Natural Resources News
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Scheduled
Upcoming Days for Mentoring Nov. 3 and Feb. 9
Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days set for Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019.
On those days, anyone 16 years of age or younger may hunt coots, ducks and geese on private and public land when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old. All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses. Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, but do not need to purchase a federal duck stamp if under 16 years of age.
The Nov. 3 event comes just as the season’s first strong cold front pushes through Maryland, and seasoned waterfowlers are scanning the sky to catch any sign of migrating birds riding the winds south. Read more…
Junior Deer Hunting Days Set for November
Young Hunters Can Learn Sporting Skills and Traditions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition this month during two Junior Deer Hunting Days.
The hunt will be held Nov. 10 on private and designated public land in all counties, and Nov. 11 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s. In Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the hunt is also open on designated public lands Nov. 11. Read more…
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
135 Bears Harvested in Four Counties
“Autumn Morning” by Steve Oliver
Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 15th annual black bear hunt.
Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 135 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. Several large bears were taken throughout the hunt; bears weighing more than 400 pounds were taken in each county.
The largest bear taken weighed 575 pounds, and was harvested in Washington County by Robert Marks of Clear Spring. Read more…
Maryland Environmental Trust Offers Volunteer Training in November
Opportunity to Help Statewide Conservation Efforts
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering one-day volunteer training sessions for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements.
The sessions will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 8, and 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 at the Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, Maryland).
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland
Hunting Available in Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 27 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
The fall season was extended to include an additional day, Sunday, Nov. 4. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 27-28, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 27 and 28, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 24
Photo by Travis Long
We are now deep into a fall fishing pattern, with classic cold fronts and gusty northerly winds. This past weekend, anglers who were able to get out before or after the winds found good striped bass fishing over a wide area of the Chesapeake Bay, from Love Point down to the Calvert Cliffs gas docks area.
Forestland Protected in Wicomico County
Maryland Environmental Trust Partners on Conservation Easement Near Quantico
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, partnered with the Lower Shore Land Trust to permanently protect 154 acres in the Nanticoke River watershed. Property owner Mike Phillips donated the conservation easement forever protecting this important forestland.
Located near more than 2,300 acres of protected lands, the easement is in a rural area of Wicomico County just outside of the village of Quantico and the Quantico Historic District. The surrounding area is dominated by farm and forest land.
Summer 2018 Hypoxia Report
Average Year for Chesapeake Bay Dissolved Oxygen
Terrapin Park Driftwood Sunset by Mark Dignen
Dissolved oxygen conditions for the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay for the summer of 2018 were average compared to the long-term average from 1985-2017, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Low dissolved oxygen volume averaged 0.97 cubic miles from June through September.
Crabs, fish, oysters and other creatures require oxygen to survive. Scientists and natural resource managers study the volume and duration of bay hypoxia to determine possible impacts to bay life. Each year from June through September, the department computes these volumes from data collected by Maryland and Virginia monitoring teams. Read more…
Invasion Coming to Point Lookout State Park Oct. 27-28
The War of 1812 Returns in Dramatic Fashion
Visitors are invited to Point Lookout State Park the weekend of Oct. 27-28 to witness a living history reenactment of American forces during the War of 1812.
Volunteers in period costumes and uniforms will interpret the life of soldiers and other Marylanders during the War of 1812, along with small arms demonstrations, drills and other events throughout the weekend. Camps at the historic fort area and on the beach at Point Lookout are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28. There will also be a Saturday evening program. Read more…
State Tree Nursery Now Accepting Orders
Opportunity for Large-scale Plantings on Private Lands
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting online orders for shrub and tree seedlings from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for the spring 2019 planting season.
The nursery offers more than 50 species of shrubs and trees for large-scale plantings on private land to meet a wide variety of conservation, environmental and reforestation needs. It also offers 20 different “pollinator friendly” options.
A minimum order of 25 seedlings per species is required, and supplies are limited. Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts ‘A Pleasant Diversion’ Oct. 27-28
History is all Fun and Games for a Weekend
Visitors to Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County can experience the lighter side of the French and Indian War during an annual living history event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28.
Members of the recreated Joshua and Alexander Beall’s Company and Maryland Militia will bring the fort to life so visitors can enjoy a ‘pleasant diversion’ of period activities and games.
