Natural Resources News
Partners Preserve 104 Acres in Harford County
Otter Creek Preserve Protected Forever
The Maryland Environmental Trust partnered with the Harford Land Trust to permanently protect a 104-acre woodland tract in Edgewood.
The land trust gifted the conservation easement to ensure the area’s rich ecological resources and scenic land along Willoughby Beach Road were safeguarded for the benefit of future generations. Read more…
The ABCs of Trout Fishing
Photo by Devin Angleberger
There will be a lot of trout fishing opportunities in the next couple of months, offering some great ultra-light fishing fun.
A light spinning rod and reel is one of the best outfits to use with monofilament fishing line of 4- or 6-pound test line.
Maryland Hikers Start Off New Year Trekking More Than 2,500 Miles
More Than 1,200 People Brave Cold for First Day Hikes
First Day Hike at Seneca Creek State Park by Teresa Rubio
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed 1,227 hikers at more than 30 state parks this New Year’s Day as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative.
Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers guided the brave souls through 2,500 miles of paths and trails, where they confronted below-freezing temperatures and blustery winds.
Funding Available for Outdoor Recreation Projects
Counties and Municipalities Must Apply by Feb. 15
Photo by Lisa Blumberg
The Maryland of Department Natural Resources invites counties and municipalities to apply for up to $750,000 in matching funds for public outdoor recreation acquisition and development projects through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Eligible projects include athletic fields, boat launches, campgrounds, fishing piers, hunting areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, trails and other outdoor activities.
Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contests Open
Artists Invited to Submit Original Works by March 8
Blackwater Visitors by Paul Makuchal
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites artists to submit original works for the annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests.
Both residents and nonresidents are encouraged to participate in these popular design contests, which remain open until March 8. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: January 2018
All Hands on Deck for Bay Restoration
Photo: “Bay Bridge Morning” by James Phelps
Happy New Year!
At the end of 2017, I reflected on the progress that we’ve made protecting and restoring our most precious natural resource and treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Now entering 2018, I want to focus on partnerships and opportunities we have to build on in the coming year.
Maryland works in partnership with our fellow states and territories in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which set restoration goals for 2025. It’s been essential that we engage every community in the state – be it local governments, industry groups and scientific organizations – to address our priorities and to meet our goals. Read more…
Snakeheads Studied to Learn their “Walk”
Department Helps Research Invasive Predator
Researcher Noah Bressman in the lab, observing a northern snakehead’s ability to move on land
Among wild creatures with strange legends attached to their name, the northern snakehead is said by some to be a fish that walks. The truth is this unwanted invasive species does move on land, if not by actually walking – and figuring out how they do it has captured the attention of one researcher.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping Noah Bressman, a Ph.D. candidate at Wake Forest University, in his study of northern snakeheads’ mysterious locomotion. Read more…
Firearm Deer Hunting Season Reopens Jan. 5
Additional Hunting Opportunities Begin Jan. 5 in Region B
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 5 in Deer Management Region B, which includes all the state but its westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 5 and 6 in all Region B counties and Jan. 7 – on private lands only – in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington (Zone 1) and Worcester counties. On Jan. 7, shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Staff Recognized as Communicators of the Year
New Approach to Digital Communications Garners National Honor
Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton (center) congratulates Communications Director Stephen Schatz and Design and Publications Manager Lauren Mitchell.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to announce that Communications Director Stephen Schatz and Design and Publications Manager Lauren Mitchell were among several nationwide recipients of the 2017 Granicus Digital Strategy Awards.
The awards were given to several federal, state and local entities in the United States and United Kingdom. Individuals and organizations were recognized for innovative approaches to digital strategy and excellence in key areas including transforming access to services, creative and innovative use of digital tools, and improving citizen engagement.
Owings Mills Property Named Baltimore County Tree Farm of the Year
Honors Showalter Tree Farm’s 40 Years of Quality Forest Management
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Forester Rob Prenger recently presented Sally Marker-Showalter of Showalter Tree Farm in Owings Mills with the 2017 Baltimore County Tree Farm of the Year Award.
The Showalter family won this year’s county award in recognition of the dedication and commitment to timber production, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, water quality, and aesthetics they’ve demonstrated on their tree farm for close to 40 years.
