ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded funding to two organizations for environmental education and stewardship programs supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant.
Specific amounts will be determined based on federal funding availability and approval. The grants support hands-on learning and community engagement focused on the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Accokeek Foundation will integrate traditional ecological knowledge, cultural heritage and historical context into its Wild Rice Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience program. Seventh-grade students in Prince George’s County Public Schools and Charles County Public Schools will participate in hands-on restoration activities, including planting, data collection and wetland ecosystem maintenance.
The Anne Arundel Community College Environmental Center program will engage community members, college students, high school students and local organizations in field and laboratory research. Participants will collect data, assess horseshoe crab populations, evaluate shoreline impacts and promote stewardship practices.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages the grant distribution as part of broader efforts to support environmental education across the state. Programs funded through this source help connect students and communities with the health of local waterways and natural resources.
Beginning in July, the Department of Natural Resources will accept applications for the next fiscal year through its online Grants Gateway. Organizations interested in environmental education or stewardship projects can review guidelines and submit proposals during the open period.
Southern Maryland residents and schools benefit from these types of initiatives, which provide practical learning opportunities about local ecosystems. Students in Charles County and Prince George’s County will gain direct experience with wetland restoration through the Accokeek Foundation project.
Environmental education programs encourage long-term stewardship and awareness of issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay. Hands-on activities help participants understand the connections between their actions and watershed health.
For details on upcoming grant opportunities, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Grants Gateway when the application period opens in July.
