BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is expanding its efforts to collect and dispose of dead wild birds found across the state due to concerns over the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The move comes after the virus was detected in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester County and Dorchester […]
BALTIMORE, MD—More than 5,200 visitors joined the annual First Day Hike tradition at Maryland State Parks on January 1, 2025. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, more than 5,200 people participated in First Day Hikes across the state on New Year’s Day. Despite the windy and cold weather, the enthusiasm for stepping into a new year was warm. […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has been awarded two grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve pollinator habitats and wildlife crossings along state highways. The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant of nearly $388,000 will allow MDOT SHA to identify areas with high wildlife-vehicle collision rates, develop design guidance […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking residents to be on the lookout for cold-stunned sea turtles and marine mammals along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast this winter. Cold-stunning occurs when water temperatures drop rapidly, causing animals to become lethargic and hypothermic. This condition can be fatal, especially for sea turtles. According to DNR, cold-stunning typically […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland residents and visitors are invited to kick off the new year with a healthy dose of nature at one of Maryland’s state parks during the annual First Day Hikes event. From December 31, 2024, through January 2, 2025, participants can choose from a variety of guided and self-guided hikes across the state. This annual tradition, part of a […]
BALTIMORE, MD—A 20-year-old Baltimore City college student has become the 17th person to earn a Master Angler Milestone Award since the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) FishMaryland program began in 2019. Roman Dombrowski achieved the milestone with a 66-inch bluefin tuna caught off Ocean City. Dombrowski, an Environmental Studies major at Salisbury University, said he started fishing at the […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland fifth graders have until March 3 to submit entries for the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards announced. The contest, open to all fifth graders in public and private schools statewide, encourages young artists to celebrate Maryland’s forests and trees through original artwork. This year’s theme is “Trees […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works this week announced the allocation of $3.6 million in grants to enhance parks and safeguard land across the state. The funds will support various projects through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including land acquisition, park improvements, and the protection of natural resources through conservation easements. One of the most significant grants, totaling nearly […]