Highlights include cricket, fencing, foot races, a colonial-era fashion show and making of Jack-o-lanterns.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 20-21, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland Fishing Report: October 17
One of the first things any young angler learns is to get a good grip on that trout! Photo courtesy of Nathan Williams
This week offers some exciting fishing opportunities for Maryland anglers – the weather is just about right, the changing color of the leaves paints a beautiful backdrop to outdoor activities and there are plenty of eager fish to catch.
For the next few weeks, state hatcheries are stocking most trout management waters throughout Maryland. The trout are providing quality fishing close to home and allowing success on a fishing adventure, especially for our young anglers.
At the Atlantic coast, sea bass, flounder and dolphin are biting.
And in the Chesapeake Bay, autumn is one of the most anticipated times for striped bass fishing. Rockfish like the cooler water temperatures and begin to feed aggressively to build up lost body stores. Cooler water also forces baitfish in the form of bay anchovies, juvenile menhaden and silversides to exit the tidal rivers and head down the bay.
Board of Public Works Awards $3.8 Million for Baltimore City Parks
Five Projects to Improve Accessibility, Connectivity and Usability
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that allocates $3,875,000 to Baltimore City for the construction, development and enhancement of five recreation projects.
Funding will be provided through Program Open Space Local as well as Baltimore City Direct grants through Program Open Space Stateside.
“These new and revamped recreational spaces are a critical part of improving the quality of life for Baltimore City residents – especially our kids,” said Governor Hogan. “We are committed to preserving our state’s natural resources while providing well-maintained and safe green spaces, and we are proud to add these Baltimore City locations to the more than 6,000 park and conservation area projects our administration has funded through Program Open Space.”
Survey Finds Healthy Striped Bass Reproduction
Positive Outlook for Iconic Fish in 65th Annual Index
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of its annual young-of-year striped bass survey in Chesapeake Bay, which documented healthy reproduction of the state fish. The 2018 young-of-year index is 14.8, higher than the 65-year average of 11.8.
Known locally as rockfish, striped bass spawn in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries each spring. The juvenile striped bass survey is conducted annually to measure spawning success and help predict future abundance. The index represents the average number of young-of-year – those hatched in the current year – striped bass captured in each sample.
During this year’s survey, department biologists collected more than 36,000 fish of 55 species, including 1,951 young-of-year striped bass. Results show that white perch and American shad also experienced above-average spawning success this spring. Read more…
Department Launches New Shellfish Aquaculture Application Tools
Customer Service Enhancements to Provide Early Notification of Proposed Leases
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today launched a new set of online tools to help educate and engage the public on proposed aquaculture lease applications. The tools, which include a dynamic database and email notification system, will provide information on pending and proposed commercial shellfish lease applications when they are received by the department.
The customer service enhancements are being rolled out after a series of conversations and meetings with aquaculturists, commercial watermen, community and county leaders, homeowners associations and others throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Set to Begin
Popular Season Coincides with Changing Fall Weather
Photo courtesy of Michael Douglas
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 18. This is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 18-20 in Deer Management Regions A and B. Region A consists of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties (private land codes 250 and 251); Region B is the rest of the state. Hunters in Region B can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 22-27 for antlerless deer only. Read more…
Black Bear Cub Rescued in McHenry
Plastic Container Successfully Removed from ‘Buckethead’
Buckethead
After a three day pursuit, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, with assistance from the Maryland Natural Resources Police, successfully tranquilized a 100-pound male black bear cub to remove a plastic jar that was stuck around its head.
The rescued cub, affectionately known as “Buckethead,” was freed near the Wisp Resort in McHenry during the annual Autumn Glory Festival. Read more…
Managed Goose Hunt at Deep Creek and Broadford Lakes
Permit and Reservations Available for Nov. 19-21 Hunt
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces opportunities to hunt resident Canada goose and waterfowl in Garrett County for the third consecutive year.
