Natural Resources News
Fort Frederick State Park to Host “For the Defence of this Province” Program
Everyone Can Join the Action Oct 12-13
Fort Frederick State Park welcomes visitors this weekend to experience military life during the French and Indian War with the men and women of the Maryland Provincial Companies of Foot.
Highlights of the event include cannon firing demonstrations, musket firing presentations, hearth cooking, military drills, and a special children’s drill demonstrating an 18th century military exercise. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Read more…
Maryland Reminds Motorists to Stay Alert for Deer
Wildlife Activity Ramps up for Fall
Photo by Penny Ingles
Fall means cool weather and colorful foliage. It can also mean unpredictable wildlife. Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife as these animals seek food supplies and mates before winter. Read more…
Managed Goose and Waterfowl Hunts Held in Garrett County
Hunters Can Apply for Opportunities in Late November
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presents opportunities for Canada goose hunting on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunting at Broadford Lake, both in Garrett County, on Nov. 25, 26, and 27.
Hunters can participate in these hunts by permit and reservation only, during select days of the season. Applications are available for individuals to hunt one of three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and one of four blind sites on Broadford Lake. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2019
Taking The Lead on Protecting Our Natural Resources
I recently had the honor of swearing in Colonel G. Adrian Baker as the new Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Colonel Baker has an impressive track record and a wealth of relevant experience – both of which will serve the department and Maryland well.
The Natural Resources Police unit has an important and unique mission – patrolling our state lands and waterways, enforcing hunting, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation regulations, maritime security and educating the public about outdoor and boating safety. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report Oct. 5-6, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 5 and 6, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
True fall weather is on the way! Garrett County is anticipating nighttime temperatures dipping into the 3os this weekend, reports Melissa Nash, forester and project manager. With the change in temperature comes the beginning of peak season in parts of Maryland.
“Cool nights and sunny days typically bring out the best color,“ Nash explains. “Some areas of Garrett County, especially around Meadow Mountain (near the Eastern Continental Divide), are expected to peak within the next couple of days.” She reports vibrant yellows to oranges and reds on maple, and yellow color on birch and hickory as most notable. Oaks should begin to change soon with white oak producing deep reds to purplish tones and red oaks golden brown.
Read more…
September Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were higher than average in September. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.73 cubic miles in September, down from the 1.06 cubic miles seen in late August, but greater than the historical 0.41 cubic mile average for September. No anoxia — waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — was detected. This ranked as the fifth-largest Maryland September hypoxia volume since monitoring began in 1985. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 2
The catch-and release fishery for red drum is particularly exciting as evidenced by that big smile on Tim Campbell’s face before he slips this beautiful fish back into the Bay. Photo courtesy of Tim Campbell
As we transition to October, summer-type weather has continued to hold on and everyone would agree we could use some rain. Fishing conditions are very good in most areas and the Chesapeake Bay could hardly be better with an abundance of Spanish mackerel, and red drum to please any angler.
Tree-Mendous Maryland Orders Being Accepted
New High-Quality, Native Shrubs and Trees Available
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state, offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on community lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program. New this year, the department is offering high quality, native shrubs and trees, which are grown and provided by American Native Plants in Baltimore County.
“Autumn is a great time to plant native species because shrubbery and trees can survive and thrive over the winter months,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said. “There is certainly affordable, attractive, and beneficial greenery for every public property and space among our diverse and robust offerings.”
Church, civic, community, and school groups; homeowners associations; local governments; nonprofits; and others are eligible to purchase plantings from the Tree-Mendous program, as long as the shrubs and trees are planted on community and public land with prior approval from the landowner. Order today! Read more…
Applications Open for 2020 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$200,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening, and Environmental Initiatives
Volunteers gather to plant trees, during a Healthy Harbor Initiative event organized by Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, a 2018 Clean Up & Green Up grant recipient.
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. 14, 2019. Awards will be announced in spring 2020.
Read more…
Input Sought for Second Year of State Lakes Fund
Public Meetings Held in October
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host four open house events to solicit public input regarding the development of a work plan for the second phase of the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund. The fund is providing $1 million annually for three years to protect and restore state-owned lakes.
At the open house events in October, the department will report on projects underway in year one and accept input toward developing a budget for best use of funds in coordination with local governments, organizations, and citizens.
The funds can be used for removing sediment, treating contaminated sediment, preventing the spread of invasive species, improving the ecological and recreational value, and any other action the department deems necessary at any or all of 16 lakes throughout Maryland.
