Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and managing Maryland's forests, parks, wildlife, fisheries, and the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. It administers a wide array of grant, cost-share, and loan programs supporting watershed restoration, climate resilience, land conservation, outdoor recreation, forestry, and environmental education. DNR grant programs include the Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway, Program Open Space, the Rural Legacy Program, the Greenspace Equity Program, Urban and Community Forestry grants, Keep Maryland Beautiful grants, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, among others. Eligible applicants generally include local governments, land trusts, nonprofits, and community organizations.