Maryland fifth graders invited to showcase artistic skills in Arbor Day contest

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 […]

Maryland invests $3.6M in land conservation, park upgrades

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 […]

Harford County teen earns FishMaryland Master Angler milestone

BALTIMORE, MD—A 15-year-old angler from Forest Hill has become the 16th — and third youngest — person to earn a Master Angler Milestone Award from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program. Luca Tucciarella achieved the milestone Nov. 17 when he caught a 38.25-inch northern pike in Loch Raven Reservoir, the department announced on Wednesday. The FishMaryland program recognizes […]

Maryland launches ‘Gift of Trees’ program for the holidays

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland residents can give a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ “Gift of Trees” program. The program offers a unique opportunity to honor loved ones, benefit future generations, and improve the environment. The “Gift of Trees” program allows Marylanders to purchase native trees for planting in honor of a celebration, […]

Maryland Natural Resources Police collecting toys for needy children

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is once again collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need as part of its annual “Boatload of Toys” holiday drive. Donations will be accepted at seven Walmart retail locations across the state and online through an Amazon gift registry. The drive is part of the national U.S. Marines Toys for Tots initiative. […]

Maryland lifts statewide ban on open-air burning

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland lifted a statewide ban on open-air burning, effective immediately, following recent precipitation and a forecast of continued normal weather patterns. The ban, which went into effect Nov. 1, was implemented to prevent the spread of wildfires during a period of extremely dry conditions. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, including the Maryland Forest Service, determined that the ban […]

Chesapeake Bay ‘dead zone’ remains average in size in 2024

BALTIMORE, MD—The Chesapeake Bay’s dead zone, an area of hypoxia where low oxygen levels can’t sustain life, was about average in size in 2024, according to a release from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The annual report, released by the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, comes as leaders in the region prepare to meet in December to discuss the Bay’s cleanup efforts […]