Read more…
Soldiers Timeline Weekend at Point Lookout
Living History Program Oct. 5-6
Point Lookout State Park invites visitors to its annual “Soldiers Timeline Weekend” event Oct. 5-6, highlighting the site’s long history of defending Maryland and the entire country during wartime. Read more…
Drought Conditions Bring Heightened Risk of Wildfire
Marylanders Urged to Take Extra Precautions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources warns residents and visitors that potential for wildfires has steadily increased in the past several weeks due to a lack of rain and unseasonably high temperatures.
While open-air burning is legal in parts of Maryland, the department strongly encourages homeowners to refrain from outdoor burning until the state receives significant steady rainfall of one inch or more. Open-air burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service Seeks Black Walnuts
Collection Sites in Frederick and Washington Counties Open Until Oct. 26
Marylanders with black walnut trees on their property are asked to donate extra walnuts to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Forest Service will use the walnuts to grow and plant trees along creeks, rivers, and streams as part of state’s tree planting program, aimed at enhancing habitat and water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Citizens can drop off walnuts – in bags, boxes, or containers – at either Gambrill State Park in Frederick County or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service office in Washington County. Anyone with questions should contact those locations directly. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Sept. 28-29, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 28 and 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“As we officially welcome fall this week, the cool nights and sunny days are making for a beautiful start to a colorful display in Garrett County,” reports Melissa Nash, Garrett County forest project manager. “Some areas, especially the ridge tops, are reaching the mid-point this week. Peak should be expected in 1-2 weeks for most of the county.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Sept. 25
Travis Long and Justin Beam quickly hold up a pair of huge red drum before slipping them back into the bay. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
As summer slips into history and we step into fall, there is a lot of exciting fishing in Maryland. Trout fishermen are getting ready for the fall stocking program that begins in October. The Chesapeake Bay is teeming with Spanish mackerel and behemoth red drum, providing some amazing catch-and-release fishing.
Unique Urban Farm Property in Montgomery County Protected
Conservation Easement Preserves Green Space
Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, partnered with the Charles Koiner Center for Urban Farming Inc. to complete a conservation easement protecting green space in downtown Silver Spring. The one-acre property is home to Koiner Farm, an urban agricultural and educational enterprise.
Maryland Environmental Trust holds the property along with the land trust CKC Farming, conceived by Lynn Koiner, whose father Charles owned and operated the property for 40 years until his death in January. The active farm grows and sells produce, and also provides agricultural education opportunities for the next generation of sustainable food innovators. Read more…
Monarchs and Milkweed at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Monarch Butterfly Festival in Prince George’s County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the fall migration of the monarch butterfly on Sept. 28 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, face painting, and crafts. Read more…
Point Lookout Offers View to Civil War History
‘Artillery Weekend’ Highlights Wartime Roles
History buffs of all ages are invited to the annual Civil War Artillery Weekend event Sept. 28-29 at Point Lookout State Park. Programs run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Point Lookout is a peninsula in St. Mary’s County where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, and the viewpoint from this strategic location made it a pivotal place during the Civil War. In the early 1860s, the site housed a Union military fort, Hammond General Hospital, and Camp Hoffman, where Confederate prisoners of war were held. Read more…
Maryland Hunter Safety Education Class Offered
Three-Day Course Held in Garrett County
Skilled hunter teaches hunter safety to young boy.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class on Oct. 1, 2, and 5 at Herrington Manor State Park, Oakland. Classes on Oct. 1-2 will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Oct. 5 class runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each class is limited to 30 students. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Sept. 21-22, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the last weekend of summer, Sept. 21 and 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Having melted down almost daily through a typically hot and humid — and exceptionally wet — Maryland summer, you just might be looking forward to the official astronomical start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere: the autumnal, or fall, equinox (also called the September equinox). Early Monday morning — 3:50 a.m. in Annapolis — the sun will rise precisely due east and later will set precisely due west with the length of day and night almost equal. This is also the best time to view Mars as the planet will be at its brightest. Join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Cunningham Falls State Park Saturday night to see the stars!
Sign up to receive weekly reports showcasing the Old Line State’s vibrant fall foliage and the best autumn festivals at dnr.maryland.gov.
Mentored Pheasant Hunts Offered Nov. 23-24 in Garrett County
Opportunity for New and Lapsed Hunters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in a mentored pheasant hunt Nov. 23-24 at Wild Wings Hunting Preserve, located in Friendsville.
