Natural Resources News
State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Projects Identified
First Year of $3 Million Fund Will Address All State-Owned Lakes
Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists conduct sampling at Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will undertake restoration projects at lakes throughout Maryland under the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which provides $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.
Governor Hogan approved the total $3 million fund in May 2018, and the department was tasked with determining priorities and a work plan for the funding. Five public open houses were held around the state in the fall of 2018 to solicit project ideas, and the department’s lake managers also helped identify the most pressing needs to protect and restore the water bodies under their care.
“The input we received from local governments, organizations and citizens was very valuable to the department as we made decisions about the first year of funding,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “We are pleased to announce maintenance and restoration projects at all 16 state-owned lakes.”
Each of the lakes will benefit from at least one project. Deep Creek Lake, the largest state-owned lake and the economic driver for Garrett County, will receive approximately $420,000 divided between three projects. At least 41 projects will be funded statewide.
The funds will be used to remove sediment, treat contaminated sediment, prevent the spread of invasive species, improve ecological and recreational value and any other action the department deems necessary.
Native Animal Profile: Baltimore Oriole
A male Baltimore Oriole inspects a tent caterpillar web; by Bonnie Ott
With striking orange and black plumage, it is no wonder why the Baltimore Oriole was selected as Maryland’s state bird. The male’s colors resemble the coat of arms for Sir George Calvert, First Lord of Baltimore.
Baltimore Orioles are medium-sized birds. Male Baltimore Orioles are flame orange and black with a solid black head and orange sides, with orange in the tail. Females and immature Baltimore Orioles are brown above and burnt orange below with two white wing bars. Many adult females have traces of black on their head, suggesting the hood of a male. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush; by Bill Hubick
I vividly remember my first experience with spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in undergrad. My professor broke one of the twigs and had us breathe in the lemony aroma. I was amazed at the spicy, citrus smell that emanated from the broken twig. I later learned this aromatic scent was a deterrent for potential herbivores.
Spicebush is a medium-sized, native shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae). It has a rounded habit and grows up to 15 feet. Spicebush can tolerate dry to wet soils and prefers to grow in part to full shade. It can be found in every county in Maryland, but it grows best in basic soils. Read more…
Books for Backyard Wildlife Habitat Gardeners
Here is a confession: I love books! I’ve always been a bookworm and I often bring books as reference materials to my presentations for fellow book lovers. So, if you are like me and are interested in adding to your backyard book collection, below are a few of my recommendations. Read more…
Rethinking Spring with Native Plants
Spring beauty; by Kerry Wixted
This winter felt like it was almost endless. When the crocuses finally popped in my yard, I was ecstatic. For me, crocuses and daffodils have always been harbingers of spring, but these non-native plants in our landscapes offer little benefit for our native wildlife. There are many native plants, however, which co-evolved with our local wildlife. Below is a list of some early blooming plants that can be used to provide spring nectar and pollen resources.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed
Public Input Complete, Federal Approval is Final Step
After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2019 – 2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons. These recommendations are now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition to close consultation with Governor Hogan’s Wildlife Advisory Commission and the Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee, the department conducted an extensive public outreach effort to develop and propose the 2019-20 migratory game bird hunting season package. Read more…
Patapsco Valley State Park Hosts Family Fun Day
Annual Event Highlights Volunteerism and Stewardship
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Patapsco Valley State Park for Family Fun Day on April 28, a free annual event that encourages a love for the outdoors, along with volunteering and stewardship of our state’s public lands. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the park’s Hilton Area.
Guest can enjoy games, horses, hikes, ice cream, live music, nature programs and other fun-filled activities as they learn about volunteer activities at Maryland state parks and partner organizations. Read more…
Somerset County Celebrating Arbor Day
Students to Join State, County Officials for Tree-Planting
Somerset County government, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold its first Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting event on April 24. The event begins at 10 a.m. next to the Board of Education Building, 7982A Tawes Campus Drive, Westover.
