The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Park Service have reactivated 17 members of the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), who were demobilized in late April after a sudden termination of grant funds by the federal program supporting it. Following the federal government’s termination of numerous AmeriCorps programs on April 25, late on a Friday Read the Rest…
The public is invited to join two focus group meetings to help assess the opportunities, challenges, and pathways forward to the future establishment of Gwynns Falls State Park as the premier example of a “partnership park” between the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. Input on seven topics will be collected ranging from Read the Rest…
Weekend and holiday reservations required at the two parks starting Saturday, May 24 Beginning today, visitors planning to attend Greenbrier State Park or Sandy Point State Park for Memorial Day weekend as well as future weekends and holidays can make reservations at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. The Maryland Park Service’s new day pass reservation system requires all visitors Read the Rest…
Visitors to Maryland State Parks this year have a chance to win prizes such as a year-long admission pass and camping experiences by completing 25 parks-related challenges in 2025. The Maryland Park Service 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge encourages visitors to find and photograph special scenic and historic features in several state parks. Visitors can Read the Rest…
Staff will be on hand at family-friendly Earth Day events around Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a series of free public workshops taking place at Earth Day events throughout the state later this month. Guests can learn about Maryland’s unique geographies and share their thoughts to shape the priorities of Read the Rest…
Funds support important projects in parks statewide Friends of Maryland State Parks has awarded 22 grants totaling $37,855 to state parks across Maryland funds from the advocacy organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” (SBGI). These funds will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreational access, and promote conservation. Since launching the Read the Rest…
The Board of Public Works approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to purchase a historic property that would become the first Maryland State Park in Wicomico County. The Department will acquire approximately 445 acres of land along Wetipquin Creek from owner Donald Graham for $3.3 million. Wetipquin Creek State Park, currently in the planning Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has initiated a process to create an updated Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, as well as the first Maryland State Parks Strategic Plan. These complementary plans will guide efforts to conserve land in Maryland, protect ecosystems, and provide valuable recreational amenities for all residents. As part of this Read the Rest…
Maryland State Parks kicked off 2025 with its annual First Day Hike tradition, joined by more than 5,200 visitors across the state. Although January 1 was windy and cold across most of Maryland, the enthusiasm for stepping into a new year was warm. On New Year’s Day, 2,266 people hiked more than 5,260 miles on Read the Rest…
By Ranger Sarah Milbourne I can vividly remember the first time I saw a bald eagle in the wild. I was about nine or ten, helping my grandfather clear weeds around his bright-yellow farm house in Ingleside, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. A World War II veteran, tall and lanky, my grandfather never spoke of his Read the Rest…
Hikers make Maryland public lands part of their New Year’s tradition Maryland residents and visitors are invited to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes, part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks. From December 31, 2024, through January 2, 2025, Marylanders can explore the beauty of their Read the Rest…
All of Maryland is now past peak foliage for the year. A drought that has affected Maryland throughout the year continues. As of Nov. 5, more than 53% of the state is experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. More than 83% of Maryland is experiencing moderate drought. These dry conditions have made for Read the Rest…
Eastern Shore foliage has hit its peak for the season. “We have had a slow start but are now experiencing those vibrant Autumn colors of deep reds, oranges and yellows,” Park Ranger Joanna Trojanowski reports this week. Oak trees are still showing some color throughout the state, with red oaks bringing some of the most Read the Rest…
In Western Maryland the foliage season is coming to a close, while trees on the Eastern Shore are hitting a midpoint. Trees in Central Maryland are at peak. “In Anne Arundel, the sun-splashed yellow hickory leaves are sprinkled through the forest canopy. The red black gum are prominent while sweet gum are reddening up,” says Read the Rest…
Parts of Western Maryland are past peak foliage for the season, while on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland leaves are approaching their midpoint. In Patapsco Valley State Park there are pockets of green, as well as holes in the forest canopy where winds have knocked down foliage. Foliage in Frederick is near its peak. Read the Rest…
Welcome to this week’s Fall Foliage Report for the Old Line State – or maybe it’s the Gold Line State. That’s what many of the hickories and birch trees in our state are showing right now – leaves with yellow, golden hues. Overall, foresters and rangers continue to report a lackluster leaf show for 2024. Read the Rest…
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) issued various citations and made numerous arrests for violations of criminal and natural resource law this summer. Charges filed against individuals include overfishing, theft, weapons violations, spotlighting deer, various incidents at Maryland State Parks, and other crimes.
