Governor Moore announces completion of Maryland’s five tributary-scale oyster restoration sanctuaries

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced that the state has met its commitment to restore five oyster tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay with the completion of the final project in the Manokin River. The restoration projects, among the largest globally, have been highly successful in boosting oyster populations, creating habitat, and supporting economic growth. A Decade of Restoration […]

Maryland to invest $20 million in waterway improvements, boating access

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced this week that it will allocate $20 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2026 to enhance public boating access, dredge navigable waterways, and bolster safety for first responders across the state. The funding, drawn from the Waterway Improvement Fund, will support a range of projects including new and upgraded public boating facilities, […]

Maryland awards $29 million for Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays restoration projects

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is allocating $29 million from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund to 27 ecological restoration projects across 160 sites statewide for Fiscal Year 2026, the department announced this week. These projects were selected to improve water quality, enhance resilience to climate change, boost habitat, and address environmental justice concerns. They […]

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 […]

Maryland’s Best kicks-off 2025 Ice Cream Trail with new digital app

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure! Maryland’s Best, the state’s marketing program connecting consumers to local farmers, officially launched the 2025 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail last week week at Misty Meadows Farm Creamery in Washington County. The trail features 14 on-farm creameries across the state, offering a delightful taste of Maryland’s dairy industry. These creameries stretch […]

Governor Moore proclaims April 2, 2025 as 142nd annual Maryland Arbor Day celebration

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 […]

Keep Maryland Beautiful grants award $238,751 for 2025 conservation efforts

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Environmental Trust has approved 20 grants totaling $238,751 to be awarded for environmental education, community cleanup, tree planting, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Presented annually since 1986, the grant program is managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust – a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – and administered on the department’s […]

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 […]