In the last week of October, Maryland’s outdoor recreation community gathered in Baltimore for our second annual Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit. Bringing together the partners that comprise and support Maryland’s outdoor recreation community – local and state government, environmental organizations, educators, outfitters, and other businesses – is essential. The science is clear: time in nature Read the Rest…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Outdoor Equity Mini Grant program is doubling its impact in 2025, providing $65,000 to projects that are introducing more Marylanders to camping, mountain biking, outdoor education, and nature-based wellness. Projects chosen by DNR’s Office of Outdoor Recreation for funding include an initiative to introduce mountain biking to women in Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Greenspace Equity, Rural Legacy, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Permanent Easement programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.8 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for outdoor recreational improvements and land conservation in Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting grant proposals for the FY 2027 Greenspace Equity Program, which provides funding to land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments to acquire and/or develop public greenspaces in overburdened and underserved communities. The goal of the Greenspace Equity Program is to preserve, create, and improve public Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local and Community Parks and Playgrounds The Board of Public Works today approved nearly $4.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for recreational facilities in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Caroline, Carroll, Dorchester, Garrett, Howard, Kent, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will distribute more than $12 million in grant funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for state and local projects to enhance outdoor recreation. Funds will be used for acquisition of new park land, renovation of existing facilities, and the development of new amenities Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation is accepting registrations to attend the 2025 Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit, happening October 28-30 in Baltimore City. The summit will feature outdoor excursions, dynamic speakers and sessions, networking, and social events. Maryland hosted its inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit last October at Rocky Gap State Park, Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering new regulations that will allow everyone to use pedal-assist electric bicycles on state bike trails, increasing accessibility and enjoyment of Maryland’s public lands. For years, all electric bikes have been treated the same as motorized vehicles in parks and public lands, prohibited from traveling on trails and Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Community Parks and Playgrounds, Greenspace Equity, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $2.7 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for new ball fields, playground equipment, and the conservation of land Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works has approved more than $4.3 million in grants to support 20 projects under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Greenspace Equity Program. These awards will benefit local governments, land trusts, and nonprofit organizations working to enhance green spaces in underserved communities across 14 counties. An additional $567,382 in grants for two Read the Rest…
Grants are used to help organizations that run programs to introduce beginners and increase access to outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now taking applications for the second year of outdoor equity grants, which support outdoor recreation activities in Maryland’s underserved communities with funding Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space -Local projects The Board of Public Works today approved more than $4.7 million in grants to local governments from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to construct park facilities in Baltimore, Frederick, Garrett, Prince George’s, and Washington Counties.
Program provides individual grants up to $2 million; webinar for applicants scheduled April 17 The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. This funding opportunity allows local governments with eligible projects to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $2 Read the Rest…
The Maryland Park Service and partners improved five miles of trail inside Patapsco Valley State Park’s McKeldin Area this winter with adaptive mountain bikers in mind. It is the first network of adaptive mountain bike trails in Maryland, an amenity state officials plan to improve and expand moving forward. Thanks to the efforts of Friends Read the Rest…
The Western Maryland Rail Trail in Washington County is freshly repaved and ready for warm-weather hiking and biking this spring. Over time, roots from trees had caused the trail to swell and split. The Department of Natural Resources repaved 22.5 miles of trail between June and November, fixing those blemishes and leaving the trail flat Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Recreation Communication Board, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $15.3 million in grants to local governments and a land trust from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation Read the Rest…
Trail nominated by Maryland’s off-road enthusiasts to join national program An off-highway vehicle trail at Wolf Den Run State Park is now part of the Jeep Badge of Honor trail program. The Jeep brand announced the designation on Feb. 28, along with designations for trails in Minnesota and Washington. There are 61 Badge of Honor Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space and Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ items totaling $5.4 million in grants to local governments to acquire land and improve parks. Nearly $5.4 million in Program Open Space – Local was approved for six projects, including the Read the Rest…
Mid-Atlantic region high school students interested in camping, fishing, hunting, tree-planting, and other outdoor activities have an exciting opportunity to join the Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC) in Garrett County this summer. A collaboration of the Maryland Forestry Foundation, Allegany College of Maryland, and the Maryland Forest Service, this week-long co-ed program is designed for 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…
In October, more than 150 people attended the inaugural Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit. The event, held at Rocky Gap State Park, represents a milestone for the Department of Natural Resources. We welcomed academics, park rangers, business owners, students, nonprofit leaders, and others who are engaged in outdoor recreation activities to the summit to build networks, Read the Rest…
Maryland hosted its first-ever Outdoor Recreation Summit in October, bringing together hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts for three days of networking and learning at Rocky Gap State Park. Attendees included academics, park rangers, business owners, students, and nonprofit leaders. The summit provided a chance for professionals to connect and to discuss important topics, such as fostering Read the Rest…
Funding for DNR programs includes upgrades for parks in Howard and Queen Anne’s counties The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items totaling $3.8 million in grants to local governments to improve parks and acquire park land. A total of $3.5 million in Program Open Space – Local funds were approved Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit from October 9-11 at Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County. A series of engaging panels, presentations, and outdoor excursions will highlight experts in outdoor recreation. The event will also provide networking opportunities, and enable attendees to explore the beauty of Read the Rest…
Five Maryland jurisdictions were recently awarded a combined $4.8 million in federal grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. These funds will support diverse projects, including the development of a new park in Caroline County, the expansion of athletic facilities in Taneytown Memorial Park, and the refurbishment of a campground in Baltimore City. Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources launched a new pilot program this year that awarded $27,000 to four different outdoor recreation activities and opportunities in Maryland’s underserved communities.