West Virginia Volunteer Firefighter Convicted of Setting Fires
Brian Chad Twigg
A West Virginia man was convicted Tuesday in Allegany County Circuit Court of setting three fires earlier this year that damaged 57 acres in Green Ridge State Forest.
Brian Chad Twigg, 20, of Paw Paw, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree malicious burning, a felony. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with all but six months suspended, and placed on supervised probation for five years. Twigg also was ordered to pay $13,814 in restitution. Read more…
Researchers Win National Challenge to Study Storm Event Impact on Chesapeake Bay
Joint Department, University Team Develops Nutrient Monitoring Plan
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have been named one of five winners of a $10,000 Stage 1 Prize in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge.
UMCES and Maryland Department of Natural Resources worked together to detail a plan for using newly developed nutrient sensors to explore questions related to the infilling of Conowingo Dam and how storm events will impact water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Susquehannock Wildlife Society named Maryland Conservationist of the Year
Nonprofit Recognized for Partnership in Natural Resources Mission
Pictured from left to right: Scott McDaniel, Susquehannock Wildlife Society; Luen Compton, chairman of the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission; Scott Smith, Maryland Department of Natural Resources ecologist; Paul Peditto, Wildlife and Heritage Service director.
The Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission recently awarded the Harford County-based Susquehannock Wildlife Society the Maryland Conservationist of the Year award.
The local nonprofit was recognized for accomplishments in conservation, education, research and restoration, and for the group’s partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and others in preserving and protecting Maryland’s wildlife.
The Nature of Change: Winter 2018
Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life. My administration is committed to doing everything we can to expand opportunities for our citizens and visitors to appreciate all that our state has to offer, and to create and grow economic opportunities for all Marylanders.
That’s why I recently signed an executive order creating the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission. This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources. Read more…
Aboveboard: Winter 2018
For the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, winter is anything but the “offseason.”
Our state offers a wide range of outdoor recreation for all seasons. In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, our experts discuss some true winter activities: snowmobiling and ice-fishing. These sound like things you hear about in the frozen north, but you can find out where and how you can do these activities—safely, of course—on state lands and waters.
Our state parks continue to offer programming throughout the year, and we’re always looking for new ways to expand access for visitors to enjoy them. This past Veterans Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced that all military veterans will be granted free admission and entrance to the network of 72 state parks. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Winter 2018
Frozen Deep Creek Lake; by Candy Thomson
Maryland boasts plenty of outdoor winter activities! Our experts offer tips on how to stay safe while ice fishing and snowmobiling. Read more…
Recipe: Muskrat Stew
Stew boiling; by Mike Malpezzi
This edition’s recipe is a Dorchester County specialty.
The Making of a Ranger: State parks gain new stewards in uniform
New rangers in uniform; staff photo
The call comes in late in the afternoon, as the park office is about to close for the day. On the other end of the line, a frantic mother exclaims that her son is hours past his expected arrival home from his routine hike through New Germany State Park. The park ranger on duty takes down all the information regarding the boy’s description, his age, when he was last seen and what he was wearing. Read more…
Meshach Browning: Maryland’s most celebrated hunter
Only known portrait of Browning; background image New Germany State Park
Kentucky has Daniel Boone. Davy Crockett was born on a mountaintop in Tennessee. Thanks to the literary ability of Meshach (pronounced MEE-shak) Browning, Maryland has its own early-American frontier legend, whose tales have captivated audiences for 158 years. Today, the famous rifle of our state’s most celebrated hunter is among early American items displayed in the Smithsonian Institution. Read more…
Shoring Up Ocean City: Beach renourishment prevents storm damage
Ocean City; by Joseph H. Soares, Jr.
Each year, millions of visitors from throughout the United States come to enjoy the famous beach in Ocean City, Maryland.
Most have no idea that the prime attraction of this tourism hot spot is actually a project engineered to protect the city from powerful coastal storms and hurricanes. Read more…
By Air, Land or Sea: What surveys tell us
Waterfowl, Blackwater, Smith Island; by J. Scott Bruce, Joe Subolefsky, Peter Zitta
Aldo Leopold, a well-known environmental ethicist, once penned, “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.”
Since conservation is at the very core of our charge here at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, we are required to have a profound understanding of our ever-changing natural world and the impact of mankind upon it. To accomplish this task, we turn to science—and for the science, we go to extraordinary lengths. Read more…
Prey for Rescue: Officer training extends to handling raptors
Immature bald eagle; by William Pully
Vulnerable, yet often still powerful, injured birds of prey pose many challenges to would-be rescuers.
