Natural Resources News
Hunter Education Course Offered in Western Maryland
Class Size Limited, Register Now
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class March 26, 28 and 30 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland.
Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 26 and 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30. The class is limited to 30 students. Interested participants can register online. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings for Wicomico County Property Owners
Orders Taken Until April 26
Photo by Ed Newton
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Natural Resources Police File Sexual Assault Charges
Investigation Completed for Incident on Choptank River
Maryland Natural Resources have charged a Caroline County sheriff’s deputy with rape and other charges stemming from a July 2018 incident on a boat in the Choptank River.
Kevin John Nagyiski was charged March 13 with second degree rape, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sexual contact and second degree assault. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 13
Photo by Alan Klotz
March is a time of fluctuating weather, a sort of back-and-forth pull between seasons. Spring is beginning to win out and signs are seen everywhere. Daffodils are opening up, spring peepers are calling out on warmer nights and anglers are fishing for stocked trout and other freshwater fish and even trying their luck on the spring spawning runs of yellow and white perch.
Yellow perch are being caught and may hit their peak towards the end of the week. The peak of the spawning runs is governed by warming water temperatures and increased daylight periods.
Governor Hogan Statement on Trump Administration’s Cuts To Chesapeake Bay Program
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, which would drastically cut funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration:
“As Governor of Maryland and Chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, protecting the Chesapeake Bay remains one of my top priorities. The EPA Administrator himself called the Chesapeake Bay Program a ‘high priority,’ making this week’s cut in the budget a total betrayal. These cuts are potentially devastating to restoration efforts at such a critical time. Read more…
Spring Trout Stocking Season Begins
Crews to Stock 133 Locations in 18 Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is gearing up to release more than 300,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state during its annual spring trout stocking.
Regular spring stocking is done by department crews in lakes, rivers and streams from early March through June. In 2019, the department will stock trout in 133 locations in 18 counties. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Calvert County
Seedlings Available for Large or Small Trees
Photo: “Budding Red Bud” by Ashley Stubbs
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, along with Calvert Master Gardeners and the American Chestnut Land Trust, is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks. Read more…
Muskrat Trapping Extended in Select Maryland Counties
Additional Time for Weather-Dampened Regions
Photo by Martha Johnston
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a week to the state’s muskrat trapping season in Eastern, Southern and portions of Central Maryland. The revised season will now close March 22 in the affected counties to make up for unfavorable weather conditions — an extremely cold winter and recent tide fluctuations — that had limited trapper access to many waterways and wetlands.
The season remains closed in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties, where the season started early enough to provide ample trapping opportunities. No other hunting or trapping seasons have been extended. Read more…
Boating Safety Education Classes Offered in March
Required Courses for Maryland Boaters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host two free Boating Safety Education classes on March 16 and March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover. Attendees need only attend one class to get their certification.
Courses will be taught by Natural Resources Police and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members and will be accessible for both English and Spanish speakers. Free life jackets will be awarded to all who pass the final exam. Read more…
Funding Available for Resilience, Restoration and Stewardship
Innovative Projects Can Access Funding Through New ‘Grants Gateway’
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that $24.75 million in funding is available for local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking to restore local waterways, increase climate resilience and develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
To streamline the grant application and management process, the department has created a new “Grants Gateway” that provides a single entry point for prospective grantees, and assures access to funding for innovative, local projects. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Day Events Set for March 10
Stories, Events and Art Honor Tubman at Her Namesake Park
In celebration of Harriet Tubman Day on Sunday, March 10, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs. The park, located in Dorchester County, marks its second anniversary on this Harriet Tubman Day, a national observance with special significance in Maryland.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the park’s expert staff and special guests will lead hourly programs to honor the life and legacy of Maryland native Harriet Tubman and the struggle for freedom that she embodied.
Free Tree Seedlings for Allegany, Garrett County Landowners
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 29
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. This year, the species for Allegany and Garrett counties will include a mix of: swamp white oak, winterberry, American plum, river birch, and white pine. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available in Washington County
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each “buffer in a bag” contains about 30 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings suitable for planting in moist soil conditions. This year, seedlings for Washington County properties will include a mix of: buttonbush, black chokeberry, Washington hawthorn, eastern redbud, swamp white oak, and loblolly-pitch pine hybrid. Read more…
Public Comment on Deer Management Extended
Public Meeting March 13; New Deadline March 15
Photo by Dechun Feng
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled the last of its public meetings regarding white-tailed deer management, and also extended the deadline for accepting public comment on the state’s deer management plan. The meeting in Wye Mills, which had been previously postponed due to weather, will now be held at 7 p.m. March 13 at Chesapeake College, 1000 College Drive, in Room 127 in the Health Professions and Athletics Center.
