Natural Resources News
What’s in a Name? Many Maryland State Parks Have Notable Namesakes
From Assateague Island to the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area, Maryland’s public lands are named after a lot of geographic, historical, and cultural landmarks. Several parks are named after Marylanders who had a hand in their creation or made notable contributions to the Old Line State that others found worthy of remembrance.
Here are a few of their stories. Read more…
From the Field: Melissa Acuti, Chief of Interpretation for the Park Service
It’s hard to find a bigger fan of Maryland’s state parks than Ranger Melissa Acuti. As Chief of Interpretation with the Maryland Park Service, she creates and supports statewide park-based programs like First Day Hikes, Junior Rangers, Scales & Tales, Es Mi Parque, and Park Quest. Anyone who has participated in any of these programs has enjoyed some of Melissa’s handiwork and passion first-hand. Melissa was even a Maryland Junior Ranger herself as a youngster! Read more…
‘Present Arms!’: Service on the Maryland Natural Resources Police Color Guard
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) Color Guard is composed of disciplined officers tasked with safeguarding and displaying the flags—known as colors—at ceremonial events for law enforcement officers and civilians, including memorial services, inaugurations, and parades. The color guard honors a tradition that respects those serving in law enforcement, both present and past; and their history is rooted in the military. Read more…
Resiliency Through Restoration: Natural Defenses in a Changing Climate
With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, Marylanders are accustomed to living in and around water. In Annapolis and many coastal communities, high tide or “nuisance” flooding has increased dramatically since the start of the century, and scientists expect that trend to continue as rising water and sinking land impacts these low-lying areas. More frequent and stronger rain events have caused devastation and disruption in coastal and non-coastal communities alike. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Virtual Environmental Education
Screenshot from virtual environmental educational program hosted by staff
Environmental educators throughout the Department of Natural Resources depend on being outdoors to share our passion and love for Maryland’s flora and fauna with our constituents. Some of the important services we provide to Marylanders include providing field experiences for school children, coordinating the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, training Master Naturalists and teachers, as well as providing environmental education in our state parks. Read more…
Outside Perspective
While the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may be best known for conservation of Maryland’s natural resources, our mission also includes the preservation of Maryland’s historical and cultural resources. For example, Fort Frederick State Park features an active fortification from the French and Indian War. North Point State Park commemorates one of the most significant battles during the War of 1812. Merkle Natural Resources Management Area includes interpretation and programming focused on Maryland’s indigenous people and Native American heritage, and our historic preservation efforts do not stop with the assets and information we are aware of today. Our department is continually working with partners to research and explore our public lands to discover even more about our history. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 28, 2021
Overview
Halloween week is here and this year’s fall foliage has been full of tricks and treats. We’re seeing a wide range of conditions based on location, elevation, and tree types. The wild weather has been throwing things off kilter too, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Regardless, with the uptick in wind and rain, it looks like things will be wrapping up within a few weeks. As in past weeks, you’ll find varying conditions within individual regions. A thirty-minute drive in one direction or another can make a difference.
DNR Introduces ‘Wild Maryland’ Cookbook Online
Recipes Feature Foods Fished, Foraged, and Hunted
Snakehead Etouffee by Peter Turcik
For anyone who likes their food on the wild side, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has published a new online cookbook. Wild Maryland includes recipes submitted by Maryland residents and featuring the state’s waterfowl, seafood, deer, and other wild game that can be hunted, trapped, or caught. The book also includes a section of recipes that features ingredients found while foraging in the wild. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 27
October offshore fishing opportunities include fish such as this beautiful golden tilefish. Photo by Monty Hawkins
Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing adventures this time of year. Many anglers are enjoying the excellent trout fishing or other freshwater species. Fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay remains at the top of the list for many anglers.
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunt Set for 2021-22
First Opportunity November 6
Photo by Brandon Kessler
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel are once again afforded the opportunity to experience the thrill of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 6, 2021 and Feb. 5, 2022. Read more…
Managed Goose Hunts Scheduled in Garrett County Nov. 22-24
Permits, Reservations Taken for Deep Creek, Broadford Lake Sites
Photo by Larry Hindman, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presents an annual Canada goose hunting opportunity on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunting at Broadford Lake in Garrett County in November. These hunts are done by permit and reservation only on November 22, 23, and 24, 2021. Permits can be obtained online now, and registration for blinds sites can be done within four days of the hunt date. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 21, 2021
It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year.
