Underwater Grasses Are Key to Chesapeake Bay Health

Across the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, below the water’s surface, ribbons of green sway in the current. They are stems of pondweed, eelgrass, widgeon grass, stargrass, and a number of other species. Together they make up the underwater grasses that form a crucial habitat for Chesapeake Bay life, help clean the water, and mitigate effects of climate change. Read more.

RELATED: The Chesapeake Bay Program, Maryland DNR, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science released the 2023 count of underwater grass abundance, reporting an estimated 82,937 acres, 7% higher than last year’s acreage. Of that total, 37,770 acres were in Maryland waters.

NRP National Night Out Is Scheduled for Tonight

The National Night Out campaign was established in 1984 and has grown to include more than a million community members in all 50 states. Maryland’s community events include block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and public safety demonstrations. Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will visit communities throughout Maryland on Tuesday, Aug. 6 in support of National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign promoting partnerships between the police and the neighborhoods they serve. Read more.

Looking at Maryland’s Stream Health Over Time, DNR Report Finds Mixed Results

A Maryland DNR report found mixed results for the health of the state’s non-tidal streams. For this report on potential changes in stream conditions, the department’s Maryland Biological Stream Survey staff sampled hundreds of stream sites across the state, then compared what they found to data from those same sites 14 or 20 years earlier. Read more.

NOAA Announces $10 Million Grant for Oyster Sanctuary Reef Construction in Maryland

The four-year grant will provide infrastructure funding for building reef bases on about 50 to 75 acres within an existing oyster sanctuary, as well as ground-truthing to assess the area before construction.

“This is an exciting time for oysters in the Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “Just as we’re finishing the tributary phase of sanctuary construction and seeding, this $10 million award will help us with future oyster restoration throughout Maryland.” Read more. 

Related: Maryland's Oyster Fishery Experienced Robust Harvest in 2023-2024 Season

The Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is still accepting entries!

This year, photographers can win the biggest prizes in contest history. One Grand Prize Winner will receive $700 with their winning image on the cover of the 2025 DNR calendar. Three First Place Winners (one from each remaining seasons) will each get $100. First place winners all receive a ​Maryland State Park Passport and  five copies of the 2024 calendar. Four Second Place Winners (winter, spring, summer, fall) will also receive prizes, and one Fan Favorite will be chosen by the general public on our Facebook page. All entries m​ust be submitted online.​ Visit the photo contest website for details!

Resources for Educators to Help Grow Next Generation of Maryland's Environmental Stewards

As the new school year begins, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides educators a variety of programs and materials for hands-on instruction, professional development, curricula, funding, environmental data, or outdoor experiences.

The department is committed to fostering strong natural resource stewardship values in all Maryland citizens, as well as actions that contribute to a sustainable future. Anyone involved in education is encouraged to visit the DNR Education website to see what resources are available. 

Girl Scouts Love Maryland State Parks

Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. During the ​weekend of September 14-15, Girl Scouts across Maryland will join their sister scouts to celebrate our shared love for the outdoors in our state parks, along with their troops, friends, and family. ​The Maryland Park Service is providing camping and program opportunities to work on badges at select parks listed on the DNR website. Local Girl Scout Councils can provide more information.