Whether it is a struggling bald eagle whose water-logged feathers prevent it from lifting off from a river or an osprey left dazed after flying into a plate-glass window, raptors are great forces of nature, capable of striking with formidable talons and beaks. Read more…
What’s Old is New, What’s Green is You: A behind-the-scenes look at the recycling process
Recycling process; by Max Tucker
If you are like most Marylanders, you probably already have a general understanding of recycling and why it is important. Charged with protecting the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s population is particularly engaged in environmental issues. It is no surprise, then, that recycling has increasingly become the norm here, with recycling rates climbing from less than 20 percent two decades ago to higher than 43 percent today. Every time you set out your bottles and cans at home or drop your paper in the bin at work, you play a crucial role in that success. Yet that is only where the story begins. Read more…
2017 Photo Contest: Winners
Red Fox at Dusk; by Melissa McCeney
Please enjoy scrolling through the top picks from our annual contest.; this year’s pool included approximately 1,500 photos from 295 participants.
From the Field: Kim Hernandez
Mallows Bay; by Kim Hernandez
When Kim Hernandez moved to the East Coast after graduating from the University of Kansas, she became known among her Atlantic coast peers as “the girl from Kansas who’s going to save the oceans.”
Although she grew up in the landlocked Midwest, Hernandez wasn’t isolated from the water. She frequented the Gulf of Mexico while visiting family in Texas, where she developed a lifelong passion for preserving America’s coastal waters and shorelines. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: December 20
Photo by Eric Wilson
This fishing report will close out 2017, but there are plenty of fishing opportunities for all regions of Maryland through the winter. The preseason stocking of trout has begun and will pick up pace in January and February. Yellow perch are moving into the upper reaches of the tidal rivers while crappie, chain pickerel, catfish and walleye will stay active. The months of January and February often present the best opportunity to catch trophy-sized tautog off Ocean City.
Happy Holidays from all of the staff at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services; enjoy the best of family and friends through this wonderful time of the year, and enjoy the great Maryland outdoors together.
Governor Hogan Honors Employee for Customer Service
Somers Cove Marina Executive Director Tom Schisler Recognized at Board of Public Works
Governor Larry Hogan awards Somers Cove Marina Executive Director Tom Schisler with a Customer Service Award
Governor Larry Hogan recognized Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Tom Schisler today with a Customer Service Heroes Award. Schisler, executive director of Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, was honored for enhancing customer service and improving facility maintenance at the state-managed marina. The award presentation occurred during the Board of Public Works meeting.
The Customer Service Heroes Award was created by Governor Hogan in 2016 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated and exceeded expectations set within the state’s Customer Service Promise. Read more…
Maryland Announces Comprehensive Oyster Restoration Plan
Breton Bay and St. Mary’s River Selected for Large-Scale Restoration;
State Pledges Investment in Manokin, Nanticoke and Severn Sanctuaries
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced a comprehensive plan on oyster restoration, including its intention to recommend Breton Bay and the upper St. Mary’s River as the fourth and fifth tributaries to satisfy the state’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement goal of restoring native oyster habitat and populations in five tributaries by 2025.
The department’s selection complements ongoing large-scale oyster restoration activities in Harris Creek, the Little Choptank River and the Tred Avon River.
Maryland Environmental Trust Protects Historic Cecil County Land
Winery Donates 347-Acre Conservation Easement
The Maryland Environmental Trust and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy permanently protected 347 acres of Cecil County farmland and forestland along Route 213, the Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway. Chateau Bu-De donated a conservation easement to protect the land surrounding its winery.
The newly protected land was once part of Bohemia Manor Farm, the 17th century estate of Maryland explorer and nobleman Augustine Herman.
Army Corps Begins Dredging and Jetty Construction on Smith Island
Federal, State and Local Partners Move on Critical Navigation and Environmental Projects
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is starting work on two critical projects to benefit Smith Island residents — a navigation improvement project at Rhodes Point that includes the construction of two jetties, and dredging the Big Thorofare and Twitch Cove federal channels.
