The new bird islands at Barren Island were designed with nesting birds in mind, but in 2026, wildlife moved in even before construction was complete. Common terns and least terns began nesting on the newly created sandy habitat during a … Continued
In August, the state of Maryland released information about its pollution reduction targets set under the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to improve water quality. Based on the most recent information from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s pollution model, Maryland achieved … Continued
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is awarding $11.2 million in grants from the Whole Watershed Fund to accelerate restoration efforts in five key watersheds across the state. Established by the Whole Watershed Act, this second year of the … Continued
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded competitive grants for nine flood reduction and restoration projects to help communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events. The selected projects will reduce risk for vulnerable … Continued
In 2026, work on the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project (Mid-Bay Project) includes the construction of stone sills, breakwaters, and other structures. The Mid-Bay project, in partnership with MDOT MPA, includes restoration of 2,072 acres of lost remote island … Continued
Planning and development for Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program is underway, with stormwater management, stream and marsh restoration, tree plantings, invasive species management, and many other projects advancing to help shape the state’s collective effort on targeted watershed restoration. In March … Continued
In August 2025, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved up to $11 million in funding for a major flood protection and habitat restoration project in South Baltimore, supporting local jobs, reducing flood risks, and restoring vital tidal wetlands. The … Continued
Maryland Environmental Trust has approved 20 grants totaling $238,751 to be awarded for environmental education, community cleanup, tree planting, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Presented annually since 1986, the grant program is managed by the Maryland … Continued
Maryland recently selected five watersheds in the state that will receive initial state grant funding as part of the Whole Watershed Act. These watershed-scale restoration efforts will contribute to both short-term and lasting economic benefits in the state of Maryland. … Continued
In October, 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, awarded a $39.9 million contract to Seacoast Marine Construction Inc., for restoration work at Barren Island. The work is part of the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration project in … Continued