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 2024 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Total $236,276
Maryland Environmental Trust has approved 18 grants totaling $236,276 to be awarded for environmental education, community cleanup, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program.
Grants through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program are awarded to volunteer-based and nonprofit groups, communities, schools, and land trusts in Maryland. The grants are designed to support environmental education projects, litter removal, community stewardship, and to help protect natural resources in urban and rural areas.
Presented annually since 1986, the grant program is managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust – a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – and administered on the department’s behalf by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The grants are funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
 New Easement Protects 84 Acres in Garrett County
Maryland Environmental Trust thanks the Scheig family for the conservation easement donation protecting their 84 acres in Garrett County. Their forested property contains numerous eastern hemlock trees and vibrant streams. The mature mixed hardwoods on the slopes of the streams create a forested habitat rich with biodiversity. The conservation easement property adjoins the Laurel Area of Potomac State Forest. This true gem of ecological significance, protected by a conservation minded landowner, is worthy of celebration!
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Learn about protected places, explore Maryland spaces, or find something new. Check out MET's partners near you.
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Public Comment Period Open for Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge
On March 8, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released to the public a draft Land Protection Plan/Environmental Assessment for establishing the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge, kickstarting a 45-day comment period. Please consider taking some time to look over the draft plan (accessible here) and submit any comments or questions to fw5southernmarylandplan@fws.gov.
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Annual Hike Planned on MET Conserved Land
Walk for the Woods is Scenic Rivers’ spring event celebrating the joy of the outdoors and the protected Bacon Ridge Natural Area. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville (rain date is April 28).
Scenic Rivers will again partner with Anne Arundel County’s Department of Recreation and Parks to offer a wonderful opportunity to hike and explore this beautiful wilderness just minutes from downtown Annapolis. The annual event is a day of guided hikes, self-led hikes, and educational programs. For more information about guided hikes and activities or to registration visit the event page.
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HabiChat: For Stewards of Maryland's Backyard Wildlife
HabiChat is DNR's quarterly newsletter, from the Wild Acres program, that highlights native plants, animals and habitat-enhancing activities. The latest latest issue features articles on the Eastern Spotted Skunk, Sweet Pepperbush, Planting Native 101, plus a Natural Heritage Program highlight celebrating the kickoff of this year’s Master Naturalist program. Learn more.
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SUPPORT the long term stewardship of more than 1,100 conservation easements held by Maryland Environmental Trust with a tax deductible contribution to the MET's Stewardship Fund.
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