Due to the meeting date change, the new deadline for public comment is March 15. The public can provide comments online; by phone at 410-260-8540; by fax at 410-260-8596; or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.
2019 Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced
Garrett County Youth Awarded Grand Prize
Standing with the first place entry, from left to right: Acting Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Maryland State Forester Donald VanHassent, Urban and Community Forestry Supervisor Marian Honeczy, Tree-Mendous Maryland Coordinator Anne Gilbert, and Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan.
The judging is complete for the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. The contest is judged annually by a panel of forestry experts and special guest judge, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan.
Lydia Secrist of Accident, Garrett County was awarded First Place, and her school will receive 15 trees for planting.
Second Place, with a prize of 10 trees, was awarded to three students from Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County — Jakiara Baker, Erica Daymude and Autumn Edwards. Third Place honors went to Hailey Ciccarelli and Molly Richards of Eldersburg, Carroll County. Their school will receive five trees.
Read more…
Input Sought on Proposed 2019-20 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
Public Meeting on March 6; Comment Accepted Until March 15
Illustration: “Blackwater Visitors” by Paul Makuchal, 2017 Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest winner
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on the proposed 2019-2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The comment period continues until noon on March 15.
Proposed season dates for all migratory game birds can be viewed on the department’s website.
The seasons will be finalized in spring 2019, after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Draft Oyster Management Plan Open for Comment
Public Input Accepted Through March 19
Photo by William Whaley
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on a draft Maryland Oyster Management Plan, the first updated fishery management plan since 2010 for one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most ecologically- and economically-important natural resources. The public comment period will continue until March 19.
Youth Fishing Rodeos Set for 2019
Free Events Statewide Encourage Youth to Get Outdoors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is offering opportunities for young people to experience fishing through 44 youth fishing rodeos in 15 counties statewide.
Youth fishing rodeos in the state connect 6,000 thousand young people with the Maryland outdoors each year. Events start in March and run through fall. Anyone 16 years of age and younger may participate. Read more…
Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results for 2019 Announced
Annual Survey Counts Maryland’s Ducks, Geese and Swans
In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources made visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 566,300 waterfowl.
Maryland’s mid-winter waterfowl survey is part of an annual, nationwide effort to survey waterfowl on their wintering grounds to monitor local distribution and habitat affiliations. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Feb. 20
James King of Richfield, N.J., caught this 18.5-pound tautog near Ocean City, tagged it and returned it to the cold depths.
February is often thought of as a time for fishermen to keep busy by going over tackle, fly tying or attending outdoor shows. But others know there are fish out there and many know how to find them.
The preseason trout stocking program has started in earnest, and there is good fishing for yellow perch and a mixed bag of freshwater fish.
Off the coast of Ocean City, fishermen come from far and wide to pursue trophy-sized tautog.
Army Corps Kicks Off Ocean City Inlet Navigation Improvement Project
Public Meeting to be Scheduled for Spring
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Worcester County signed a Project Partnership Agreement Feb. 14 to start work on a navigation improvement project to address sediment accumulation, or shoaling, within the Ocean City Inlet.
This navigation channel is regularly used by commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, the U.S. Coast Guard and others. The Corps removes material from the inlet through dredging two or more times per year in an attempt to maintain the channel’s authorized depth of 10 feet; however, it continues to fill in with material, creating concerns for navigation.
Through the “Ocean City Harbor and Inlet” navigation project, the Corps will evaluate sediment transport in the inlet and recommend options for addressing the shoaling to include structural solutions like jetties or channel modifications like deepening the channel in the inlet. No options have been solidified at this time. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 77,000 Deer during 2018-2019 Season
Sunday Hunting Accounts for More than Ten Percent of Total Harvest
Photo by John Gambriel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that deer hunters harvested 77,382 deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 7, 2018, through Jan. 31, 2019.
