Military-themed park in Edgewood named to honor Army trailblazer Mildred C. Kelly, APG’s first African-American female command sergeant major

EDGEWOOD, MD—A new military-themed park in Edgewood has been named in honor of Mildred C. Kelly, a trailblazing U.S. Army command sergeant major who broke racial and gender barriers during her service. The 5.5-acre Mildred C. Kelly Park, located along Nuttal Avenue, was dedicated Tuesday, July 8, at a ceremony attended by Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, community members and […]

Maryland’s bald eagle population goes from near extinction to thriving numbers

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland’s bald eagle population has soared from near extinction to thriving numbers, with an estimated 1,400 breeding pairs across the state, a remarkable recovery largely attributed to environmental protections and widespread conservation efforts. For 18 years, Glenn Therres, a long-time bald eagle biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), conducted annual aerial surveys, witnessing firsthand the dramatic […]

Maryland’s Board of Public Works approves $4.7 million for park improvements, land conservation in nine counties

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved more than $4.7 million in grants for park improvements and land conservation across nine counties, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced. The funding, drawn from the state’s Program Open Space – Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, and Rural Legacy programs, will benefit projects in Allegany, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, […]

Maryland Natural Resources Police launch ‘Operation Dry Water’ for holiday weekend

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are intensifying patrols and enforcement this Independence Day weekend as part of their 17th annual “Operation Dry Water,” focusing on combating boating under the influence. Maryland waterway users can expect increased patrols and vessel checks as the NRP prioritizes sober boating and overall safety during one of the busiest boating holidays of the […]

Maryland DNR reports increase in deer with chronic wasting disease, management area expanded

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced this week that 62 white-tailed deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in 2024, a neurological condition affecting deer, elk, and moose. The discovery marks an increase in confirmed cases within the state, prompting an expansion of the existing chronic wasting disease management area. Of the positive samples, all but one were […]

Maryland expands roadside habitats to boost ailing pollinator populations

HANOVER, MD—The Maryland State Highway Administration is transforming roadsides and medians into thriving meadows for bees, butterflies, and other crucial pollinators as part of a statewide effort to combat habitat loss. Timed with National Pollinator Week, which runs June 16-22, the agency announced the expansion of its program to cultivate native plant ecosystems. Nearly seven new acres of pollinator-friendly meadows […]

Local angler breaks Maryland state record for Chesapeake Channa

BALTIMORE, MD—An Anne Arundel County angler has set a new Maryland state record for the Chesapeake Channa, also known as the northern snakehead, an invasive species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced this week that Matt Foreman, 43, of Crownsville, caught the 21.8-pound fish on June 7. Foreman’s record-breaking catch was made in the Susquehanna River below the […]

Maryland Natural Resources Police annual awards ceremony honors officers for exceptional service

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Natural Resources Police held its annual awards ceremony Thursday, recognizing conservation law enforcement officers and professional staff for their achievements in 2024, including acts of bravery and significant contributions to public safety and environmental protection. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Natural Resources Police Col. Orlando Lilly presented the honors at Annapolis High School […]