Participants will enjoy a day at Wild Wings that will include a hunter safety review, sporting clays, ammunition, a mentor with a hunting dog, and lunch. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Sept. 18
Photo by Jim Livingston
The change of seasons is always a push-and-pull affair – recently it seemed that summer was just not ready to let go. This is a wonderful time of the year to still enjoy the outdoor activities Maryland’s warm weather affords, and is perhaps the best time of the year to enjoy large and heavy crabs as they fatten up for a winter’s rest — don’t miss it.
Stocked Pheasant Hunts Held in Six Counties Across Maryland
Eligible Hunters Can Apply Until Oct. 18
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites junior, apprentice, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts, which take place November 23-24.
These do-it-yourself hunts will take place on nine wildlife management areas across the state and two state forests in western Maryland. This is the second year the department is stocking pheasants. Read more…
Maryland Oyster Season Dates, Limits Set for 2019-2020
DNR Begins Implementation of the Maryland Oyster Management Plan
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has issued season limits for the 2019-2020 oyster harvesting season. Effective immediately, the 2019-20 season will begin October 1, 2019 with no commercial harvesting on Wednesdays, and temporary closures to wild harvesting in certain areas where there is a low abundance of oysters, low natural spat set or where spat-on-shell plantings are being protected, including some areas north of the Gov. William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge. Additionally, the recreational harvest will be limited to three days a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only) with no harvesting after noon and a 50 percent reduction in harvest limits. Details are issued by public notice and are available on the department’s website under “Shellfish Closures/Openings.” Read more…
Revised Chesapeake Lands Hunting Lease Plan Open for Comment
Public Meeting Scheduled in Salisbury Sept. 24
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed a new, revised proposal for administering hunting leases on Chesapeake Forest Lands. A copy of the new revised proposal and place for comment is available on the department’s website.
Additionally the department is hosting a public meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 24, in Salisbury at Wor-Wic Community College, Guerrieri Hall, Room 101. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions and accept written comments. Read more…
Additional Wildlife Management Areas Now Open for Hunting
New Public Opportunities in Charles and Queen Anne’s Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce two new public hunting opportunities in state wildlife management areas. Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area in Queen Anne’s County and Popes Creek Wildlife Management area in Charles County are now open to regulated hunting and trapping. Read more…
2019 Photo Contest Winners Announced
Fan Favorite Winner to be Chosen on Facebook
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2019 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to David Illig of Gambrills for his stunning close-up shot of an eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Read more…
Late August 2019 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were near average in late August. This is a significant improvement from hypoxia results observed earlier this summer. The hypoxic water volume (waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 1.06 cubic miles in late August, down from the 1.77 cubic miles seen in early August. A small volume (0.006 cubic miles) of anoxia (waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) was detected. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Sept. 14-15, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 14 and 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Soon the landscape will explode with vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow. Kids will be jumping into newly raked piles of leaves and we’ll all “fall” back to Eastern Standard Time and grab that extra bit of sleep. Although Autumn 2019 will not officially arrive until the early morning of Sept. 23, the full moon that falls nearest to the Fall Equinox, the Harvest Moon, is scheduled for its annual appearance on Saturday evening. Sometimes called the Full Corn Moon, it is so bright farmers could work by the light of it. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 11
Photo by Captain “walleye” Pete Dahlberg
September is an exciting month for those who love the outdoors and fishing is usually at the top of the list. Mild late summer weather is providing exciting fishing opportunities across the Maryland landscape from the western mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. In the Chesapeake Bay, we have relatively warm water, higher salinities, and a very strong run of Spanish mackerel which is delighting those who are able to get out and fish for them.
2019-20 Trapping Bid Packets Available for the Lower Eastern Shore
Annual Privileges at State-Owned Properties
Muskrat den at Taylors Island Wildlife Management Area
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting bids for the 2019-2020 trapping season at several Eastern Shore public lands. Individuals with the highest bid for each area will be awarded annual trapping privileges. Locations and bidding dates are as follows:
For Cedar Island, Deal Island, E. A. Vaughn, Fairmount, Isle of Wight, Johnson, Maryland Marine Properties, Pocomoke River, Pocomoke Sound, South Marsh Island, and Wellington wildlife management areas, along with Janes Island State Park, bid packages must be picked up and submitted by noon on Oct. 15 at the Wellington Wildlife Management Area, 32733 Dublin Road, Princess Anne. Sealed bids will be opened at 1 p.m. on Oct. 15. More information for these locations is available by calling 410-543-8223 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Read more…
Fall Trout Stocking Begins in October
Anglers Can Sign Up For Notifications
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will stock thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout in several creeks, lakes, and rivers starting in early October. The majority of this year’s trout stocking come from the department’s Albert Powell Hatchery near Hagerstown.
