Natural Resources News
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 29, 2020
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. We are looking forward to a full moon Hallo-weekend with peaking foliage in parts of central Maryland! Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 28
Rory Zeender-Lawrence gives a “thumbs up” with this bluegill he caught recently. Photo by Nathan Zeender
We have some rain in the forecast, but pleasant weather is just around the corner so try not to miss a single day of it. Taking youngsters out for a little fishing fun is often at the top of the to-do list.
Input Sought on Maryland White-tailed Deer Management Plan
Public Comments Taken on Draft Plan through Nov. 27
Bucks by Tim Ray
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has produced a draft 2020-2034 White-tailed Deer Management Plan. The plan establishes long-term goals for white-tailed deer management in Maryland, and identifies specific objectives and strategies for achieving those goals. Read more…
September 2020 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Summer Oxygen Conditions Second-best on Record
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitoring data show that summer average dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were the second best on record since 1985. The average hypoxic volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — of the eight 2020 summer cruises was 0.63 cubic miles, compared to a historical summer average from 1985-2019 of 0.84 cubic miles. Before this year, 2012 was the only year that had a lower average hypoxic volume of 0.62 cubic miles.
During 2020, every cruise except late July had better than average oxygen conditions for its time period. No anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were observed in the mainstem bay in either Maryland or Virginia for the year. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Academy Graduates 27 New Officers
Governor Hogan Addresses 62nd Basic Class; Force at Near-Record 268
Photo by Stephen Badger/Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is proud to welcome 27 new officers to our agency. In front of supporting family, friends, and officers, the former recruits raised their right hand and took an oath to protect Maryland’s citizens and natural resources. Read more…
Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers Accepts $7,000 Donation
Conservation Nonprofit Provides Funding
Pictured left to right: Col. Adrian Baker, Maryland Natural Resources Police; state Sen. Jack Bailey, president of Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers; Barbara Allen, secretary treasurer of Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers; Maj. Dave Larsen, NRP; Stanley Samorajczyk, vice president, Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers; Lt. Col. Ernest Leatherbury Jr., NRP
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced a nearly $7,000 donation from the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Enforcement Fund Inc. (WCEF) to support the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers in its mission to enforce conservation laws in Maryland. Read more…
Seeding the Bay’s Future: Planting Initiative Vital to Maryland’s Underwater Grass Restoration
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is increasingly recognized as vital to aquatic ecosystems. Its importance is extolled during retellings of extreme weather events, e.g. how the widespread destruction of SAV following Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 affected the Chesapeake Bay. The benefits of healthy underwater grass populations are easily observed: lately, anglers and boaters have experienced firsthand how the resurgence of SAV beds on the Susquehanna Flats has led to water so clear that the bottom of the bay is often visible 10 feet deep in midsummer. Read more…
Pitch a Tent, Cast a Line: Fall into Fishing at Maryland State Parks
Deep Creek Lake in autumn glory
This fall, fishing adventures await at Maryland state parks! It’s a perfect time of year to plan a day trip or a weekend getaway at any of our state parks for unforgettable fishing, with a wide choice of tranquil freshwater streams, fully stocked lakes, or brackish Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Between casts, anglers can check out all that our state parks offer—amazing views, awesome history, and plenty of outdoor adventure from sunrise hikes to sunset campfires. Read more…
From the Field: Teri Batchelor
Editor’s note: As this article was being prepared for publication, Margaret Teresa “Teri” Batchelor passed away in July following a battle with cancer. Acting State Forester Kenneth Jolly completed this profile in her honor.