Swim near a lifeguard, stay sober on the water As we reach the height of summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors to swim near a lifeguard, wear a life jacket, and to always swim and boat sober.
As visitation at state parks climbs during the busy summer season, it unfortunately also brings an increase in reported criminal activity. Vehicles parked in Maryland state parks and other public lands can often be susceptible to theft. Criminals target cars parked at trailheads and parks as they are typically in remote areas, where the owner Read the Rest…
Environmental cleanup and ecological survey will take time, but officials look forward to opening the long-inaccessible park Just past the stone ruins of an old hotel, Maryland Park Service Ranger Cliff Puffenberger came to a clearing. The edge of an outcrop revealed green mountains that filled the horizon and birds of prey that swept over Read the Rest…
June is Great Outdoors Month, and this year the month kicked off with National Trails Day. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers thousands of miles of great trails for hiking, biking, horse riding and other activities. These marked paths can be found for any skill level or terrain, within the hundreds of thousands of Read the Rest…
In April, the Department of Natural Resources celebrated State Parks Week, an annual acknowledgement of the special significance of our public lands. Our state parks, under the leadership of the department’s dedicated Park Rangers, provide the amenities and activities that nearly 20 million Marylanders enjoy every year, each with its own unique opportunities to connect Read the Rest…
The Maryland Park Service today graduated 21 new State Park Rangers following four weeks of training. The rangers were honored in a ceremony at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp.
Program in its fourth year and supports more than 20 projects statewide The Friends of Maryland State Parks recently awarded 24 grants totaling $41,798 to Maryland State Parks statewide through the advocacy organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” These funds will enable staff to collaborate with community partners to provide information on Maryland’s cultural history, Read the Rest…
Marylanders begin 2024 enjoying the great outdoors A total of 4,248 people hiked about 10,691 miles during First Day Hikes in 40 different Maryland state parks on New Year’s weekend, according to data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Between Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024, park rangers led 47 scheduled hikes Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike — the annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2023 – January 2, 2024. First Day Hikes are Read the Rest…
“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – George Burns Fall foliage in Maryland this year was unpredictable yet still delighted with breathtaking fall color, even if it was short-lived in some areas of the state. We began the season discussing possible leaf outcomes from this summer’s Read the Rest…
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald Fall officially kicks off Saturday, September 23, 2023—the same day as the autumn equinox—in the Northern Hemisphere. Many of us in Maryland are looking forward to leaving behind the days of record-breaking heat and welcoming clear, blue skies, cooler evenings Read the Rest…
It’s a new day for Maryland’s Bays Governor Wes Moore recently announced a new strategy for how Maryland will deploy state resources to improve water quality in our waterways by better aligning our ongoing Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays cleanup efforts with the latest science. A major study released in May by leading Chesapeake Read the Rest…
Maryland’s boating and swimming season is in full swing and the Maryland Natural Resources Police is urging Marylanders to take proper precautions to ensure safe enjoyment of Maryland’s waterways this summer.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the summer schedule for ‘Es Mi Parque’ Spanish-language activity events at state parks throughout Maryland. The Es Mi Parque program was launched by the Department of Natural Resources in 2016 as a pilot project to improve customer service and reduce access barriers for the Hispanic community. It Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning today, state resident first responders and law enforcement officers will receive a $40 discount for an Annual State Park and Trail Passport. The passport, which allows unlimited day-use entry for all of Maryland’s state parks and park facilities for one year, is otherwise available for $75 Read the Rest…
Renewing Our Commitment to our State Parks Although our state parks welcome visitors all year, the arrival of spring means that visitation of Maryland’s vast public lands is about to increase. As I have made my way to Maryland Department of Natural Resources facilities across the state, I have seen the exemplary preparedness and dedication Read the Rest…
After Four-Week Training Program, Rangers Hit the Ground Running The Maryland Park Service recently graduated 20 new State Park Rangers, having held their graduation ceremony on Feb. 24 at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp, following four weeks of training. Since the Maryland Park Service’s modern ranger school program was established in 2009, Read the Rest…
