Chesapeake Bay blue crab population falls to second-lowest on record

BALTIMORE, MD—The Chesapeake Bay blue crab population has fallen to its second-lowest level in history, according to a new survey, raising concerns about the health of the iconic species. The joint survey, conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, found an estimated 238 million blue crabs in 2025, just shy of the all-time […]

Oyster population soars in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland’s oyster population has more than tripled since 2005, reaching over 12 billion oysters in 2024, according to a new report. The positive assessment is attributed to a combination of factors, including large-scale restoration efforts, favorable environmental conditions, and harvest restrictions. The latest benchmark stock assessment, released this week by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the University […]

Governor Moore signs Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, Public Health Abortion Grant Program into law

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In an effort to bolster the health of the Chesapeake Bay and stimulate economic growth, Governor Wes Moore this week signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act into law. This bill represents a cornerstone of the Moore-Miller administration’s environmental and economic agenda. The act aims to modernize Maryland’s water quality and monitoring programs, promote regenerative agriculture practices, streamline aquaculture leasing, […]

Six BCPS schools earn Maryland Green School status

TOWSON, MD—Six Baltimore County public schools were named among the newest Maryland Green Schools and Centers by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Those schools are: Carroll Manor Elementary School; Hebbville Elementary School; Logan Elementary School; Rossville Elementary School; George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology; and Pikesville High School This announcement brings the total number of […]

Smoke from New Jersey wildfires causing hazy Maryland skies, affecting air quality

UPDATE: The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday in the Baltimore area. Original story below… BALTIMORE, MD—Smoke from wildfires in New Jersey are affecting skies in Maryland on Thursday. As of 8:30 a.m. on April 24, 2025, diffuse smoke is being seen across the Maryland air monitoring network, at the moment […]

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy to celebrate Earth Day with Middle River stream cleanup

UPDATE: This event is now full, but other opportunities with GVC are available online here. Original story below… MIDDLE RIVER, MD—The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy is preparing to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the community. GVC will host a park and stream cleanup in  Middle River from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025.  Volunteer will meet at […]

Maryland earmarks $26K for community tree plantings

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced this week that it has awarded over $26,000 in grants to support tree plantings in 12 communities across the state. The funding, which is part of the Urban Tree Program, will result in the planting of 757 new trees. The Urban Tree Program focuses on increasing vegetation in areas impacted by transportation […]

Maryland Department of the Environment announces $1.7 million in community projects, progress on pollution reduction at Back River and Patapsco River Wastewater Treatment Plants

ESSEX, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced grants for 21 community-driven environmental projects at two major wastewater treatment plants. The $1.7 million in funding aims to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and enhance green spaces. The announcement was made at Cox’s Point Park in Essex on Back River, where significant progress […]