Forty-one years ago, none of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources Foresters were women. That all changed on June 13, 1979, when the Maryland Forest Service hired Margaret Teresa “Teri” Batchelor. Read more…
‘When Everyone Locked Their Doors, We Opened Our Gates’: The Maryland Park Service Answers the Call During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ranger Erik Ledbetter collects entrance fees at Seneca Creek State Park
We often hear we are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed the way we live our lives and do our jobs. For the many park rangers, maintenance staff, and administrative staff who manage and operate state parks in Maryland, it created a new challenge to our mission of providing access for Marylanders to our state’s natural spaces. Read more…
A Hunter’s Story: My First Shot
Photo courtesy of Sara Rutledge
I’ve heard that certain languages have more than 50 words to describe snow. Looking back on my first hunt, I feel like I need a whole new vocabulary to convey my thanks for the entire experience of my first crossbow hunt. Every moment was profound and life changing. Read more…
Open Water: Kayak Fishing Offers Pursuit of Sport and Serenity
Kayak Angler Bruce Kellman
It’s 5 a.m. The sun hasn’t yet ventured above the horizon. Just minutes ago, the last bits of waning moonlight flickered sparingly along the shoreline and gently lit the glassy calm waters that now await me. The rhythm of the waves pairs with a cooling sea breeze and my thoughts steady. Until this moment, my mind has been aflutter—intensely focused on pre-launch routines and equipment checklists.
I’m not even in the water yet—my fish box is empty—but I know already it’s going to be a spectacular day. Without question, kayak fishing has changed my life. Read more…
Restored: Sang Run Election House Gets Historic Revival
Sang Run Election House after restoration
The community of Sang Run, Maryland has long stood as a close-knit gathering of neighbors located along the banks of Ginseng Run in western Garrett County. For more than 100 years, the Friends Store and the Sang Run Election House were at the heart of this small community. Read more…
Bird Search: Third Breeding Bird Atlas Effort is Underway
Northern bobwhite by Sharon Sexton
At some point, you’ve probably found evidence of a breeding bird. Maybe you were doing some yard work and came across a robin’s nest, or maybe you spooked a turkey and her chicks while scouting for whitetails, or maybe you were fishing and found a heron colony. Finds like these make each excursion outdoors an adventure with unpredictable rewards, but these experiences can also yield valuable data that will help manage and conserve Maryland’s ecosystems. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Maryland’s Wildland Firefighters
View of the back of the fire engine
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has mobilized wildland firefighters for dispatch throughout the United States since 1974. Participation in this national effort is possible because the agency is able to provide fully trained, certified, and equipped personnel on short notice to any location in the country to assist with protecting lives, property, and natural resources. By participating in this program, state and fire service personnel meet an immediate national need and also gain valuable experience to advance firefighting skills used to suppress wildfires here in Maryland. Read more…
Outside Perspective
Autumn is a time marked by cooling weather, falling leaves, and, of course, elections.
While the pandemic has initiated an important discussion on how to hold elections, historically, Marylanders gathered in election houses to cast their votes. Election houses were small, purpose-built structures constructed specifically for voting. Today only a handful of them survive. One of oldest still standing in Maryland, and perhaps even in the country, is at Sang Run State Park, in Garrett County, Maryland – a site the Lt. Governor and I visited this past winter. In this edition of Natural Resource Magazine we highlight the story of the DNR team that worked to bring this dilapidated but historically significant structure back to its original, circa-1872 appearance. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 22, 2020
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This season continues to bring on the best fall color Maryland has seen in years, as Washington and Frederick counties reach peak foliage. Read more…
Nearly $20M in Rural Legacy Program Grants Approved
Expansions and New Easements Benefit 17 Maryland Counties
Piney Run Rural Legacy Area in Baltimore County
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved recommendations of nearly $20 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements and expansion in 17 Maryland counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect more than 4,500 acres of working farms, forests, marshes, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — throughout the state.
The recommendations also include five Rural Legacy Area expansions, which provide the opportunity to protect more than 43,897 additional acres. Included in that amount is 30,591 acres that essentially doubles the size of the Zekiah Rural Legacy Area in Charles County, and 12,413 acres in Washington County that includes properties significant to Maryland history and to the viewshed from the C&O Canal and the Appalachian Trail. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 21
Photo courtesy of Herb Floyd
The month of October is offering Maryland anglers some of the best fishing opportunities to be found at any time of the year. The fall trout stocking program is in full swing, other freshwater fish are feeding aggressively, and fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay is at its zenith.
