ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April 2, 2025, as the 142nd annual Maryland Arbor Day celebration. The proclamation was made during the Board of Public Works meeting, where Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Josh Kurtz and the Maryland Forest Service presented tree seedlings to the board members. Following tradition, dozens of eastern redbud seedlings grown at the Ayton […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Despite a significant increase in wildfire occurrences in Maryland during 2024, the total acreage burned was substantially lower than the previous year, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report released this month. The report analyzes data from 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the agency, including lands managed by the Maryland Forest Service, National Park […]
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, […]
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 […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments across 18 counties in the state to help enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities, according to a press release. The grants were given to 55 volunteer fire departments out of 64 that applied for funding from the Maryland Forest […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Harriet Tubman State Park’s Eastern Shore foliage has hit its peak for the season, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Western Maryland is nearing the end of its fall foliage season, but there are still some pockets of color to be found. “While we are past peak, the woods remain wonderful,” said […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective Friday, November 1, in all Maryland counties. Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future. The ban will remain in effect until […]
BALTIMORE, MD—In Western Maryland, the fall foliage season is coming to a close, while trees in Central Maryland are at their 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 Francis Smith of the Maryland Forest Service. “In the Hagerstown watershed […]