Hunters can apply to use three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and four blind sites at Broadford Lake Nov. 19-21, 2018. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 13-14, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash reports that most of the maples turned brown early and are already bare. “We did get some color last week, but most of those are now bare. Many of the oaks are still pretty green, but are starting to change.” While this is Autumn Glory Festival weekend in Oakland and typically peak season for fall foliage, Nash believe it may be a bit muted. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 10
Grant Morris caught this nice snakehead while kayak fishing. Photo by Don Goff
We have been in a warmer, dry “Indian summer” weather pattern. Many anglers have been getting out on the bay to enjoy action with top water striped bass, late season bluefish and the last of the Spanish mackerel.
New Paddle-In Camping Opportunities on the Potomac River
Enhanced Access at Two Southern Maryland State Parks
Newtowne Neck State Park by Mark Odell
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service announced the completion of a project to expand and enhance paddle-in camping opportunities in Southern Maryland.
The improved access allows longer overnight paddling excursions along the Potomac River with beautiful landing spots at Point Lookout State Park and Newtowne Neck State Park, both located in St. Mary’s County. Read more…
Managed Archery Deer Hunt Scheduled at North Point State Park
Limited to Select Dates in November
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a managed archery deer hunt will take place at North Point State Park in Baltimore County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November, beginning Nov. 2 and continuing through Nov. 21, 2018.
Thirteen hunters per day will be permitted to hunt in five specified areas of the park.
Bohemia River State Park Hosts Open House
Preview the Eastern Shore’s Newest State Park Oct. 27 Nov. 11
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 Nov. 11 at the new Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County, located at 3864 Augustine Herman Highway in Chesapeake City. The event was rescheduled from its original date due to impending weather.
Community partners, outdoor enthusiasts and others are invited to see and tour the property, and share thoughts on the newest state park on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Read more…
Black Bear Activity Increases in Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
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 or torpor. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to potentially dangerous encounters. Read more…
Fall Brings Heightened Risk of Wildfire
Marylanders Urged to Take Extra Precautions
Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 7, coinciding with the beginning of the fall wildfire season in Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents throughout the state to take precautions as the changing foliage increases the risks of wildland fires spreading through brush and forests.
Wildfires occur every month in Maryland, but peak in the spring and fall. During these two seasons the leaves fall off deciduous trees, allowing sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor drying out brush, leaves and vegetation and other debris that can catch aflame. The relative humidity of the air is also drier and, combined with a breeze, creates favorable conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. Read more…
National Training Programs Graduate Two Natural Resources Police Officers
Advanced Skills in Conservation, Homeland Security Missions
Lt. Catherine Medellin with National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs officers Eddie Henderson (left) and Randy Stark.
Two Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police lieutenants recently graduated from law enforcement training academies that specialize in advanced leadership skills.
Maryland Awarded Grant to Track Wildlife with Nanotags
Multistate Partnership to Study Eight Migratory Species
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Willistown Conservation Trust, Pennsylvania Game Commission and neighboring states, received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to dramatically expand a revolutionary new migration tracking system across a five-state area.
The competitive grant, totaling about $500,000, has been awarded to a consortium of conservation partners in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and specifically targets the study of eight species of greatest conservation concern in the mid-Atlantic and northeast, including Bicknell’s and Swainson’s thrushes, blackpoll and Canada warblers, rusty blackbirds and northern myotis bats.
Maryland Conservation Corps Welcomes 2018-2019 Class
Program Brings Young People into Natural Resource Management
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 35 new members to the Maryland Conservation Corps.
Each year, this award-winning AmeriCorps program attracts young adults, aged 17-25, to work in comprehensive natural resource management projects and assist with conservation and environmental education efforts at public lands and parks throughout Maryland. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 6 and 7
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 6 and 7, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
4-H Camping Center
What a difference a week makes! In Western Maryland, autumn began with a slow start; however, the most recent field reports are encouraging. Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash says things are starting to change more rapidly, as seen in her photo taken at the Maryland 4-H Environmental Education and Camping Center in Swanton. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 3
Photo by Rich Watts
Welcome to “Rocktober!”
Heavy rains continued through much of last week, but we finally had some beautiful sunny weather over the weekend. Many anglers got out on the bay to enjoy action with striped bass, bluefish and southern visitors such as speckled trout and red drum.
$1 Million Approved for Montgomery County Park
Funding for Development on Pinecrest Local Park
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will commit $1 million for the development of Pinecrest Local Park in Montgomery County.