The statewide harvest included 29,699 antlered and 44,249 antlerless white-tailed deer; and 1,609 antlered and 1,825 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 11 percent lower than the 2017-2018 total of 86,542 deer, as multiple rain and ice events on key Saturdays limited success for hunters this season.
Although the total harvest was down, the number of antlerless deer taken this year represented 60 percent of the overall harvest. Also, the statewide harvest of button bucks was down 25 percent this year, an important outcome for future buck hunting opportunities in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Anglers Can Qualify for New Awards Program
FishMaryland Offers Recognition for Various Skill Levels
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a new award program to celebrate the state’s anglers and the diverse species of fish they catch.
FishMaryland is a multifaceted award program designed to encourage anglers to take advantage of Maryland’s year-round recreational fishing and enjoy the state’s accessible, affordable and high-quality fishing opportunities. Read more…
Montgomery College to Host Climate Academy Classes
Enrollment Deadline is April 30
Photo by Fran Saunders
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces open enrollment for Maryland Climate Leadership Academy courses at Montgomery College in June and July. This cohort will offer prep courses for a Certified Climate Change Professional credential.
The Montgomery College classes will be held in three sessions: Class 1 on June 3-4; Class 2 on July 22-23; and Class 3 on a yet undetermined date in September.
The Maryland Climate Leadership Academy, which kicked off in fall 2018, is the nation’s first state-sponsored institution providing continuing education and executive training programs specifically designed for state and local government officials, infrastructure executives and business leaders. This will be the fourth cohort in Maryland, following classes in Wye Mills, Hagerstown and Ellicott City. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Kent, Queen Anne’s Counties
Orders Due March 21; Workshop Offered April 2
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in targeted Eastern Shore communities.
Kent and Queen Anne’s County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffer program. Read more…
Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan Open for Comment
Public Input Accepted Until March 8
“Crossing Water” by James Corbett
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the draft 2019-2023 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, which identifies essential and contemporary issues impacting outdoor recreation and natural resource protection in the state.
The Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan represents a vision and strategy that has been developed by the department, with state, federal, and local organizations, to provide public outdoor recreation opportunities in Maryland. It incorporates public input that was gathered through surveys and public stakeholder meetings held throughout Maryland in 2018, as well as a thorough analysis of national, state and local issues impacting recreation and natural resource conservation. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Frederick County Landowners
Backyard Buffers Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks. Read more…
North Point State Park Holds Successful Managed Deer Hunt
Department Plans to Continue Managed Hunt Next Season
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the results of its deer management efforts and inaugural managed hunting program at North Point State Park in Baltimore County.
The two-part program, comprising a limited archery hunt in November 2018 and a two-day shotgun hunt in January 2019, helped reduce the deer herd, which in turn will conserve habitat for birds, small mammals and other non-game species on the peninsula.
Department officials report that 20 deer were harvested by archery hunters and an additional 36 deer shotgun hunt. More importantly, no accidents or injuries were reported during the two managed deer hunts. Read more…
Maryland Biological Stream Survey Offers Annual Training
Support the State’s Water Quality Monitoring Effort
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering trainings and certifications in Maryland Biological Stream Survey sampling protocols. Two training opportunities will be held at Howard County Community College, one in February and another in May.
Through a mix of classroom and field experiences, participants will learn and be tested on benthic macroinvertebrate and fish sampling methods, physical habitat assessment, fish taxonomy and how to be a crew leader. Read more…
Winter Turkey Season Results Announced
Season Yields 73 Birds
The King by Andrew Gue
Hunters reported taking 73 wild turkeys during Maryland’s 2019 winter turkey season, which was open Jan. 17-19 statewide.
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, turkeys were harvested in 22 of the 23 counties, with Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties reporting the highest numbers. Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day Feb. 9
Chance for Young Hunters to Hone Skills
Young hunters have one more chance this season to hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day Feb. 9, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Youths up to 16 years of age may hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on private and public land, when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years of age. All junior hunters, and their adult mentors must possess a Maryland hunting license or be license-exempt. Read more…
State Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring Planting
Time is Now to Think Spring
Orders are still being taken for the spring 2019 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Trees benefit the environment as well as enhance natural habitat for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly. Read more…
Public Input Sought on White-tailed Deer Management
Four Public Comment Meetings Scheduled
“Doe and Fawn” by Christine Boltz
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the state’s management of white-tailed deer. The input will be used to help revise the state’s deer management plan for the next 15 years, establishing long-term goals, and identifying specific objectives and strategies for achieving them.