Local and state officials will join school students to plant more than 10 container-sized trees on the grounds. Trees are being supplied by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ TreeMendous Maryland and Gift of Trees programs. A second planting will also take place later in spring on the property, with the county planting 12.6 acres of seedlings for forest conservation mitigation. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 17
Matt Beam holds up a striped bass caught this past weekend during the catch-and-release season. Photo by Travis Long
Saturday, April 20, marks the much-anticipated opening day of the 2019 trophy striped bass season. Captains and crews have been working overtime getting their boats ready for this weekend, from the largest charter boats to private boats parked on trailers in driveways. Good luck to all but be patient — many post-spawn striped bass are still making the journey downriver from their spawning sites.
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Annual Market Fair
Eighteenth Century Comes Alive April 25-28
History buffs of all ages are invited to experience an authentic colonial market fair at Fort Frederick State Park April 25-28. The annual Fort Frederick Market Fair features top artisans, craftspeople, entertainers and sutlers together with an 18th century military encampment alongside the park’s historic 1756 stone fort. Read more…
Maryland Striped Bass Trophy Season Opens April 20
Annual Rite of Spring Lasts Through May 15 in Most Areas
Photo: “Rockfishing” by Roy Julie
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the state’s trophy striped bass season will begin April 20 and last through May 15.
Anglers may catch one striped bass per day, with a minimum size of 35 inches, in the Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the Virginia state line. Read more…
Queen Anne’s County Residents Can Get Free Trees
Partners to Provide Free Seedlings April 23-26
White oak seedlings at the state nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board will hold their annual tree seedling giveaway program the week of April 22. These seedlings are available to the citizens of Queen Anne’s County as an educational effort promoting the planting of trees, in celebration of national Arbor Day on April 25. Read more…
Maryland Releases Draft Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan
Public invited to comment on draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan
Photo by James Phelps
A draft plan for continued progress in restoring Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is now available for public review and comment.
The draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan represents the next step in Maryland meeting its commitments as part of a multi-state bay restoration effort. Maryland developed the draft plan to meet targets by 2025 using a locally driven, stakeholder process to identify achievable pollution reduction strategies that balance responsibilities across wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater runoff, septic systems and farms. Read more…
Kent County Arbor Day Celebration Set for April 23
Partners to Name Poster Contest Winners, Provide Free Seedlings
Photo: “Budding Red Bud” by Ashley Stubbs
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Kent County Commissioners and the Kent County Forest Board for the annual Arbor Day celebration, at 1:15 p.m. April 23 in the Kent County Courthouse Courtyard, 103 N. Cross St., Chestertown.
As part of the event, partners will celebrate Chestertown’s 38th anniversary as a Tree City USA participant and announce the winners of the county’s 2019 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 10
Five year old Emmett Jackson got to go trout fishing on the Patapsco River with his older brother Hunter and dad recently. Emmitt proudly holds up some of the trout he caught. Photo by John Jackson
The generous stocking of trout by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatchery program has brought countless smiles to the faces of trout fishermen, young and old. These fish are being stocked in waters near you.
Maryland Environmental Trust Hosts Annual Conference and Symposium
Regular Registration Ends April 22
The 2019 Maryland Land Conservation Conference will be held May 16-17 at the Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum. This annual event brings together land trusts, conservancies, local and state government agencies, heritage organizations, members of the agricultural community and other partners for a comprehensive discussion about the future of land conservation in our region. Read more…
Statewide Spring Turkey Season Set to Open
Youth Hunters Get First Opportunity This Weekend
Photo by Maureen Koncen
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off Saturday, April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18-May 23.
For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18-May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. Throughout the rest of the season, May 10-23, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset. Read more…
Free Trees for Somerset and Worcester County Backyard Buffers
Order Deadline is April 26
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in Somerset and Worcester counties 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, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry. Read more…
Spring Wildfire Season in Maryland Calls for Precautions
Maryland Forest Service Prepared for Wildfire Activity
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across Maryland to prepare and help prevent wildfires.
“Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions are at the optimum for fire spread,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell said. “Wildfires are more likely on warm days with dry forest fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 3
Photo by Shawn Campbell
Put-and-take trout fishermen had a successful opening day of the 2019 trout season. Beautiful weather prevailed, the trout hatchery program provided generous stocking of healthy trout and a great time was had by all!
Fishing for a variety of catfish species is very good right now. Channel catfish are spread throughout the upper Chesapeake Bay and most all of the tidal rivers flowing into the bay. Blue catfish can be found in the Potomac River from the St. Georges Island area north to the Wilson Bridge. They can also be found in the Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers and are starting to show up in the Choptank River. Flathead catfish can be caught in the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River. Fresh cut bait is standard fare for successful fishing for catfish.
Maryland Arbor Day 2019 Celebrated
Day to Highlight Trees and Those Who Help Them Grow
Following an annual tradition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored Maryland Arbor Day by delivering tree seedlings to state leadership.
The department celebrates the first Wednesday of April every year by giving away trees for planting and honoring the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the state’s tree farming industry.
Read more…
Secretary’s Message: April 2019
Honor the Past by Investing in the Future
This past month marked the passing of a friend and mentor — former Governor Harry Hughes.
I feel privileged to have known Governor Hughes, a fellow Eastern Shore resident, who was a man of integrity. He was also a leader who greatly influenced the mission of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, especially with regard to restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
One of Governor Hughes’ lasting legacies is the Chesapeake Bay Program, a partnership in which we still participate today alongside the other states and jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The significance of this program is that it encourages coordination on restoration activities under an important federal framework and ensures that all stakeholders are doing their part. The success of this program is evidenced by key environmental indicators such as record growth of underwater grasses, rebounds of iconic aquatic species, and an increase in overall water quality.
Unfortunately, the future of the Chesapeake Bay Program is threatened, as funding is nearly zeroed out in the president’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget. These proposed cuts are potentially devastating to our restoration efforts at a time when we are making good progress. I applaud and support Governor Hogan’s leadership in trying to get that funding restored. Read more…
Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild
After a long winter slumber, black bears are now emerging from their dens, and human residents of Maryland’s bear country should take steps to keep both species separate and safe.
Adult and newborn bears will emerge hungry and seeking natural food sources, but many of their preferred foods — acorns, berries, insects and plants — are still in short supply this time of year. Until these natural foods are more seasonally abundant, bears may become more easily attracted to artificial and human-generated food sources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents to remove all potential bear attractants to prevent conflicts. Read more…
Point Lookout State Park Hosts Cleanup at Historic Civil War Site
Annual Event Offers Insight Into Park’s Significant Past
Volunteers are invited to Point Lookout State Park April 6 help maintain and restore the park’s historic Civil War Fort #3 and prison pen, as part of the annual Park Day preservation event sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust.
Hosted by The Friends of Point Lookout Inc., Saturday’s cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to helping with the upkeep of this valuable site, volunteers will learn more about the park’s significance and its role during the American Revolution, Civil War and the War of 1812. Weather permitting, tours of the site will be available to participants upon conclusion of the day’s activities.
Read more…
Angler Sets Record with Fallfish Caught in Upper Potomac
First Time Species Officially Recognized by Maryland
A Baltimore County man has established a record by catching a 2.07 pound fallfish, marking the first time this freshwater species has been recognized by the state.
Adam Aghion of Pikesville caught this impressive fallfish March 20 on the Maryland side of the upper Potomac River, using a drop shot rig with a #12 hook. Aghion said he made the trip to that location specifically to catch walleye. Read more…
Maryland’s Recreational Crabbing Season Begins April 1
Maryland Tradition Springs to Life
Photo by Katie Macdonald
The recreational crabbing season in Maryland officially opens April 1 for the Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries as well as in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries.
