The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources received a $100,000 grant from the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways to launch AgriTrails, a program linking the state’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors with outdoor recreation on public lands and state parks.
The funding supports efforts to boost awareness of Maryland’s natural resources, drive economic benefits for Chesapeake Bay Gateway communities, and promote connections between local food producers and recreational opportunities. AgriTrails guides residents and visitors through themed experiences under the banner “Maryland Grown Food and Fun,” pairing Maryland-grown products with nearby outdoor activities to highlight the interdependence of the Chesapeake Bay, farms, and recreation spaces.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks stated, “Through the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways grant, we have the opportunity to showcase Maryland’s agricultural resources, while also highlighting Maryland’s outdoor recreation. Sip & Shuck is an example of a marketing campaign that shines a light on Maryland’s rich agricultural products.”
Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation, added, “In Maryland, oysters aren’t just food, they’re part of our culture, our economy, and our environment. Maryland’s outdoor experiences are just as distinctive as our local flavors. Sip & Shuck brings that story to life by pairing Maryland-grown food with outdoor adventures, helping people experience how the Chesapeake Bay, local farms, and our state’s beautiful recreation spaces are all connected.”
The state maintains a significant role in resource protection, agriculture support, and equitable nature access. More than half the Chesapeake Bay lies within Maryland’s borders, supporting working waterfronts and dependent communities. Maryland features over 280 dairy farms, 475 commercial shellfish operations, 800 licensed oyster harvesters, and 500,000 acres of public land.
Chesapeake Gateways, under the National Park Service, administers competitive grants to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 across the 41-million-acre watershed. These grants foster discovery, experience, and connection to Chesapeake places, enhancing stewardship, heritage, and outdoor tourism economies.
AgriTrails uses the grant to integrate agricultural tourism with recreation, increasing public engagement, aiding agribusinesses, promoting Bay-friendly practices, and deepening appreciation of Maryland’s natural, cultural, and agricultural heritage. Participants explore trails via the Bandwango platform on Maryland’s Best website, checking in at locations for prize opportunities.
In 2026, three seasonal AgriTrails launch: Sip & Shuck (February-March), focusing on oysters and local ingredients at breweries, restaurants, and distilleries paired with nearby outdoor activities; Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day); and Bikes & Brews (September-November). Sip & Shuck, the first, begins February 1 and runs through March.
The initiative targets greater visibility for Maryland producers while encouraging sustainable consumer habits and tourism that supports both farms and outdoor spaces. Details and participation information appear at marylandsbest.net/agritrails.
This grant-funded effort aligns with broader Chesapeake Bay watershed goals to strengthen economic ties between agriculture, aquaculture, and recreation in gateway communities, many in Southern Maryland where oyster harvesting and public lands play key roles.