The 5.6-acre park, managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is adjacent to Pine Crest Elementary School.
Program Open Space Local funds will be used to construct improvements to the Silver Spring park, including regrading a multipurpose field, constructing a 6-foot wide accessible trail around the field and associated accessibility, drainage and stormwater management enhancements. Read more…
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants Now Available
Department Seeks Local Proposals for Public Outdoor Recreation Projects
Pirate’s Wharf in Wicomico County
The Maryland of Department Natural Resources announced that counties and municipalities can now apply for grant funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Communities are encouraged to apply and submit preliminary application forms by Dec. 18, 2018.
“I encourage communities across Maryland to take advantage of this grant opportunity aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and overall quality of life,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “If you are working to recruit and retain a solid base of businesses, residents or visitors, perhaps it’s time to consider adding or expanding an outdoor amenity or facility, be it a bike trail or boat ramp.” Read more…
Maryland Coastal Bays Report Card Shows Historic High Score
Scientific Collaborative Sees Best Bay Progress in Decades
Maryland’s Coastal Bays have received their highest grade ever reported according to the new 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The “B-” grade reflects the positive trend nutrient reductions have shown in many locations since 1999.
“Maryland’s Coastal Bays are an integral part of our region, and are unique ecological treasures in the landscape of the Eastern Shore and our great state,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “The marked improvement we see in the bays’ health is the result of significant state investment, as well as the work and dedicated stewardship of many Marylanders.” Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts Picketing the Potomac
Living History Event Oct. 6 and 7
Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County invites Marylanders to take a journey back in time to commemorate the fort’s role in the American Civil War. Union, Confederate and civilian reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history and tactics demonstrations.
The weekend program takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7. Read more…
Applications Open for Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$200,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening and Environmental Initiatives
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program.
The five grants being offered help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in spring 2019. Read more…
Outdoor Enthusiasts Have Yet Another Way to Give Back
Partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust Establishes Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund
Anglers, boaters and hunters who purchase their licenses or registrations from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have a new way to give back to natural resources they enjoy and love. In partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the department announced today a new voluntary option in the online checkout for the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund.
Funds generated by the new program will be distributed as grants for on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects that seek to enhance habitat and water quality as well as programs aimed at getting K-12 students outdoors. Grants will be provided to nonprofits in support of environmental and natural resources priorities throughout the state, from the Youghiogheny to the Coastal Bays. Read more…
Aboveboard: Fall 2018
Fall is a great time to enjoy our state’s spectacular and diverse terrain and gain a better understanding of the role it plays in our culture, heritage and living history. Opportunities abound to immerse yourself in the scenic splendor, storied past and bright and prosperous future.
In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, we learn more about the Piscataway, a Native American tribe in Southern Maryland that had lost their identity throughout colonization. This tribe recently gained official recognition by the state and has an agreement with some of our state parks, where they will host events to educate the public of our shared heritage. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Fall 2018
Are you looking for a trail to hike with your pup? Wondering why dam removal is beneficial? Our experts have the answers! Read more…
The Mysterious Delmarva Bays: Exploring Maryland’s most unusual wetlands
Eastern tiger salamander; by Mike Burchett
If you look closely at an aerial survey—what scientists call a digital elevation model—of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you would notice thousands of small, elliptical depressions dotting the landscape like a bad case of chicken pox. The shallow basins are difficult to observe from the ground, and many have been filled in for agricultural use or obscured by new-growth forests.