The project, in coordination with Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Somerset County, consists of the realignment of a portion of the federal navigation channel in Sheep Pen Gut through dredging; construction of two jetties to prevent shoaling in the channel and to reduce the continual need for dredging; and creation of a stone sill along the shoreline to prevent further erosion and contain the clean dredged material from the project. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 34,000 Deer during Firearm Season
Sunday Hunting Contributed to Total
Deer Herd at Monocacy Battlefield by Jan Branscome
Maryland hunters reported taking 34,412 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearm season. The total was similar to last year’s official harvest of 35,002.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that more than 4,000 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, more than 10 percent of the total take during the two week season. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: December 13
Photo by Travis Long
Winter’s grasp on the Maryland landscape is steadily getting tighter and windows of mild weather are becoming less frequent. This week high winds could make for a tough time on open water. If you do go out, be careful and wear your life jacket.
Trolling along deep channel edges in the upper Chesapeake Bay region has become the most popular and productive way to fish for larger resident striped bass this week. The fish that measure longer than 20 inches tend to be holding in about 40 feet of water. Hefty inline weights are being used to get tandem rigged lures or umbrella rigs down close to the bottom where fish are holding. A mix of parachutes, swimshads, bucktails, red surge tube lures and spoons have been popular choices. Water clarity has been very good, so white has been a good color to use for lures, as are silver spoons. Now that some large fall migrant striped bass have shown up in Maryland waters, anglers could reap huge rewards placing a couple of large parachutes or spoons in a trolling spread.
Preseason Trout Stocking Begins in December
Over 300,000 Fish Being Raised for Stocking
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin preseason stocking for the spring 2018 trout season as early as the end of December.
The early trout stocking will now include several impoundments that will receive their annual allotments in a single stocking, which will provide greater fishing opportunities for anglers throughout the winter season.
Community Resilience Grants Now Available
Department Seeks Local Proposals to Enhance Resiliency and Sustainability
Conquest Preserve
Local communities and nonprofits are invited to apply for funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to prepare for coastal flooding, storms and other climate-related impacts, and to enhance community resiliency and sustainability through natural, nature-based and green infrastructure.
New this year, local entities may also apply for design of a restoration project that addresses coastal, floodplain or stormwater impacts. Read more…
First Day Hikes Offer Healthy Start to New Year
Celebrate 2018 in Maryland’s Parks and Public Lands
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to welcome in the New Year with a First Day Hike!
Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers will lead more than 30 hikes on public lands and state parks New Year’s Day, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.
Maryland Boaters Can Now Renew Vessels Online
New Interagency Platform Enhances Renewal Process
As part of Governor Larry Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to provide government services in an accessible and convenient manner, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that Maryland boat owners can now renew their vessel registration online.
The new digital platform can be accessed through the department’s online licensing and registration service or through the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration eStore.
Users only need their hull identification and vessel numbers to complete the transaction. Read more…
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Transporting Snakes
Joint Police Investigation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to two counts of illegally transporting protected wildlife in a case investigated by federal agents and the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
William Carl Bartlett, 65, of Eastpoint, Florida faces a maximum prison term of two years and a fine of up to $20,000 for violations of the Lacey Act. He will be sentenced Feb. 28 in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Reopens Dec. 16
Second Half of Season Runs Until Dec. 30
Photo by John Gambriel
The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season is set to open Dec. 16. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a muzzleloader stamp from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during the season, which concludes Dec. 30.
“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family during the holidays,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The season is important to the state’s deer management program and for reaching our harvest goals.” Read more…
Maryland Agencies Begin Stream Restoration Project in Cecil County
Pilot Project Supports Chesapeake Bay Restoration
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced the start of a new stream restoration project along Gramies Run, a tributary of the Elk River in Cecil County.
The multiagency pilot project, designed to restore streams and wetlands on private property, will be used to evaluate this restoration technique for future Chesapeake Bay restoration projects. Work will begin in December 2017, with anticipated completion in early 2019. Read more…
Maryland Environmental Trust Protects Scenic Farm in Talbot County
Easement Covers 232 Acres of Countryside Farm and Forest Land
The Maryland Environmental Trust, partnering with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, has permanently protected 232 acres of farm and forest land along Maryland Route 33, known as the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway.
Gannon Family, LLC granted a conservation easement on what is locally called “Lee Haven Farm,” forever protecting the prime agricultural land and scenic views. The Board of Public Works approved the easement Dec. 6, 2017. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: December 6
This 51-inch fish was caught in Eastern Bay while trolling a spoon, and was quickly released. Photo courtesy of Bradley Smith
The striped bass fishing community always anticipates the possible appearance of large fall migrant striped bass in our portion of the Chesapeake Bay.