Throughout the summer, staff have been looking after thousands of trout ranging in size from one-half pound to one pound. However, several trophy-sized spring “holdovers” in the three-pound range will also be stocked. Read more…
Early Teal Season Opens Sept. 16
Special Season Provides Additional Waterfowl Opportunity
Photo by Alan D. Wilson
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 to 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.
Seasons and bag limits for all other migratory game birds can be found in the 2019-20 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Maryland Wildfire Crew Deployed to Northern California
First Out-of-State Deployment of the Season
Maryland has assembled and mobilized a crew of wildland firefighters to help battle ongoing wildfires in northern California as part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It’s the first out-of-state deployment for a Maryland crew this season.
The 20-person crew assembled this weekend at the Madonna Ranger Station in Harford County and is departing from Harrisburg, Pa. today along with four other crews from the Mid-Atlantic region. The crews will receive their assignments upon arrival at a staging area in Redding, Calif. Read more…
Elk Neck State Forest Shooting Range Reopens
Critical Maintenance Completed for Sept. 6 Opening
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest in Cecil County reopens at 9 a.m. Sept. 6, following completion of a critical maintenance project this summer.
During the six-week project, the department’s contractor enhanced numerous safety and comfort features. Upgrades include a new concrete slab with new pavilion posts aligned with the shooting range baffles. The contractor also constructed and installed new shooting stations, lane partitions, and pavilion back rests. Read more…
Various Events Commemorate Battle of South Mountain
The Maryland Campaign of 1862 Lives Again This Weekend
Visitors to South Mountain State Battlefield can help commemorate the 157th anniversary of the Civil War battle that occurred there, with a series of battlefield hikes, tours, and living-history events Sept. 7-8.
On both days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can experience “Fury at Fox’s Gap,” where interpreters, representing both Union and Confederate regiments who fought in the Battle of South Mountain at Fox’s Gap, will be onsite near the Reno Monument. They will conduct infantry drill and firing demonstrations and highlight soldiers accounts of the battle.
Read more…
Department Receives Federal Funding for Atlantic Sturgeon Research
Prehistoric Fish Once Thought Gone from Maryland
Photo courtesy NOAA Fisheries
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been awarded more than $700,000 in federal funding to study and monitor the endangered Atlantic sturgeon. The money will be used over three years to continue the department’s tagging and tracking of fall spawning Atlantic sturgeon in the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek.
Until recently, Maryland’s Atlantic sturgeon population was believed to have been decimated. In 2014, biologists discovered a fall spawning adult sturgeon population in the Nanticoke River, making an appearance for the first time in 40 years. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: September 2019
September is a Great Time to Enjoy Nature and to Give Back
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, so while I am sad to see summer coming to an end, I am also looking forward to cooler weather and changing leaves. Autumn is a great time of year to experience outdoor recreation in Maryland; and there are many great events planned for the month of September that are the perfect excuse to get outside and assist us with our mission, starting with Day to Serve.
Governor Larry Hogan recently issued a proclamation declaring September 11 through October 10, 2019 as “Day to Serve” month in Maryland. As part of the announcement, Governor Hogan is encouraging all Maryland citizens and state employees to choose a day to participate in a volunteer activity. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 4
Marty Zupancic decided to show us the toothy face of a Spanish mackerel he caught recently. Photo by Marty Zupancic
Now that Labor Day activities are behind us, anglers can focus on fishing more with family and friends. Cooler weather will begin to show its face and Maryland waters will begin to shake off the summer heat. Fishing for Spanish mackerel has been very popular in the bay.
Take a Tour of “America in Miniature”
Admiring the geology of Cunningham Falls State Park; by Joe Andrucyk
If you look at a map of the United States, Maryland appears small—so small that depending on the map, you may hardly be able to see it at all.
But when you’re here, the land of the Free State is actually quite expansive and diverse. In the 1970s, National Geographic dubbed Maryland, “America in Miniature,” due to the fact that nearly every kind of terrain can be found here – from the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the expansive marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, to vast acres of farmland and the rocky Appalachian mountains. In between, you’ll find the beautiful rolling hills of Maryland’s horse country, the spectacular sight of massive sunflower fields, and miles upon miles of water trails to travel by kayak or canoe, just like those who came before us. Read more…
Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: Program Open Space Continues Maryland’s Tradition of Conservation
Aerial photo of Piney Run Rural Legacy Area; department photo
Four centuries ago, Captain John Smith discovered the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding region of thick forests, fertile valleys, serene rivers, rolling mountains, lush marshes and sandy beaches. Smith’s view of this “delightsome land” has since been transformed by four centuries of growth and development. Read more…
Timeline: Our Story Begins
The units that make up today’s Department of Natural Resources mostly date back farther than 1969, many having gone through numerous names and structural changes before and even after becoming part of the department.
