ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on July 9, 2025, the allocation of $29 million from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund to support 27 ecological restoration projects across 160 sites statewide for Fiscal Year 2026. These initiatives aim to enhance water quality, bolster climate resilience, improve habitats, and address environmental justice.
Selected through a competitive process via DNR’s online Grants Gateway, the projects employ best management practices such as streamside tree buffer plantings, reforestation, stream restoration, stormwater management, living shorelines, agricultural practices, and wetland creation. Administrators prioritized cost-efficient, science-driven projects to reduce non-point source pollution, focusing on measurable outcomes.
“Restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed requires partnerships and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund is one of our best tools to help local communities develop effective solutions to improve water quality, habitat, and access to nature,” said Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz. “These grants will help limit harmful pollutants from entering our waterways while improving the economic viability of Maryland’s waterfront and maritime communities.”
The funded projects are projected to remove 89,955 pounds of nitrogen, 9,449 pounds of phosphorus, and 11,198 tons of sediment annually. These pollutants contribute to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels critical for aquatic species like fish and crabs. By addressing nutrient and sediment runoff, the initiatives will benefit local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Among the notable projects, the Oyster Recovery Partnership will restore 20 acres of oyster reef in the Wye River Oyster Sanctuary in Queen Anne’s County. In collaboration with state and local authorities, this effort will establish a methodology for jurisdictions to claim nitrogen and phosphorus reduction credits. Friends of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary will restore 7,100 linear feet of stream at Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary to prevent nutrient and sediment flow into the Patuxent River, enhancing climate resilience.
Washington College will restore 230 acres of native grasslands, pollinator habitats, and buffers across six counties—Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot—while restoring 10 acres of wetlands and planting 8.5 acres of trees. In Prince George’s County, a “green corridor” in Mount Rainier will use medians and a submerged gravel wetland to filter roadway runoff before it reaches the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia. The Resilience Authority of Charles County will transform land near a Waldorf recreation center into a “Stormwater Pocket Park” by replacing impervious surfaces to mitigate increased precipitation and temperatures.
Specific funding amounts for each project will be finalized later in 2025 upon contract completion. DNR Watershed and Climate Services staff will provide ongoing technical support to recipients. A complete list of projects and their locations is available on the DNR webpage for the FY26 Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.
The selection process leveraged advanced scientific data to identify projects with the highest impact on pollution reduction. The Trust Fund, a key mechanism for watershed restoration, supports local governments, nonprofits, and academic institutions in implementing scalable solutions. These efforts align with Maryland’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and economic vitality in coastal communities.
The projects address environmental challenges, including nutrient pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts. For instance, living shorelines and wetland creation enhance coastal resilience, while reforestation and grassland restoration support biodiversity. The focus on environmental justice ensures that underserved communities benefit from improved access to clean water and green spaces.
By fostering stakeholder collaboration, the Trust Fund strengthens Maryland’s capacity to protect its natural resources. The anticipated reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment will contribute to healthier ecosystems, supporting both wildlife and industries dependent on the Chesapeake Bay. The ongoing technical assistance from DNR ensures projects are executed effectively, maximizing their environmental and community benefits.