As we all know, Maryland has taken numerous conservation measures to protect the Chesapeake Bay striped bass population. Anglers now have an opportunity to comment on striped bass closure period options for summer 2021. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2020. Read about the options and comment online at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
CARES Act Funding Available for Maryland Fishing Industry
State Approved to Provide $3 Million in Direct Assistance
Photo by Angel Willey
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces applications will be available Nov. 4 are available through Feb. 28 for economic relief funds for the commercial seafood industry through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application will be available to eligible members of the seafood industry on the Maryland OneStop website. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2021.
In May 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that Maryland would be receiving about $4 million. Maryland has dedicated $3 million of that for direct payments to commercial, for hire, aquaculture, and seafood processing operations whose 2020 revenue has suffered a loss of greater than 35% due to COVID-19. The remaining $1 million will fund seafood marketing and business support for individuals in the seafood industry. Maryland worked with NOAA to develop this spending plan based on the provisions of the CARES Act and federal guidance. Funds will be distributed through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 15, 2020
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 14
Bergan Kline spent a day fishing with his dad on Deep Creek Lake when he caught this 14-inch yellow perch. Photo by Sean Kline
One of the most spectacular times of the year is upon us, but it will not last long — daylight hours become shorter as leaves burst in color before falling to the ground. All kinds of fishing awaits those that take the time to pursue it — the fall trout stocking program is in full swing, and other species of freshwater and saltwater fish await.
Please join us for a Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar Oct. 15 at noon. We will discuss the ongoing fall trout stocking season with Coldwater Program Manager Marshall Brown. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of the most recent juvenile striped bass survey, which showed a below-average spawning rate in the bay this year. Striped bass are known for highly variable annual reproduction that is often influenced by environmental factors. Maryland has implemented sound conservation measures to enhance the striped bass population in recent years, and it’s up to all of us to protect this important and iconic resource.
Public Input for Pocomoke River Wildlands Expansion Proposal
Comments Taken Through Nov. 27; Public Meeting Oct. 28
The Maryland Depar
tment of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a proposal for an expansion of the Pocomoke River Wildlands within Pocomoke State Forest in Worcester County. The plan would expand the wildlands by about 80 acres and adjust the Wildlands boundary to create a public access passageway. Comments can be provided in person at a public meeting Oct. 28, or online or by mail by Nov. 27.
The proposal and survey are posted on the department website and will be online through the deadline. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Young-of-Year Survey Results Released
Striped Bass Among Species Below Average, Others Flourish
Maryland DNR scientists examine juvenile striped bass for the annual index, before carefully releasing them back to the water.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of the most recent juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the state fish in Chesapeake Bay. The 2020 young-of-year striped bass index is 2.5, below the long-term average of 11.5.
Although the size of the striped bass population has decreased recently, the number of mature fish is not believed to be a limiting factor in reproduction. Striped bass are known for highly variable annual reproduction that is often influenced by environmental factors. Other species with spawning strategies similar to striped bass such as white perch, yellow perch, and river herring also experienced lower reproductive success. Read more…
Eyes on the Bay: Wrapping Up Summer 2020
How did Tropical Storm Isaias impact the bay?
Hurricane Isaias was a destructive Category 1 hurricane that impacted the Caribbean and the United States’ east coast. How did this storm impact the Chesapeake Bay? See the dissolved oxygen section of this newsletter to find out.
In addition, be sure to check out the “Neighborhood Watch” section below to see how bay fish, crabs, oysters, and grasses responded to the late summer temperatures and patchy rain.
Climb aboard the Eyes on the Bay, toss off the dock lines, and let’s go for a virtual cruise on Maryland’s waters! Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 8, 2020
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 8, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The western corner of Maryland is seeing peak foliage setting in, headlined by the vivid yellows, reds, and oranges of maple leaves. Elsewhere, Maryland forests are exhibiting scattered spots of color, with the real fall showing yet to come! Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 7
George Monk Jr. managed to enjoy a great day of fishing for blue catfish and is all smiles as he holds up a whopper. Photo courtesy of George Monk Jr.
There is a lot of exciting news this week for put-and-take trout anglers as the fall trout stocking program has begun. In the Chesapeake Bay, striped bass along with many other species of fish are providing wonderful fishing opportunities — don’t miss it.