The fall migration was late this year, but the first confirmed report came in over the weekend — so there is hope for anglers wishing to catch a trophy-sized striped bass before our season closes on Dec. 20.
Governor Larry Hogan, Board of Public Works Announce $7.6 Million for Park and Playground Projects in Baltimore City
Board of Public Works Approves Department of Natural Resources Items
Herring Run Stream by Steven Brown
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a series of Maryland Department of Natural Resources items providing dedicated funding to Baltimore City, allocating $7.6 million for 11 different city and community projects.
The portfolio includes funding from Program Open Space Local, the Baltimore City Direct Grant and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.
“Creating beautiful, safe outdoor spaces for city residents is critical to improving the quality of life in Baltimore,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are proud to provide this funding through the Board of Public Works to make these much-needed improvements at parks and recreation centers throughout the city.” Read more…
Police Charge Dorchester County Man with Oystering in a Sanctuary
Cite Four Dirt Bikers with Illegal Operation
Jody Daniel Jackson
A Dorchester County man was charged with multiple counts of illegal oystering during a joint operation between Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on the ground and Natural 1, the department’s recently reacquired helicopter.
Jody Daniel Jackson, 18, of East New Market, was spotted harvesting oysters with a power dredge in the Little Choptank River Nov. 3. Read more…
Police K-9 Unit Tracks Down Trespassing Hunter in Kent County
K-9 Officer Beacon
A Maryland Natural Resources Police K-9 unit tracked a trespassing Pennsylvania man from his truck to a tree stand on public land in Kent County, where he was charged with illegal hunting.
Kevin Lee King, 21, of Gordonville, received a citation Nov. 18 for hunting without written permission and was issued written warnings for failing to check in and field tag a deer, and record the kill on the Big Game Harvest Record. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: December 2017
A Watershed Year for the Chesapeake Bay
Secretary Mark Belton observes Chesapeake Bay water quality monitoring on board the department’s Research Vessel Kehrin.
When this year began, I knew it held great promise for the future of our most precious natural resource and treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland is committed to protecting and restoring the nation’s largest estuary, and I’m pleased to say this year we’ve seen strong signs of progress.
Deer Hunters Enjoy Productive Firearm Season Opener
Western Maryland Harvest Sees Jump; Junior Hunt Weekend Also Successful
Photo by Douglas E. George
Hunters reported harvesting 13,514 deer on the opening weekend of the 2017 Maryland firearm season, the state’s most popular hunting season. The total includes 6,242 antlered and 7,272 antlerless deer, with sika deer comprising 201 of the antlered and 188 of the antlerless totals. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: November 29
Karon Hickman holds up a nice striped bass he caught while casting in the Patapsco River. Photo courtesy of Karon Hickman
Water temperatures in Maryland continue to drop as the weather turns colder. In many areas, fish are seeking out warmer temperatures found in deeper waters. The tidal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay are seeing surface water temperatures in the mid-40s while the bay itself is around 50 degrees.
The upper bay region has been providing good fishing for a larger grade of striped bass, primarily by trolling along deep channel edges in the bay and lower sections of the region’s tidal rivers.
Assateague State Park Campground Improvement Project Postponed
New Expected Start Date in October 2018
Planned campground construction and improvements at Assateague State Park have been rescheduled to begin in October 2018.
The project plans to relocate campgrounds roads and shore up eroding sand dunes, resulting in a more sustainable beach with stronger dunes that can protect the park’s amenities and campgrounds. Read more…
Two Anne Arundel County Marinas Certified as Maryland Clean Marinas
Horn Point Harbor Manager Andrew Rinna
Two Anne Arundel County marinas earned Maryland Clean Marina awards after passing a voluntary evaluation and inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Horn Point Harbor in Annapolis and Pleasure Cove Marina in Pasadena both met the criteria checklist, bringing the total number of Maryland Clean Marinas and Partners to 152.
Maryland Fifth-Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until Feb. 2
The 2017 Arbor Day Poster Contest statewide winning entry, submitted by Clara Pham from St. Mary’s County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2018 is “Trees Are Terrific…and Make Communities Healthy!” All entries need to be delivered to a Maryland Forest Service office by noon Feb. 2, 2018.