Maryland Park Service Archives

Friends of Maryland State Parks group awards funds through 2025 ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Friends of Maryland State Parks have awarded 22 grants, totaling $37,855, to state parks across Maryland, according to a press release. The funds, which are from the organization’s “Small Grants, Big Impact!” program, will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreational access, and promote conservation. This year’s grants increase the program’s funding from $13,619 […]

Maryland DNR expands dead wild bird collection efforts due to bird flu concerns

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

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 […]

First Day Hikes to ring in new year in Maryland state parks

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

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 […]

National Trails Day set to engage participants across the nation

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The nationwide celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday June 1, 2024 will bring together people from across the country, Puerto Rico,, and beyond, to celebrate, enjoy, and give back to the trails. American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, is an annual event aimed at advocacy, trail service, and encouraging local communities to connect in the outdoors. This year, […]

Maryland Park Service graduates 21 new State Park Rangers

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Park Service has graduated 21 new State Park Rangers after four weeks of intensive training, the agency announced in a press release. The new rangers will join the 14th class of graduates from the Park Service’s modern ranger school program, which was established in 2009. “As I have visited our public lands across the state, I have […]

DNR: More than 4,000 people hit the trails for Maryland’s First Day Hikes

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Thousands of Marylanders began the New Year by hitting the trails. 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 December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024, park rangers led 47 scheduled hikes […]

Maryland DNR Bald Eagle White House 202312a

Maryland Park Service Rangers bring bald eagles to White House [PHOTOS]

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

WASHINGTON, DC—Two winged representatives from the Maryland Park Service attended the White House this month. Rehabilitated bald eagles Buck and Mo, along with a contingent of Maryland Park Service Rangers, were invited to the White House to celebrate the anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago this week. “Bald eagles are such a […]

Former manager at Gunpowder Falls State Park charged with rape

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Chris Montcalmo

NOTTINGHAM, MD—Detectives from Baltimore County’s Special Victims Unit have arrested 71-year-old Michael Browning and charged him with second-degree rape and second-degree assault. Authorities say that, over a six month timeframe, Browning sexually assaulted someone several times. These assaults occurred while he was employed by The Maryland Park Service as the Park Manager for Gunpowder Falls State Park. Browning is currently […]

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