The earliest version of what is now a Department of Natural Resources function is the Maryland Geological Survey, which originated with a brief tenure from 1834-41 and resumed activity in 1896.
The oldest continuing unit is the Maryland Natural Resources Police, which was organized as the State Oyster Police force in 1868. Read more…
Back from the Brink: Once Almost Extinct in Maryland, Three Species Survive!
River otter, by Maureen Lemire
In terms of wildlife, with many species predating the time humans arrived on the scene, 50 years may not seem like a long time.
But as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources celebrates our 50th anniversary this year, we can look back on the Maryland of 1969 and see that significant changes took place.
The year of our founding was a simpler time, but also a challenging time for wildlife species – one in which there were no river otters in western Maryland, wild turkeys were reduced to a fraction of their original numbers statewide and Maryland black bears were merely a tall tale. But through a lot of hard work and dedication, we’re happy to report that these species now star in some of Maryland’s greatest wildlife conservation success stories. Read more…
From the Field: Biologist Brooke Landry
Brooke Landry’s passion for biology started early. “I was a little science geek,” she laughs.
Her interest in underwater grasses really picked up as she snorkeled around coral reefs and beds of seagrass on a middle school class trip to Belize. A few undergrad summers spent studying salt marshes on Maryland’s Eastern Shore immersed her in the wonders of bay life, and she went on to specialize in coastal habitats for her University of Virginia environmental science degree. Landry then worked on a long-term habitat assessment project off the southern tip of Florida during her graduate studies.
Now, having returned to her Chesapeake Bay roots as an underwater grasses biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, she focuses on the health of the bay’s submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and chairs the Chesapeake Bay Program’s SAV Workgroup. Read more…
Outside Perspective
Fifty years ago, Governor Marvin Mandel replaced the former Board of Natural Resources with the cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources and our operations began. As we celebrate this milestone, DNR is proud of the fact that our work is making a difference in every county and community across Maryland. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Earthquakes in Maryland
Maryland Geological Survey staff members install a seismometer on the McHenry campus in Garrett County in June 2018. The state-of -the-art sensor uses a suspended weight to detect vibrations in the Earth and feeds the signal into a nationwide monitoring system. Photo by Rebecca Adams.
It seems like a lot of earthquakes have been in the news in recent years. How often does Maryland have earthquakes and why do they happen here?
(Lourdes in Baltimore City)
Read more…
The Nature of Change
Maryland has changed quite a bit in the past 50 years, but one thing has remained the same: the dedication and hard work of the employees of the Department of Natural Resources.
Since its official founding on July 1, 1969, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has conserved, protected and restored the critical areas of our state, including our forests, fish, parks, waters and wildlife. Read more…
Maryland Deer Archery Season Opens Sept. 6
Hunting Continues Through Jan. 31
Photo by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 6, and continues through Jan. 31, 2020.
For the 2019-20 season, the statewide bag limit for white-tailed bucks is two deer (no more than one per weapon season). Maryland hunters in Region B (the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions) have the option to take one additional bonus buck after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp. The antlerless deer bag limits differ between deer management regions. In Region B the antlerless archery limit is 15. Read more…
Free Trees at Corsica River Day in Queen Anne’s County
Department Provides Native Seedlings Sept. 15
Pin oak seedlings being grown at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will give away potted native tree seedlings on Sept. 15 during the Corsica River Day celebration at Corsica River Yacht Club in Centreville. A mix of 50 native species will be available at the Maryland Forest Service table on a first-come, first-served basis.
Species of tree seedlings will include eastern red cedar, sycamore, bald cypress, and assorted oaks including pin, swamp white, and willow oak.
Woodmont Lodge Hosts Open House Sept. 8
Visitors Can Explore Historic Washington County Hunting Grounds
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to visit Woodmont Lodge on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual open house will allow guests to tour the hunting lodge and its picturesque surroundings while hearing vivid stories of the early days of conservation and wildlife management in Maryland.
Built in 1930, the massive three-story fieldstone structure features enormous beams, huge stone fireplaces, and wood paneling and floors. Great leather chairs, bear skin rugs, photographs of special guests, and hundreds of game trophies still fill the rooms. Now part of the Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area, the lodge sits on the grounds of what was the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club. Under a management agreement with the Izaak Walton League, the Woodmont Club uses the property six months out of the year. Read more…