Through Feb. 28 March 15, the public can provide comments online. The department is also accepting feedback by phone at 410-260-8540; by fax at 410-260-8596; or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401. Read more…
Eastern Shore Angler Catches Record Longnose Gar
David Confair Nets 17.9-Pound Fish
A Dorchester County man set a state record for catching a 17.9-pound longnose gar. Secretary resident David Confair, 44, caught the fish Jan. 23 a few miles above the historic Brookview Bridge along Marshyhope Creek.
An experienced angler, Confair and a friend went fishing there after hearing reports of massive blue catfish. After just a few hours into their trip, Confair felt something unusual tug his line. “Get the net,” Confair yelled to his friend. “This is a big fish.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Jan. 23
John Mullican spent a brisk January day fly fishing on the Savage River, and takes one last look at a beautiful brook trout before releasing it. Photo by John Mullican.
Maryland is home to a relatively small fish that inhabits only streams with the best water quality. It’s a beautifully colored fish called the brook trout, Maryland’s only native trout. He is feisty, guarding his territory during the fall breeding season. Anyone who has caught and handled a brook trout or seen one holding in a stream often feels they have been touched by a wonder of nature. Read more about Maryland’s brook trout program online.
$2.1 Million Approved for Rural Legacy Program
Conservation Easements Protect Farmland and Watersheds
Mid-Maryland Washington Rural Legacy Area
The Board of Public Works today approved Rural Legacy Program grants totaling $2.1 million that will provide dedicated state funding to permanently protect working farms and forests, and provide vegetative stream buffers to improve water quality and bolster climate resilience in designated areas across the state.
Working through local governments and private land trusts, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquires conservation easements from willing landowners to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land that contain valuable agricultural and natural resources. Read more…
Public Comment Sought for State Forest Work Plans
Accepting Comments Until Feb. 22
A Sea of Green and Blue in Spring by Jennifer Johnson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2020 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River. The comment period concludes Feb. 22.
Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address composition, establishment, growth, health and quality along with construction and maintenance projects.
Public comments can be sent via email to jack.perdue@maryland.gov. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Cabinet Appointment
Appoints Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as Secretary of Natural Resources
Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as the Secretary of Natural Resources. Haddaway-Riccio currently serves as a Deputy Chief of Staff in the governor’s office, where she advises on environmental-related issues.
“Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio has been a strong member of my executive team since day one and has a proven track record of working to protect Maryland’s environment,” said Governor Hogan. “I know that Jeannie will be instrumental in ensuring that we continue to build on our incredible progress in preserving our state’s precious natural resources.” Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Proposes Major Investments for Maryland Environment, Chesapeake Bay
FY 2020 Budget Includes Record Investment in Bay Restoration
Governor Larry Hogan greets Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton
For the fifth year in a row, Governor Larry Hogan has proposed major funding for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and protecting the environment and well-being of Marylanders.
“Through his funding priorities, Governor Hogan continues to demonstrate unprecedented support for initiatives that protect our lands and waters and prepare our citizens for the future,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. Read more…
Kent County Farm Protected by Maryland Environmental Trust
Easement Near Rock Hall Conserves Fields, Forest and Meadows
The Maryland Environmental Trust helped Expressway Corp. permanently protect its 119-acre farm along the West Fork of Langford Creek in Kent County. Expressway Corp. donated the conservation easement on the property forever protecting this important farm and forest land on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
In the vicinity of more than 2,000 acres of protected lands, the easement is located in an area dominated by farm and forest land. The approximately 39 acres of agricultural land, 60 acres woodlands and 12 acres of meadow of the property are an integral part of the area’s rural setting. Read more…
Public Invited to Open House for Wolf Den Run State Park
Information Meeting Set for Jan. 26
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold a second informational open house for Wolf Den Run State Park from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 at Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro.
Maryland Park Service staff will provide a brief presentation about the park slated to open this year, plus answer questions and listen to public feedback on topics such as camping, hunting and trails. Read more…
Natural Resources Career Training Program Now Recruiting
Work2Live WELL Seeks Applicants in Baltimore City
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, is now accepting applications for its workforce development, skills and training program, Work2Live WELL. Now in its second year, this program provides entry into the emerging fields of the environment and natural resources.
