Royalty free fishing days
Maryland has three royalty free fishing days – June 5th, June 12th, and July 4th. On these days, anyone can catch and own fish in tidal and non-tidal waters of the state as long as they are used for recreational purposes. All anglers must adhere to the current size and catch restrictions set out in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Fisheries and Crab Guide. Aside from these days off, anyone fishing in Maryland 16 years or older must have a license, which can be purchased online at dnr.maryland.gov.
Black Birders Week
Black Birders Week flies May 30 through June 5 and shows how Black Birders bond outdoors. The program includes nationwide bird watching events, live streaming panel discussions, and daily interactive topics in collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Bird Collective, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Federation, the Tucson Audubon Society, and other organizations. For more information, see https://blackafinstem.squarespace.com/bbw2021schedule.
Patuxent Research Refuge resumes summer activities
The programs for the north and south wings of the Patuxent Research Refuge at Laurel will return in June, July and August. A night hike for all age groups begins on June 4th at 8.15 p.m. on the north wing. Participants can see beavers, bats, lightning bugs, frogs and night birds. A 12-mile guided bike tour (BYO bike) is planned for all ages on June 12th at 10am. On June 19th there will be a Chipmunk and Squirrel Walk on the South Tract for ages 7 and up. And on June 12th at 1 p.m. there will be a cicada program for all age groups. Programs are free and some require pre-registration. For more information, call 301-497-5887 or fws.gov/refuge/patuxent.
Veterans and Gold Star families get free entry to national parks
As of Veteran’s Day 2020, Gold Star families and U.S. military veterans have been entitled to free access to more than 2,000 federal recreational areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and forests. The exemption from entry does not include extended amenities or usage fees for activities such as camping, transportation, special recreational permits, reservation fees, or special tours. More information about the program can be found at www.nps.gov.
“For goodness snakes”
Learn the basics of snake biology, why snakes are important, and how to find out more about different species, in the For Goodness Snakes webinar hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wild Acres Program on June 10th at 6:30 pm who call Maryland home. To get a zoom link to the free program, register at https://bit.ly/3yyBX0H.