Please join us for a Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar Oct. 15 at noon. We will discuss the ongoing fall trout stocking season with Coldwater Program Manager Marshall Brown. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Green Infrastructure Projects
Funding for Resiliency in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, and St. Mary’s Counties
Photo courtesy St. Mary’s County
The Board of Public Works today approved funding for two Resiliency through Restoration projects and one Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund grant, to help Maryland’s communities enhance their ability to withstand the impacts of climate change, erosion, flooding and extreme weather. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Activity Rises as Leaves Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
Photo by Bob Geary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Read more…
Deer Muzzleloader Season Opens Oct. 22
Season Offers Opportunity to Enjoy Fall Woods
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Park Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 22-24 statewide. Read more…
Governor Hogan Announces New Attendance Record For Maryland State Parks
Visitors Number 17.1 Million and Counting
State Officials Continue to Promote Safe Outdoor Activity During Pandemic
Parks Follow All Federal and State Health Guidelines
Seneca Creek State Park’s contactless entrance fee system.
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Park Service is reporting a total of 17.1 million visitors to date in 2020, already surpassing the previous record of 14.9 million total visitors in 2019, with three months still remaining in the year. During peak season in July, state parks attracted 3.4 million visitors, compared to 2.5 million during the same time period last year.
“As our state continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic, we have consistently reminded the people of Maryland that outside activity is much safer than inside activity,” said Governor Hogan. “We are so pleased to see that Marylanders have heeded that advice by visiting our state parks in record numbers this year to exercise safely, get some fresh air, and spend time with family. I want to thank all of our park rangers and staff who have continued to provide a seamless level of service during the pandemic to ensure these valuable state resources remain accessible to Marylanders.” Read more…
Maryland Motorists Should be Alert for Deer
Fall Breeding Season Has Deer on the Move
Photo by Freddi Weiner
Deer mating season is right around the corner and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to be on the lookout for these large animals as they increase their activity in search of partners. Other wildlife are also more active as they search for food going into the winter months. Read more…
Angler Catches Maryland Record Gray Triggerfish
Pennsylvanian Lands 6-pound Fish off Ocean City
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Logan Liddick of Carlisle, Pa. as the new Maryland state record holder for the gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus). The 34-year-old angler caught the 6.0-pound, 20-inch long fish on Sept. 25, while fishing near a shipwreck 14 miles off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
2020 Photo Contest Winners Announced
Fan Favorite Winner to Be Chosen on Facebook
Red Morph Eastern Screech Owl by Zaphir Shamma
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2020 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Zaphir Shamma of Gunpowder for his striking photo of an eastern screech owl nestled in a tree cavity. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service Begins Logging Site Visits
Improved Communications to Help Bolster Resource Protection
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service will conduct forest harvest site visits on active logging operations across the state, in a joint effort with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to protect natural resources, wetlands, and waterways during forest harvest operations. Read more…
Applications Open for 2021 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$312,500 Available for Community Beautification, Greening, and Environmental Initiatives
2016 Keep Maryland Beautiful grant recipient Pigtown Main Street volunteers at the annual Bloom the Boulevard event
The State of Maryland in partnership with the Forever Maryland Foundation is now accepting applications for the annual 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. 12, 2020. Awards will be announced in spring 2021. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 1, 2020
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for October 1, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 30
Eva Register holds up a nice Spanish mackerel caught while fishing out on the bay. Photo courtesy of Eva Register
September and early October are noted for the beautiful and mild sunny days that grace us, so make sure to take advantage of them and enjoy the Maryland outdoors with family and friends.