Maryland Fishing Report – October 20
Bergen Kline certainly was thrilled to catch this 41-inch northern pike at Deep Creek Lake recently while fishing with his dad. Photo by Sean Kline
This week is an exciting time for family and friends to be out fishing and enjoying the outdoors, as daytime temperatures become more moderate and a wide variety of fish become more active as waters cool.
Fall Hunting for Small Game and Turkey Offers Abundant Opportunities
Maryland’s ‘Other’ Hunts Provide Active Enjoyment
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources remind hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. These species offer generous seasons and bag limits and a chance to make some great memories this fall and winter. Read more…
State Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring 2022
Time is Now to Plan Spring Planting
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2022 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2021
Positive Change for Maryland’s Outdoors
Cunningham Falls State Park in fall. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland DNR
Maryland’s landscape is starting to showcase the vibrant colors of fall. Along with cooler, more pleasant weather, it is a spectacular and inviting backdrop that signifies the changing of the seasons. Governor Larry Hogan has also given us a reason to enjoy Maryland’s outdoors by proclaiming October as “Walktober” month in recognition of Maryland’s official exercise—walking. We are pleased to join the Governor, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland Department of Planning in encouraging Marylanders to enjoy the benefits of walking. Whether it is a leisurely stroll through your community, wandering through a local orchard or pumpkin patch, or hiking on Maryland’s world-class trail system, it is a great time to get outside.
Chesapeake Bay 2021 Young-of-Year Survey Results Announced
Striped Bass Reproduction Below Average, Other Species Strong in Rivers
The Department of Natural Resources has monitored the annual reproductive success of striped bass in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay since 1954. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the iconic fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2021 young-of-year index is 3.2 which is slightly higher than last year but still below the long-term average of 11.4.
The coastal striped bass population has decreased in size, but is still capable of strong reproduction with the right environmental conditions. Variable spawning success is a well-known characteristic of the species. The index is slightly higher than 2020 but consecutive below average indices are a concern, and biologists continue to examine factors that might limit spawning success. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — September 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) filed charges in September for a variety of conservation law violations including boating while intoxicated, possessing live snakeheads, illegal fishing and hunting, and selling potentially unsanitary crabs and oysters. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 14, 2021
Here we are, mid-October, and reports indicate that the leaves are dropping quickly. With wet conditions the past few days and some wind in the forecast for the weekend we may see significant leaf loss through the next week. Fall seems to have taken hold across the state with the west near or at peak foliage and areas east slowly following suit. Most of the Eastern Shore has yet to substantially change, but we see signs that will change soon.
Maryland Fishing Report – October 13
Carson Hoffmaster seems to be all tied up with this large crab while sorting the catch with his dad. Photo by Brad Hoffmaster
Children always offer a different window into our world, certainly a simpler type of fun and excitement. This could not be truer when they accompany us on our fishing and crabbing adventures.
Right now blue crabs are heavy and laden with meat so do not put that crabbing gear away just yet.
Deer Muzzleloader Season Set to Open Oct. 21
Popular Season is Great Way to Enjoy Maryland’s Outdoors
Instructors teach how to load and fire a muzzleloader at a 2018 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. Photo by James Mackey, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 21-23 statewide.
Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 25-30 for antlerless deer only.
The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 7, 2021
Here we go folks, we’re seeing more color out west and the rest of the state is being blanketed in subtle yellows and reds. In the far western portions of the state our reports are indicating we’re at the mid-point, especially in the higher elevations. Through central and southern Maryland, we have a mixed bag mainly because summer weather has been slow to depart. The eastern portion of the state is still mainly green with a few hints of fall color; this landscape remains perfect for pollinators, spending autumnal hours collecting nectar and pollen.