Trip highlights opportunities to enjoy farm-fresh Maryland ice cream after hiking at a state park or natural resource management area Today, Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks and Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz visited Rocky Point Creamery in Tuscarora after hiking a trail at the Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area in Dickerson Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched the new Greenspace Equity Program, which provides grant funding to land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments to acquire and develop public greenspaces in overburdened and underserved communities. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 1. The goal of the program is to enhance the public health Read the Rest…
Governor Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes more than $47 million for local grants through Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds Program, to expand and enhance public access to recreation and open space throughout Maryland. “Maryland is a leader in land conservation, and supporting these important programs 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…
For those looking for an outdoor experience that truly gets away from it all, Maryland has 214,000 acres of public forest land, much of which is open to hikers, bikers, birders, anglers, photographers, and campers. Trails are available in all 11 forests managed by the Maryland Forest Service. State forests have short hikes that are Read the Rest…
Funding includes $2.1 million for Rural Legacy Area conservation easements The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items including $4.5 million in grants to local governments and land trusts to preserve and protect land, and provide recreational opportunities for Marylanders.
By Edwin Guevara Are you looking for ways to get out and explore in your area? While it is always fun to go outside on hikes and explore and identify the local flora and fauna using guidebooks, apps, or your own knowledge, sometimes you want to have a bigger assortment of options. Many naturalists contribute Read the Rest…
Funding includes recreational facilities in Anne Arundel, Montgomery counties The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items including more than $12.9 million in grants to local governments and land trusts to preserve and protect land, and provide recreational opportunities for Marylanders.
Program Open Space, Rural Legacy among programs funded The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items including more than $14.8 million in grants to local governments and land trusts to preserve and protect land, and provide recreation opportunities for Marylanders.
Land and Water Conservation Fund provides up to $1.5 Million for qualifying projects The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. Through this program, local governments with qualifying projects may apply for $50,000 to $1.5 million to create new outdoor recreation spaces, Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering the state’s first-ever Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day for children under 16 years of age on March 23, one week before opening day for all trout anglers.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources highlights outdoor recreation in exhibits at the Mosner Miller Building beginning Aug. 24 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and partners will bring displays, exhibits, and programs themed around Outdoor Recreation to the 2023 Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Fairgoers are invited to visit the exhibits located in the Mosner Read the Rest…
Local Governments Can Apply Through April 30, 2023 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting preliminary applications for the recently announced Land and Water Conservation Fund and Readiness Environmental Protection Integration Challenge Program. The nationally competitive opportunity enables local governments to receive between $250,000 and $5 million in grant funding to conserve natural landscapes Read the Rest…
Land and Water Conservation Fund Provides Up to $1 Million The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. This process enables local governments to receive grant funding to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between Read the Rest…
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund a second group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Overall, Governor Read the Rest…
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund the first group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023. Overall, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget included $5 million to 39 local projects statewide, providing greater Read the Rest…
By Land and Water, Maryland is Ready for the Summer June is Great Outdoors Month and we hope to see you out enjoying Maryland’s natural spaces, including our vast system of state parks and forests, and of course the state’s world-renowned waterways. This is peak season for one of Maryland’s favorite pastimes, fishing, from the 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…
Resolve to Accessing Maryland’s Natural World While it was a rainy start to 2022, I could not let a little rain get in the way of a great tradition. This year I joined Maryland Conservation Corps participants and visitors for a First Day Hike at Tuckahoe State Park, in Caroline County. I certainly was not Read the Rest…
Program Provides $5 Million for Outdoor Recreation Statewide in Fiscal 2022 The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 Community Parks and Playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland. Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding Read the Rest…
Positive Change for Maryland’s Outdoors Maryland’s landscape is starting to showcase the vibrant colors of fall. Along with cooler, more pleasant weather, it is a spectacular and inviting backdrop that signifies the changing of the seasons. Governor Larry Hogan has also given us a reason to enjoy Maryland’s outdoors by proclaiming October as “Walktober” month Read the Rest…
Proclaims Sept. 25 for National Public Lands, Fishing and Hunting Day Governor Larry Hogan today announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the hiring of J. Daryl Anthony to serve as its first executive director. “One of our state’s hallmarks is the stewardship of Read the Rest…
‘Deputized’ Ambassadors Help Promote Maryland Outdoor Recreation A longstanding fishing club that promotes marine conservation and a nonprofit organization that teaches surfing to autistic children have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors in Ocean City for their efforts to promote and expand access to the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Commerce Secretary Read the Rest…
Celebrating the Great Outdoors June is Great Outdoors Month so the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites you to join us in celebrating outdoor recreation in Maryland! This month also marks Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week (June 5 through the 13) which fits in nicely given that this year’s theme is celebrating recreational opportunities in the Read the Rest…
