers. Striped bass fishing is at its zenith in the Chesapeake Bay, and extra-large crabs are being caught in the Bay and tidal rivers.
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 12
Prime Time for Adult Hunters to Pass On the Traditions of Deer Hunting
Photo by Mathew Doged
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce youth to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 12. The season is also open on Sunday, November 13 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 13, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 103 Black Bears for 2022 Season
Hunt Success Bolstered by Good Weather, Additional Day
Photo by Bob Geary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that hunters harvested 103 black bears during the state’s 19th annual black bear hunt held Oct. 24-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The harvest comprised 41 male and 62 female bears. An additional 10 bears (3 male and 7 female) were harvested from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 by farmers using their agricultural damage permits.
The significant increase in harvest from 54 black bears taken in 2021 was attributed to better hunting conditions, more hunter participation, and an added day to the season. The 2021 hunt was hampered by poor weather and abundant natural food sources, which slowed the harvest. This year, better weather and typical fall food conditions were more favorable for hunting. The harvest was slightly lower than the previous 5-year average of 116 bears. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 27, 2022
The majority of our state is resplendent in fall color right now, with most of Maryland’s counties experiencing peak or near-peak conditions. Our resident photographers are capturing the moment, producing these gorgeous shots from Rocky Gap and Greenbrier State Parks and Thurmont, Maryland.
State Record Smooth Dogfish Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Pennsylvania Angler Reels in 18-Pound Shark at Ocean City
Fay Ganster with her record smooth dogfish. Photo by Captain John Forman
Fay Ganster of Reading, Pennsylvania has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with an 18-pound smooth dogfish she caught off the coast of Ocean City on October 22. Read more…
Maryland State Tree Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring 2023
Multiple Species for Planting Ready to Order
Loblolly pine (pictured here) and many other species are grown at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery. Maryland DNR photo
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2023 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Trees benefit the environment as well as enhance natural habitat for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 26
Reed Spires proudly holds up striped bass he and his dad each caught in Eastern Bay recently. Photo by Jason Spires
Summer temperatures are a distant memory, but the splashes of fall colors and excellent fishing opportunities throughout Maryland more than make up for it. This is a wonderful time to be out with family and friends fishing for everything from trout to striped bass.
Get Outside at Night: Experimenting with Light
During the autumn months the days begin to get shorter. Take advantage of our extra hours of darkness with these light-generating experiments. An outside place like your own backyard provides the perfect laboratory to learn about flammability, the piezoelectric effect, and triboluminescence. Read more…
1-888-373-7888
233733