Please join us as we resume our Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar series Oct. 15 at noon. We will discuss the anticipated fall trout stocking season with Coldwater Program Manager Marshall Brown. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
Trout Stocking in Maryland Resumes for Fall Fishing
Hatchery-Raised Trout Bound for Select Creeks, Lakes, Rivers
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will soon begin fall trout stocking. The department anticipates stocking thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout in select creeks, lakes, and rivers across the state starting in early October. Read more…
Anne Arundel County No Discharge Zone Receives Tentative EPA Approval
Public Comments Accepted until Oct. 23
View of South River, Anne Arundel County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and tentatively approved a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for Anne Arundel County waters. The application approval has been entered in the Federal Register and a public comment period is now underway until Oct. 23. Read more…
2020-21 Eastern Shore Trapping Bid Packets Available
Bids for Annual Trapping Privileges Accepted Until Oct. 14
Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area is among more than 20 Maryland DNR properties open for bids for trapping privileges.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2020-2021 trapping season within public lands on the Eastern Shore. The individual with the highest bid will be awarded annual trapping privileges at several properties. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report: September 24, 2020
Maple tree in Deep Creek Lake State Park, photo by Roy Musselwhite
It is now officially fall with a chill in the air and the welcomed return of the Canada geese. The most obvious indicator of autumn’s arrival, the changing of the foliage, is still a few weeks away for most of the state. However, in Western Maryland, pockets here and there are starting to show splotches of brilliant color. Traditionally it’s the region where leaf color changes are seen first, with the foliage in Garrett and Allegany counties beginning to turn beginning in late September and peaking toward the middle of October. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 23
Young Fhinn Zeender-Lawrence joined family for fishing in the upper Choptank River, and shows off a 20-pound carp he caught before releasing it. Photo by Nathan Zeender
Welcome to the first week of fall! The cooler transitional days ahead are a delight for anyone who loves the outdoors. The leaves are beginning to show a hint of color in the western region of the state, so make sure to get outside and enjoy this special time of the year.
Early Teal Season Runs Through Sept. 30
Special Season Provides Additional Waterfowl Opportunity
A hen and drake teal are featured in the 2020-21 Migratory Game Bird Stamp, painted by Jeffrey Klinefelter.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the September teal-only hunting season is open from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30. Shooting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise until sunset, the daily bag limit is six teal (blue or green-winged), and the possession limit for teal is three times the daily bag limit. Read more…
Creating Habitat for Stem-nesting Bees
Did you know? About 30% of Maryland’s native bees nest in tubes and tunnels. Very few of these species are able to excavate their own nests too. In a previous Habichat, we covered how to make nest blocks for bees. This article will cover how to create habitat for those that nest in stems of flowers and woody plants. Read more…
Warm Season Grasses for Wildlife
Switchgrass and bluestem meadow by Tom Potterfield CC by NC SA 2.0
Warm season grasses are grasses that grow best during the summer (June-August) and often form large clumps. These grasses provide excellent wildlife habitat, in addition to erosion control. Warm season grasses typically are tall plants with large root systems that help keep soil in place. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
By Matt Levin CC by SA 2.0
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis). This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. The roots also help it to tolerate droughts and floods too! Read more…
Native Animal Profile: Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Black and yellow garden spider by Kerry Wixted
More than 250 species of spiders can be found in Maryland and one of the largest and more visible species is the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). Also affectionately known as the writing spider, the black and yellow garden spider fashions an intricate zig-zag pattern in the center of its web. This extra weave is known as a stabilimentum. The purpose of the stabilimentum is still not known. Its reflection helps larger animals (like ourselves) see the web to avoid walking through, but it also may help to attract smaller prey. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Escort Sea Turtles Back to the Wild
Department, National Aquarium Release Three Rehabilitated Reptiles
Photo by Lauren Moses
The Maryland Natural Resources Police in Ocean City recently teamed up with the National Aquarium to release three rehabilitated sea turtles.
On Sept. 9, officers met with aquarium representatives along with two Kemp’s ridley turtles and one green sea turtle. The turtles, Mozzarella, Stilton, and Halloumi, were rescued last year with symptoms related to cold stunning — a condition caused by a dramatic decline in water temperatures affecting the cold-blooded turtles — including pneumonia, respiratory distress, dehydration, infection, and emaciation.
After being successfully rehabilitated by the Baltimore aquarium, the turtles were ready for release back into the ocean. To provide a proper and safe send-off, NRP offered to use their patrol boats for the release. Read more…
Maryland Fall Foliage Report Preview: September 18, 2020
Welcome to the 2020 Maryland Fall Foliage Report, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Although we will mention a festival or event occasionally, that will not be a major focus this year due to numerous cancellations of many seasonal events. However, the men and women working for Maryland’s Park Service and Forest Service will provide eyewitness accounts, as well as photographs, as the fall season unfolds. Read more…
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