Nevertheless, these seasonal freshwater wetlands, called Delmarva bays, are integral to the coastal ecosystem and home to a remarkable number of rare or endangered species. For many years, researchers struggled to understand what caused these egg-shaped ponds, which are found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from New Jersey to Florida. Read more…
The Intern Experience: Students see green jobs up close
Filing reports? Fetching coffee? What do you think this is—a boring bureaucracy gig? Over the summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed 22 interns in seven units to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Several trips into the field were also arranged for maximum exposure to different areas of expertise, as well as an opportunity to meet others in the program. Read more…
From the Field: Angela Crenshaw
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park; by Stephen Badger
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, which opened in March 2017, has educated hundreds of thousands of guests on the life and legacy of an incredible Maryland leader. Such a place itself requires passionate leadership, which it has clearly found in Assistant Park Manager Ranger Angela Crenshaw. Read more…
Piscataway-Conoy: Rejuvenating ancestral ties to southern parks
Recognition event in Annapolis; by Jay Baker
When English explorer John Smith arrived in what is now Maryland in 1608, he was astounded by the bounty that would later become the lifeblood of its colonization. He noted that there was, “No place more perfect for man’s habitation,” than the Chesapeake Bay. And he was right. The bay and its rivers offered a hearty supply of crabs, fish, oysters and waterfowl, while the forests and hills teemed with bear, deer, fox, rabbit, turkey and game birds of all kind. Maryland was a virtual paradise with seemingly endless resources. The English had discovered what native people had known for millennia. Read more…
Flexing Maryland Mussel: Restoring an imperiled wild species
Harvested mussels are transferred into purposefully selected areas of the Patapsco River; by Stephen Badger
Highly sensitive to habitat and landscape alterations, the most common freshwater mussel species in the state has been absent from the Patapsco River for decades.
Fortunately, collaborative efforts between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have resulted in the return of hundreds of mussels to this scenic river, while more are being cultivated in hatcheries to further restore the native population. Read more…
A Good Day for Ducks: Beautiful results of conservation
Male wood duck; by Scott Suriano
For most Americans, the word “duck” conjures up the image of the quintessential mallard drake, with his green head, yellow beak and classic “quack!” Some Marylanders, however, are much more attached to another bird: the wood duck, or Aix sponsa. The male’s iridescent green crest, scarlet eyes and beak, and speckled chestnut breast make him unmistakable. So beautiful is the wood duck’s plumage that the Latin name sponsa means “betrothed,” as though he is dressed in his finest clothes for a wedding. Read more…
Tactical Response: Natural Resources Police takes on homeland security
Officers practice their rapid approach; staff photo
Two low-slung boats glide through the water, heavily armed officers hunkered down inside. They dart to the side of a commercial vessel and within moments, the officers are on board and racing for the bridge.
A sweep of the engine room and living quarters ferrets out a man with a knife who has threatened to kill a passenger. The attacker is placed in handcuffs. The vessel is declared secure. The danger is over.
This time—in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor—it is only a drill. But members of the Maryland Natural Resources Police Tactical Response Team know that it may not be practice the next time there’s a call. Read more…
Dolphin Mania: Technology boosts public eye
Bottlenose dolphins; courtesy of NASA
The earliest recorded historical accounts of dolphins were approximately 1600 B.C., where they were found depicted on ancient frescoes in the Palace of Knossos on the Greek Island of Crete.
According to author Chris Catton, the image of dolphins rescuing sailors or carrying humans recurs again and again in myth and folklore.
“The sculptures, the mosaics, the beautifully engraved and painted pottery,” he explains, “tell us that they were important, but not why.” Read more…
Green Jobs, Bright Futures: Workforce development provides entry to natural resources careers
Stream restoration; by Trystan Sill
“I love the outdoors,” says Fallon Jones. “I have a 9-year-old son and just being able to get into an industry where I can show him, not only about the environment, but also that mommy does something to help the planet—that’s just a great aspect for me.”
Jones is a graduate of Work2Live WELL, a new workforce development and skills training program at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that affords fast-track entry into jobs in aquaculture, boating, commercial fisheries, forestry, restoration, stormwater management and wildlife management. Read more…
First Shot: Freshly minted turkey hunters help keep tradition alive
A group of participants; staff photo
The morning was crisp and unusually cool for April; perfect for a morning hunt. As they trekked to their stations, pairs of hunters were enveloped in a darkness intensifying the sounds and smells of the sleeping woods. As the sun began its slow creep into the morning sky, some were greeted by wildlife they had never seen in person—bald eagles, sika deer and skunks, all stirring at the first signs of dawn.
The excitement and nerves were palpable, ratcheting higher as the sounds of the woods came alive. Hunters listened intently to the eerie sika bugle in the distance, the everpresent scratching of squirrels, birds fluttering between branches and finally, the reason they all woke up early: that first morning gobble.
For 14 individuals, this was their first early morning walk into the woods with one task in mind: to hunt wild turkey. Read more…
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