Natural Resources Police Awards Officers for Exceptional Service
Conservation Officers Cited for Going Beyond the Call of Duty
Col. Adrian Baker (left) and Lt. Col. Robert Kersey (right) presented a Superintendent’s Commendation to Sgt. Benjamin Lillard, along with his partner K-9 Rider. Lillard also received the Award of Merit and was named Maryland Park Service Officer of the Year.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police held its annual award ceremony at Sandy Point State Park Oct. 2 to recognize contributions to conservation law enforcement made by officers in the year 2020. During a year that presented many challenges and difficulties, NRP officers remained steadfast and more committed than ever to protect their community, wildlife, and natural resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 6
Lyla Jones went fishing last weekend with her dad and grandfather (along with a a furry friend) and they all had a wonderful time together. Photo by Joe Garrett
Early fall offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, especially our younger anglers. The fall trout stocking program has begun, offering excellent trout fishing at waters in most areas of Maryland. The Atlantic waters near Ocean City and Assateague Island, along with the Coastal Bays and the Chesapeake Bay all offer wonderful fishing opportunities before colder weather begins to move in next month.
Maryland Black Bear Activity Increasing in Fall Months
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
Photo by Ryan Van Nosdeln
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, collectively known as Maryland’s black bear country. Read more…
Applications Open for 2022 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$320,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening, and Environmental Initiatives
Living Classrooms Foundation was a recipient of a 2021 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant. Maryland DNR photo
Forever Maryland, in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program.
Four different grants are being offered to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities, and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship, and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 15, 2021. Awards will be announced in spring 2022.
Read more…
Intentional Balloon Releases Banned in Maryland
New State Law will Reduce Plastic Pollution that Degrades Waterways and Threatens Animal Life
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind Marylanders that a new state law that prohibits intentional balloon releases is now in effect.
The new Maryland law bans the releasing of balloons that, upon landing, create litter and threaten the health and safety of animals on the land in the water, effective Oct. 1. MDE is responsible for enforcing the law, and DNR is joining in raising public awareness through participation in a regional campaign funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Read more…
Fall Wildlife Activity Increases Drivers’ Collision Risk
Maryland Motorists Should Remain Alert for Deer
Photo by Chauntell Hawkins
Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. During this time deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most wildlife species are also more active this time of year, as they search for food to prepare them for the coming winter. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – September 30, 2021
Cooler evenings and crisp mornings bring a change in the air, and the leaves are responding. Thanks to submissions from our readers, it looks like fall colors have finally spread across Maryland. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information.
Maryland Fishing Report – September 29
Angler Alex Morgan caught a 28-inch Spanish mackerel in the Chesapeake Bay on September 18. Photo courtesy of Alex Morgan.
As September fades into October, cooling temperatures will bring on more true fall-like fishing conditions. Anglers in the upper Chesapeake Bay are putting more focus on the fall striped bass run, while lower Bay anglers are also trying to get their last shots at Spanish mackerel, red drum, bluefish, and spotted sea trout. Fishing for invasives such as northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish should be steady for the rest of the fall season.
Hispanic Heritage Environmental Festival at Sandy Point Oct. 2
Event Continues Outreach to Grow Stewardship and Involvement
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sandy Point State Park will host a Hispanic Heritage Environmental Festival on Oct. 2. Presented by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Conservancy, Corazón Latino, the National Park Service, and Defensores De La Cuenca, the event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features boat rides, Zumba classes, fishing demonstrations, food trucks, and more. Read more…
Governor Hogan Announces Office of Outdoor Recreation
Proclaims Sept. 25 for National Public Lands, Fishing and Hunting Day
J. Daryl Anthony (left) and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford attending the 2019 First Day Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Maryland State House.
Governor Larry Hogan today announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the hiring of J. Daryl Anthony to serve as its first executive director.
“One of our state’s hallmarks is the stewardship of our lands and waters by the Marylanders who love them,” said Governor Hogan. “Our sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support efforts to protect fish, wildlife, and their habitat. Today we are honoring this partnership for the outdoors while assuring that it continues to grow with the establishment of Maryland’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation.”
Anthony will work with DNR, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and other agencies and stakeholders to support and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and the economic benefits they produce. This includes implementation of the recommendations of the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (MOREC), which the governor established by executive order in 2017.
