Entries Sought for Arbor Day Poster Contest
The 2026 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest is now open for submissions. Maryland fifth-graders are invited to create original artwork showing how trees enrich our lives. Deadline to submit is noon April 1.
VFDs in Maryland Get Funds for Rural Wildfire Protection
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service is providing Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties across the state.
Stay Alert for Cold-Stunned Aquatic Wildlife
The Maryland DNR asks those visiting the Chesapeake Bay to be vigilant of sea turtles who exhibit signs of cold-stunning, a condition that causes animals to become debilitated due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
State’s Tree Program Surpasses 1.5M Trees Planted
Maryland’s 5 Million Trees program has reached more than 1.5 million native trees planted, marking a major milestone and reflecting momentum toward reaching the state’s goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031.
Maryland Deer Harvest Decreased in 2025
Maryland hunters reported harvesting 27,620 deer during the two-week firearm season from November 29 through December 13.
State Tree Nursery Taking Orders for 2026 Planting
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources online tree seedling catalog is now open and accepting orders for spring 2026 planting at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov.
Maryland DNR Says Take a Hike
Maryland State Parks once again will offer numerous First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2026. There will be something for everyone, including ranger-guided hikes and self-guided adventures.
DNR Finds Chessie? Nope. But It Is a Monster Sturgeon
Maryland Department of Natural Resources surveyors thought they might have found Chessie. But is turns out they caught the largest female sturgeon in the survey’s history.
MD’s Tern Raft Celebrates 5 Successful Years of Hosting Nesting Waterbirds
Maryland’s tern raft hosted hundreds of terns again this year—including nesting pairs of two different state-listed-endangered species—and saw more than 350 tern chicks fledge during the island habitat’s fifth year in operation.
Finding Fossils at a Public Park Near You
Fossils and shark teeth are uncovered where the Chesapeake Bay meets the banks of Maryland’s waterfront locales – most commonly in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties – but also found anywhere turbulent water is present.