Recreational crabbing in Maryland can be done a variety of ways, with or without a license depending on the equipment and location. Licenses are required for anyone who uses a trotline, collapsible crab traps, net rings, seines or eel pots.
A license is not required for anyone using handlines or dip nets. In addition, waterfront property owners, lessee, or tenant of a private shoreline property can register to crab license-free using up to two crab pots.
A recreational crabbing license is not required in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries. Additionally, any passenger of a boat with a valid crabbing license doesn’t need an individual license to crab. Read more…
Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing Now Open
Applications Must Be Submitted by May 31
Photo by Matt Stevens
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian, or waterfront, property owners.
A license allows the shoreline owner, or anyone who has the owner’s permission, to hunt waterfowl from their own blind in state waters or to prevent other waterfowl hunters from licensing the shoreline at a later date. Read more…
Park Quest 2019 Registration Kicks Off April 3
“Off the Beaten Path” Adventures Begin May 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens registration April 3 for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. This year’s theme is “Off the Beaten Path — Arts, Activities and Adventures in Maryland State Parks.”
Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks.
Through this annual program, 1,000 qualifying teams — usually families — will get an opportunity to complete outdoor excursions in at least 20 different sites from May 1 through Oct. 31. Read more…
Anglers Can Provide Scientific Data from Smartphone
Volunteer Surveys Engage Citizen Scientists
As spring fishing season begins in earnest, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to help track scientific data by using the mobile-friendly Volunteer Angler Survey.
Anglers of all ages can become citizen scientists by recording some basic information from their catch such as species, location and size directly to survey on their smartphone. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 27
Photo by Joe Evans
The traditional opening day of trout season is this coming Saturday, March 30. Anticipation is always high for any opening day, and Maryland’s put-and-take trout fishermen will be out all across the state.
Easement Protects Anne Arundel County Forested Land
Partners Preserve Scenic Land on Little Patuxent
Maryland Environmental Trust and Scenic Rivers Land Trust have permanently protected 111 acres of forestland, wetlands and meadow along the Little Patuxent River from development.
Owner Linda Egolf granted a conservation easement on the property, which has been in her family for more than 100 years, forever protecting this ecologically important habitat. Read more…
Free Seedlings for St. Mary’s County Backyard Buffers
Order Deadline is April 12
Northern red oak
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to St. Mary’s County 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.
Plantings can be ordered in small bundles of 9 seedlings and large bundles of 15 seedlings, with species including chestnut oak, gray dogwood, northern red oak, red bud and white oak. Read more…
2019-2020 Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winners Named
Annual Contests Draw Attention to Wildlife Management
Rebecca Latham of Hastings, Minn. won the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest with her painting, “Explorer.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests.
A panel of judges chose the winners on March 16 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in front of an enthusiastic crowd of contestants and fans. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 20
Matt Sell and his son Lucas recently enjoyed fishing for walleye together on the upper Potomac River. Photo by John Mullican
It’s the first full day of spring — winter is losing its grip on the Maryland landscape and warmer weather is tangible. The honking of migrant Canada Geese has been replaced by the chirping of ospreys, heralding a changing of the guard. Although the Western Maryland counties may be the last to give up to winter’s grip, those living there are using it to the last to enjoy family fun while enjoying the outdoors.
Board of Public Works Approves $2.14 Million for New Park in Gaithersburg
Program Open Space Provides Funds to Convert Former Office Site
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to commit $2.14 million in Program Open Space funds toward developing a local park at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission site in Gaithersburg.
The city plans to improve the 9.54-acre property to meet the demands of a growing, diverse population. The park will include open space plus a community garden, covered picnic pavilions, a nature play space, outdoor fitness equipment, a paved walking trail and a tot lot. Read more…
2019 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Total $215,505
Grants Supports Communities, Projects and Schools
University of Maryland Baltimore County was a recipient of a 2019 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant.
Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Resources, has awarded 71 grants totaling $215,505 toward environmental education, community cleanup and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program.
These annual grants are funded by Maryland Environmental Trust, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Read more…
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.