Fall Foliage Report – September 23, 2021
Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fall is officially here and the trees are starting their transformation across the state. The western parts of Maryland will see the first true signs of color beginning this week, although things are off to a slow start. With the recent rain fall color should ramp up soon and the show will begin.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 22
Mia and Dominic Kronk got to go fishing with their father and enjoy a fun day on the Bay together. Photo by Kenny Kronk
The pleasant days of September offer wonderful opportunities to spend time with children and make lasting memories they will take into their adult life.
Fee Removed for Off-Road Trails at Savage River State Forest
St John’s Rock Campground Now Open to All Via Online Reservation
Photo of Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced it has eliminated the day-use fee for riding the St. John’s Rock off-road vehicle (ORV) trail at Savage River State Forest, saving trail users $9 per rider and also removing the need for advance registration.
Additionally, the St. John’s Rock camping area is now open to all campers — previously, the eight primitive campsites were reserved for trail riders only — and can be reserved using the Maryland Park Service reservations website, parkreservations.maryland.gov Read more…
Monarch Butterflies Reign at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Monarchs and Milkweed Festival Returns Sept. 25
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the fall migration of the monarch butterfly on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults and kids of all ages are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, including tagging and releasing monarchs, a Scales & Tales display, hayrides, guided hikes and tours, crafts — and new for 2021, a monarch costume contest, and a native plant sale. Read more…
2021-22 Trapping Bid Packets Now Available for Eastern Shore Public Lands
Bids for Annual Trapping Privileges Due in October
E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2021-2022 trapping season at several Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands. Deadlines for submitting bid packages are in October. The individual with the highest bid for each area will be awarded annual trapping privileges. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – August 2021
Hypoxic Volumes Increased, Heat and Rain Likely Contributors
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 worsened in August following two better-than average months. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.88 and 1.61 cubic miles during early and late August monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late August averages (1985-2020) of 1.35 and 1.06 cubic miles.
Additionally, in early and late August, within the mainstem Bay’s hypoxic waters, 0.76 and 0.51 cubic miles were anoxic — zones with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – September 16, 2021
“Autumn comes with regal ease, content to arrive with slow grace. Though the first leaves have tumbled to the soil so rich with rain, most remain green, fluttering in the strengthening wind. And so, though I’m wishing for that garland of reds and golds, I must be as patient as she.”
– Angela Caroline Abraham, Descriptionari.com
Fall has not yet begun in Maryland and many trees across the state are still a bit bashful about revealing their fall finest before the season officially kicks off September 22.
However in Western Maryland, pockets of trees are slowly starting to greet us with hints of brilliant color. Traditionally this is the region where leaf color changes are seen first, with the foliage in Garrett and Allegany counties beginning to turn in late September and peaking toward the middle of October. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 15
Ean Boyer got to go fishing on the upper Potomac River with his dad and caught this beautiful smallmouth bass. Photo by Cory Boyer
Summer is still holding sway over the Maryland landscape but cooler weather keeps slipping in with more frequency. All of this makes for the perfect opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.
For anglers who want to learn or brush up on boating skills, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and partners are sponsoring free “Welcome to Boating” clinics at Sandy Point State Park this weekend. The clinics — held on Friday September 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — will provide instruction for new and experienced boaters on how to properly launch, load, retrieve, and dock a trailerable boat. More information is available on the DNR website.
Fall Trout Stocking Starts in October
Maryland Waters to be Ready for Harvest
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the fall trout stocking season will begin in early October.
Thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout will be released in several creeks, ponds, and lakes throughout Maryland. Anglers should consult the 2021 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing for all regulations and any seasonal restrictions for their favorite waters. Read more…
Three Centuries Converge at Fort Frederick Sept. 18
Living History Offers View into America’s Foundations
Fort Frederick State Park invites Marylanders to experience Fort Frederick’s unique role during three centuries that shaped our country from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 18. A day of events will offer a glimpse of the historic fort in four key eras: as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War, a prison for captured British soldiers in the American Revolution, an outpost for Union troops during the Civil War, and as a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps, which rebuilt the wall and the stone foundations of the interior buildings during the Great Depression. Read more…
Secretary’s Message — September 2021
Maryland’s Outdoors Preparing a Cool Transition to Fall
The Maryland Geological Survey is honored for its 125th anniversary at the Maryland State Fair on Sept. 2. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
One of Maryland’s favorite summer pastimes is visiting the Maryland State Fair. Now in its 140th year, DNR was pleased to participate again this year and showcase the many ways we work to preserve, protect, and enhance our state’s natural resources. It was also a great opportunity to reach younger audiences with Smokey Bear and Splash who shared information about the importance of wildfire prevention and boater safety. Another highlight of the Fair was Governor Larry Hogan joining us to celebrate the 125th anniversary of our Maryland Geological Survey. For 125 years the Survey has served as a scientific-investigative organization that investigates the geologic and water resources of Maryland. They are also responsible for geologic, topographic, and geophysical mapping, environmental geology, mineral resources, and coastal and estuarine geology.
While the State Fair ended on Labor Day, and some traditionally view that as the end of summer, we are still days away from the Autumn Equinox and there are plenty of fair weather days left to enjoy outdoor recreation in Maryland which is year round!
2021 Photo Contest Winners Announced
Fan Favorite Winner to Be Chosen on Facebook
A Raven Having Breakfest by Nathaniel Peck
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2021 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Nathaniel Peck of Flintstone for his dramatically captured photo of nature in action, “A Raven Having Breakfast.” Read more…
Fall Foliage Report Template DRAFT
“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”
-Delia Owens
The maples and black gums continue to lead the fall transition, however most of Maryland is still seeing little change. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, weather, and most importantly, length of night. The timing of color changes is primarily regulated by the calendar, and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, biochemical processes in the leaves begin to reveal autumn’s palette of colors across Maryland’s landscape.
Maryland’s Early Teal Season Opens Sept. 16
Special Season Provides Additional Waterfowl Opportunity
Last year’s Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp featured a pair of blue-winged teal, painted by Jeffrey Klinefelter.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the September teal-only hunting season will be open from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30. Shooting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset, the daily bag limit is six teal (blue or green-winged), and the possession limit is 18 teal, or three times the daily bag limit.
Seasons and bag limits for all other migratory game birds can be found in the 2021-22 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Two Pheasant Hunting Opportunities Available in Maryland Via Lottery
October Deadlines for Online Applications
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be offering two opportunities for hunters to pheasant hunt throughout Maryland. The department invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts and/or apply for the mentored pheasant hunt event.
The stocked pheasant hunts are do-it-yourself hunts that will take place on 12 Maryland wildlife management areas and two state forests on November 20 and 21. The mentored hunt event will take place at Wild Wings Hunting Preserve in Friendsville on Nov. 6 and 7. Please note these are two separate opportunities. More information and detailed descriptions can be found on the department’s website. Read more…
Friends of Maryland State Parks Fund Conservation and Education Projects
‘Small Grants, Big Impact’ Program Launched in 2020
Work is done on the “Trail of Change” at Pocomoke River State Park in spring 2021. Photo courtesy Friends of Maryland State Parks.
Maryland State Parks are completing 15 projects with the assistance of a new grant program of the Friends of Maryland State Parks, improving trails and habitats and enhancing opportunities for kids and adults to learn about aquatic river life, pollinators, terrapins and more.
Launched in 2020, the Small Grants, Big Impact! Program is designed to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support Maryland State Parks and their community-based programs. Through its Small Grants program the nonprofit provides $1,000 grants to state parks to help them achieve their mission. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 8
Howard Petty is all smiles with this beautiful red drum he caught and released recently. Photo courtesy of Howard Petty
Maryland anglers will gradually begin to see their varied fisheries react to cooling water temperatures through September. Currently the summer migrant species in the Chesapeake Bay and offshore waters are present in good force, and freshwater anglers have plenty of fishing action across the entire Maryland landscape.
Natural Resources Police Report — August 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced charges for individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including boating while intoxicated, drunk driving, illegal fishing, and more. Read more…
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