Record Visitation Reflects Growing Interest in Outdoor Recreation Amid Pandemic Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a 45 percent increase in final attendance for Maryland State Parks in 2020 compared to the previous record-setting visitation attendance in 2019. In 2020, Maryland State Parks welcomed 21.5 million Read the Rest…
Annual First Day Hike Tradition Adapts and Grows The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates that 16,237 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from January 1-3, 2021. Following safety provisions to prevent spread of COVID-19, and taking advantage of the long New Year’s weekend, hikers engaged Read the Rest…
Since beginning my bucket list quest to visit all 75 of Maryland’s state parks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the most remote corners of our state, witnessing its magnificent beauty far off the beaten path. Other times, I’ve encountered natural oases a mere stone’s throw from a busy highway, quietly hidden in Read the Rest…
Weekend Of Self-Guided Walks on Maryland Public Lands The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to take a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. This year, the Maryland Park Service will offer self-guided hike opportunities across the state from January 1-3, 2021. As always, Read the Rest…
First Day Hikes Kick Off 2020 About 5,000 hikers took advantage of sunny and mild weather New Year’s Day, joining the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in the state’s annual First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland. Park rangers, staff, and volunteers Read the Rest…
Federal, State Parks Offer Free Admission for Fourth Graders Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio in announcing that for the fifth consecutive year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide free admission to national public lands and state parks to fourth-grade children and their families. The program, called Read the Rest…
If you look at a map of the United States, Maryland appears small—so small that depending on the map, you may hardly be able to see it at all. But when you’re here, the land of the Free State is actually quite expansive and diverse. In the 1970s, National Geographic dubbed Maryland, “America in Miniature,” Read the Rest…
Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, as well as parks staff and state and local elected officials, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Wolf Den Run State Park, the newest state park in Maryland.
Charles County Acquisition Enhances Conservation and Recreation The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to acquire 182 acres in Charles County as an addition to Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area. The mostly forested property along a tributary of Mattawoman Creek seeks to expand public access and recreation opportunities for birding, Read the Rest…
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