With funding from the Employment Advancement Right Now Maryland program, this year’s program is recruiting 13 adult applicants in Baltimore City. Participants can gain entry, exposure, opportunity and training in blueprints, conservation, construction, dredging, land management, restoration and tree care. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Events Celebrate Black History Month
Stories of Underground Railroad Heroes Come to Life this February
In celebration of Black History Month, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February.
The park, located in Dorchester County, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and houses an exhibit hall, immersive displays, a gift store and an information desk. Throughout the month, the park’s expert staff and special guests will lead special programs to honor the life and legacy of Maryland native Harriet Tubman and the struggle for freedom that she embodied. Read more…
Clean Marina Seminars Scheduled for February
Events Share Best Practices for Boatyard, Marina Operators
“Boats at Rest at Eastport Yacht Club” by Susan Hale
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites marine facility managers to a series of free seminars in February. Staff will introduce the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative to participants, review commonly needed marina permits and provide resources for all operators and owners to improve their boatyards, docks and marinas.
Events are being held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the following dates and locations:
- Feb. 7 at Haven Harbour Marina, Rock Hall;
- Feb. 12 at Southern Maryland Sailing Association, Solomons; and
- Feb. 14 at Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis.
Space is limited so advance registration is recommended.
Winter Turkey Season Opens Jan. 17
Second Chance for Hunters to Take a Hen or Gobbler
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers hunters who did not bag a turkey in the fall another chance, as the winter turkey season runs statewide Jan. 17-19.
The department established the winter season in 2015 to increase opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other hunting seasons. Read more…
Annual Photo Contest Now Taking Submissions
2019 Contest Runs Through Aug. 31
2018 Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner, “Little Blue Heron Ready to Pounce” by Kevin Moore
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Photographers, novice or professional, can enter for the chance to win cash and other great prizes.
Winning entries will be posted online, featured in an issue of the seasonal Maryland Natural Resource magazine, and placed in the 2020 wall calendar.
More than 4,300 photos were submitted by more than 800 photographers in the 2018 contest, shattering last year’s record of 1,500 photos. Read more…
First Day Hikers Log 8,000 Miles on New Year’s Day
Participation Triples Thanks to Warm Weather
First Day Hikers at Gunpowder Falls State Park
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed approximately 3,700 hikers on 36 hikes at 32 state parks this New Year’s Day as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers trekked about 8,500 miles on trails in every corner of Maryland.
Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers guided hikers of all experience levels joining the ever-growing ranks of hikers ringing in the new year on the trail. Among them was Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, who hiked with Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Joanne Throwe at Patapsco Valley State Park. Read more…
Loving Birds to Death and the Importance of Cleaning Feeders
Goldfinch with eye disease by Bill Beil
In 1994, a group of Project FeederWatchers in Washington, D.C. noticed house finches showing up to their feeders with red, swollen, crusty eyes. The ailments were soon found to be linked to house finch eye disease, or mycoplasmal conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis is caused by a bacteria, and different species of bacteria affect different organisms. The bacterium known to infect local house finches has also been documented impacting species such as American goldfinches, evening grosbeaks and purple finches.
Native Animal Profile: Evening Grosbeak
Male Evening Grosbeak by Rich Hoeg, Flickr CC by NC ND 2.
Multiple species of finches make their home in Maryland. Some are year-round residents while others, like the evening grosbeak, are part-time visitors.
Evening grosbeaks are chunky finches. Males have striking yellow and black plumage with prominent white and black wings. Females are mostly gray and also possess white and black wings. Both sexes have thick, conical shaped bills with adult males having ivory colored bills and females and immature birds having greenish-tinged bills.
Native Birds Need Native Plants
Carolina Chickadee by Lee Jaffe, Flickr CC by NC SA 2.0
Here at Wild Acres, we like to promote using native plants in backyards to attract local wildlife species.
Over the years, Doug Tallamy’s research has shown a clear relationship between native plants and birds, linking the importance of native plants for supporting insects like caterpillars. Tallamy’s research has revealed that native oaks can support more than 530 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars while an invasive butterfly bush supports only one species. Read more…
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