DNR Scientists Chart Future for Freshwater Mussel Restoration in Maryland

On a chilly fall morning, as fog drifted over the Potomac River, scientists with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hauled three concrete balls out of the water. Inside each of these 25-pound, thick-walled bowls was a chamber where several small shells sat atop a wire mesh—a group of year-old freshwater mussels. Their concrete shelters, or silos, allowed the juvenile eastern elliptio mussels to grow undisturbed, consuming suspended particles carried by the river. 

These diminutive mollusks, most of them smaller than a fingernail, could contribute to the next decade of mussel restoration in the state. The silos are part of a pilot project that will guide DNR’s development of a large-scale mussel restoration plan for the upper Potomac River, with the goal to bring back species that are as important for water quality in freshwater as oysters are for saltwater. Read more.

TOP NEWS: Governor Moore and Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council Approve Revised Agreement to Protect Jobs, the Environment, and Coastal Communities 

Governor Wes Moore  led the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Executive Council in approving the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which includes goals that will improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, increase access to nature, and support livelihoods that depend on this nationally treasured resource. The revised agreement supports the environmental and economic future of the Chesapeake Bay, which in Maryland alone generates $3.2 billion and 58,000 jobs a year in tourism and supports the 3,300 jobs in the state’s seafood industry that nets $600 million annually.

“Today we made a commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and a commitment to the people of Maryland and our neighboring states,” said Gov. Moore. “The revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement will make our rivers and streams cleaner. It will bolster Maryland’s seafood, tourism, and recreational businesses. Most importantly, it will ensure we protect the precious heirloom that is the Chesapeake Bay so we can pass it down to the next generations in a better condition than we received it.” Read more

Bohemia River Living Shoreline Project Protects Parkland in Cecil County

On the edge of Great Bohemia Creek, where in past years rushing water, boat wakes, and storm runoff undercut the riverbanks, a variety of natural shoreline protections now buffer the land at Bohemia River State Park. Marshes planted with grasses are reinforced with log structures and vegetated rock sills. Further inland, live stakes and tree plantings add another layer of shoreline fortification.

For state park staff, this living shoreline not only provides a buffer for the park but it also showcases different techniques for shoreline projects for freshwater areas. Read more.

Secretary’s Message: Investment in Outdoor Recreation Pays Back Dividends Now and for the Future

In the last week of October, Maryland’s outdoor recreation community gathered in Baltimore for our second annual Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit.

Bringing together the partners that comprise and support Maryland’s outdoor recreation community – local and state government, environmental organizations, educators, outfitters, and other businesses – is essential. The science is clear: time in nature benefits our physical and mental health.

Of equal importance is that the economic impact of outdoor recreation nationwide is considerable, and Maryland is poised to take in a sizable share. The most recent data shows that outdoor recreation in Maryland generates $9.4 billion and supports 81,615 jobs – 2.8% of all employees in the state. This month, we anticipate new data coming in that will update the outdoor recreation economic trends in Maryland including job growth, total dollars and more. Read more.

Natural Resources Police Toy Drive Underway for 2025

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is conducting its annual “Boatload of Toys” holiday gift drive at several locations across the state in advance of the 2025 holiday season. NRP officers are collecting donations of new, unopened toys for local children in need, part of the national United States Marine Toys for Tots initiative. Members of NRP’s volunteer Reserve Officer program and staff will collect the toys at drop-off locations across the state. NRP’s online gift registry is back for 2025, allowing Marylanders the opportunity to donate a toy online via its Amazon Toys for Tots Registry. 

First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks

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. Come out and celebrate the start of the New Year on the right foot!

For a list of hikes near you, keep an eye on our First Day Hikes webpage, which will be updated soon. You can also check with your favorite park and sign up for email newsletters to keep you informed of upcoming outdoor opportunities. 

Maryland State Tree Nursery Accepting Orders for Spring 2026 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is accepting orders for spring tree plantings at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov. More than 30 tree and shrub species remain available for purchase this year. Read more

Natural Resource Calendar

The 2026 DNR Calendar, Embracing Nature, showcases the range of wildlife and habitats that make Maryland unique.

This 12-month wall calendar features the stunning nature image from our annual photo contest, as well as timely tidbits and significant environmental dates. Month after month, the stunning images are sure to inspire and fascinate. Get one for yourself or as a gift for family, friends or coworkers -- order your calendar today!

Gift Maryland Fishing License

NEW THIS YEAR: Maryland DNR has just the gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list. You can purchase a fishing license, hard card, or both on their behalf through the MD Outdoors licensing website.

Follow the steps below to give the gift of the Maryland outdoors this year.

1.) Login to MD Outdoors Licensing Site

2.) Click the button titled "Purchase a License, Tag or Permit"

3.) In the top right corner, select the drop-down menu titled "Purchase For". When Purchasing for another customer, they must have an existing DNR account

4.) Enter the MD DNR ID of the person you would like to purchase for

5.) Select the license(s) or hard card you would like to purchase

After you select the license(s) or hard card you would like to purchase on behalf of another customer, follow the standard check-out procedure.

Reminder: If purchasing a hard card that you would like to have mailed directly to the person you are buying for, update your mailing address.

Tree-Mendous Maryland Gift of Trees

The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees—for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation. The department will issue and mail a Gift of Trees certificate, which can be framed, within a week or two of an order. Please order early for the holidays.

All trees will be planted by Maryland Forest Service staff and volunteers in the next growing season. 

Maryland State Park Passports

The Annual State Park and Trail Passport is valid for one year from the month of purchase, and can be given as a gift to the outdoor enthusiast on your list.

Benefits Include: 

• Unlimited day-use entry for up to 10 people in a vehicle to Maryland's state parks (Also valid for Cedarville State Forest)
• Unlimited boat launching at ALL State Park facilities by displaying this pass on your dashboard
• A 10 percent discount on state-operated concession items and boat rentals
• For parks with honor box systems, the pass covers entry service charges.  

Giving a passport as a gift?  Be sure to provide us with the recipient's full name and address in the "Special Instructions" field for each gift and additional passport when ordering.