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

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

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

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 […]

Governor Hogan announces new attendance record for Maryland state parks

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Monday announced that the Maryland Park Service is reporting a total of 17.1 million visitors to date in 2020, already surpassing the previous record of 14.9 million total visitors in 2019, with three months still remaining in the year. During peak season in July, state parks attracted 3.4 million visitors, compared to 2.5 million during […]