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike —Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2022 – January Read the Rest…
Migrating Pollinators Take Center Stage September 24 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the fall migration of the monarch butterfly with the annual Monarchs and Milkweeds at Merkle event on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities in this free event include tagging and releasing Read the Rest…
Nonprofit Provides ‘Small Grant, Big Impact’ Funds for 15 Projects The Maryland Park Service was awarded 15 improvement project grants by the Friends of Maryland State Parks through the organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” This funding is for projects that focus on conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, and are important additions benefitting Maryland Read the Rest…
Working to Protect Our Resources for Generations to Come I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but one of my favorite programs at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is our conservation corps. These important programs provide workforce and leadership training to youth and veterans, which is important not just for our Read the Rest…
Maryland Teens Complete Outdoor Jobs Skills Program More than three dozen young Marylanders celebrated their graduation from the Conservation Jobs Corps August 2 after five weeks of job training, conservation education, hard work, and fun. The ceremony was held at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County with former Veterans Conservation Corps crew leader Read the Rest…
Award-Winning Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental, and natural resources management projects across the state. The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will Read the Rest…
‘Project Butterfly & Bumblebee’ Includes Activities and Donation Opportunities This spring, the Maryland Park Service has launched Project Butterfly & Bumblebee, an ongoing slate of programs and activities to educate the general public about the role pollinators play in maintaining diverse ecosystems and the nation’s food supply. Pollinators are any insect or animal that transfers Read the Rest…
Opening Up Maryland’s Great Outdoors As we approach the start of summer season, DNR is prepared to meet it with new additions to our Maryland State Park system and a growing list of outdoor recreation and education opportunities.
Announced Two New State Parks Will Open During State Park Week, April 15-22 Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to announce the second Maryland State Park Week, with a ribbon-cutting at the Sandy Point State Park Nature Center. The new center features a Chesapeake Bay themed playground Read the Rest…
Planting Seeds for Future Growth Recent cold weather aside, spring is in full swing, and this year is definitely one to celebrate. As flowers begin to bloom and birds begin to nest, we are pleased to return to many of our favorite warm-weather traditions — including burning socks and planting trees! In fact, I recently Read the Rest…
Young Angler Events Return Across Maryland Youth anglers of all ages are encouraged to hone their fishing skills at any of Maryland’s nearly 50 youth fishing rodeos spread out across the state this year. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with dozens of organizations in 14 counties crisscrossing the state to offer Read the Rest…
Maryland is Invested in Our Natural Resources Spring is around the corner, and as usual, many of us have spring fever. The good news is that our amazing DNR staff have readied our parks and public lands to greet the millions of visitors we receive each year. It is essential that we balance increased visitation Read the Rest…
New Year’s Weekend Hikers Brave Rainy Conditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that about 3,000 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from December 31, 2021 through January 2, 2022. More than 350 people self-reported that they hiked 1,223 miles in our state parks Read the Rest…
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites everyone to take a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. The Maryland Park Service will once again make First Day Hikes a weekend-long event, with ranger-led and self-guided opportunities across Read the Rest…
Honoring our Past, Preserving our Future December is a great time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, so I decided to dedicate this month’s message to our amazing partners, volunteers, and staff who make our accomplishments possible. Earlier this year, I was pleased to host Employee Appreciation celebrations at various state park locations throughout the Read the Rest…
DNR Raising Awareness on Keeping Parks Clean and Green Maryland State Parks have surpassed visitation records the past two years, and 2021 is on track to meet or exceed these unprecedented numbers. Although visitation to Maryland’s parks is traditionally heavy in spring, numbers ramp up even more significantly during the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial Read the Rest…
