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Howard County officials broke ground on Centennial Park West's improvements, including synthetic fields and new lights, set to be completed in fall 2025, with $1.5M County funds and $9M in state grants.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces the renaming and improvement of a park in Baltimore, now called 'The Fields at Pimlico Park,' thanks to a $900,000 investment.

The Lake Montebello Playground in Baltimore has been renamed to honor Mary Pat Clarke, a former city council president, and features new playground and fitness equipment.

A new eco-friendly Harbor Wetland exhibit, spanning 10,000 square feet, has been introduced by Baltimore's National Aquarium, reviving the city's natural Chesapeake Bay tidal habitats.

Howard County begins construction on a new skatepark and pickleball courts at Blandair Regional Park in Columbia, along with additional amenities like lighted basketball courts and improved parking.

The Maryland Zoo's oldest African penguin, Mr. Greedy, was euthanized due to age-related health issues after a life that contributed 230 descendants to his endangered species.

Howard County unveiled a new COVID-19 Memorial featuring a grove of birch trees and a water feature in Meadowbrook Park, Ellicott City, as a space for reflection and remembrance.

A Southern District police officer, Corporal Sears, rescued an entangled deer in Annapolis with shears, allowing the unharmed animal to safely return to the wild.

Howard County has launched the Tree Savers Program to combat invasive species, with initiatives led by County Executive Calvin Ball. This effort includes volunteer programs and a large-scale tree planting partnership with Maryland DNR.

The new Hazelwood Skate Park opened in Baltimore County, offering a modern venue for skateboarding with $1.3 million in funding from Maryland's infrastructure program.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball endorses a report outlining future agricultural initiatives for West Friendship Park, focusing on education, support, and recreation.

Baltimore County's Recreation and Parks Department earned CAPRA accreditation, joining an elite group of park agencies recognized for exceptional service and management.

Baltimore County has initiated renovations for the Rocky Point Golf Course Clubhouse to modernize facilities and expand event spaces, with County Executive Olszewski at the groundbreaking.

The Maryland Zoo has welcomed a new three-year-old female giraffe, currently in quarantine before joining the giraffe herd. Donations of $100 or more can name her, supporting the zoo's care and conservation efforts.

Maryland's Board of Public Works has approved $3.6 million for parks and conservation efforts across several counties, enhancing local natural areas and recreational facilities.

Baltimore County plans to revamp 33 playgrounds in 2025, investing $3 million for better equipment and facilities.

State and city agencies collaborate to transform Gwynns Falls into a 'Partnership Park' in Baltimore, aiming to enhance urban outdoor recreation and community engagement.

The Maryland Zoo introduces Kipepeo, a new 12-foot-tall giraffe, to the public after the recent loss of giraffe Willow. Visitors can see Kipepeo on select days each week.

Anne Arundel County releases its final master plan for the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park focusing on community, sustainability, and respecting the site's history.

Brood XIV cicadas are expected to emerge in the eastern US in spring, with appearances in certain areas uncertain.

Baltimore County unveiled the new 22-acre waterfront Sparrows Point Park with features like a turf field, community center, playground, fishing pier, and kayak launch.

Maryland's Board of Public Works approved $15.3 million for park improvements and land conservation in both urban and rural areas across several counties.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is introducing enhancements including stadium upgrades, improved concessions, a new shop checkout process, and alternate uniforms ahead of the season opener.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore announces the unexpected birth of a giraffe calf from Kipepeo, who arrived not visibly pregnant. The female calf is healthy, and her surprise birth highlighted the challenges of pregnancy detection in giraffes.

Maryland awards $1.7 million for environmental initiatives, including a new trash wheel for the Back River, as part of a pollution lawsuit settlement.

The Maryland Zoo announced the birth of a new Coquerel's sifaka lemur, part of their ongoing endangered species conservation efforts.

The Maryland Zoo named its new baby giraffe 'Titali' after her mother gave birth unexpectedly; donors helped choose the name in a contest supporting zoo programs.

Maryland Stadium Authority has approved upgrades for Oriole Park at Camden Yards, including a new center field videoboard and right field display, with work starting post-2025 season.

Baltimore's summer 2025 pool season brings operational changes with new hours, closures for maintenance, locker updates, and additional neighborhood pools despite some resident concerns and safety incidents.

The Chesapeake Bay's blue crab count has reached its second-lowest level, prompting calls for protective measures due to threats like habitat loss and climate change.

The Maryland Zoo is constructing a new habitat for red pandas as part of a renovation of its oldest exhibit area, aiming to support breeding and conservation efforts.

Maryland Zoo has started construction on a new red panda habitat as part of a major modernization project, with local leaders attending the groundbreaking.

Baltimore County celebrated the opening of an accessible trail at Rocky Point Park, featuring environmentally friendly materials and amenities for visitors of all abilities.

Maryland Zoo's baby giraffe Titali, born March 27, will meet visitors through special passes, as she's introduced to the public incrementally to ensure comfort.

Baltimore is addressing an overpopulation of white-tail deer in its parks, which threatens local vegetation and biodiversity. Public meetings and surveys seek solutions, with both non-lethal and lethal options considered.

Anne Arundel County has partnered with Parish Creek Landing Marina to open a new public boat ramp in South County, offering free access for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The U.S. government is funding initiatives to counteract the disruption caused by invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay by creating markets for the fish and aiding local industries.

The improved fishing pier at Fleming Park in Turner Station, Baltimore County, has opened, following a renovation project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.

Howard County initiated construction of Ilchester Park and Recreation Center, repurposing land saved from housing development into community green spaces slated for summer 2026 completion.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore reopens after an unexpected power outage, thanks to the round-the-clock work of its facilities teams and contractors.

The Maryland Zoo welcomed a new male giraffe named Big Mac, who is set to make his public debut on December 22. He's part of efforts to diversify the zoo's giraffe genetics.

Baltimore's Mimi DiPietro Skating Center will reopen for its final season due to costly repairs, offering cheap admission and skate rentals for celebration.

Mayor Scott and Rec & Parks unveiled The Playbook, a 10‑year blueprint to guide where Baltimore invests in new and renovated rec centers, pools and playgrounds.

Baltimore City plans to use USDA-trained sharpshooters to reduce its overpopulated deer, aiming to protect parks and donate meat to the Maryland Food Bank.

A proposed Cuffs Run pumped‑storage dam has conservation groups in federal court and neighbors warning the project would flood farms, trails and woods.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore marks 150 years with family events, a returning gala and a new red panda habitat opening this summer.

The Delmarva Discovery Museum will close March 20 after a last-ditch fundraising push fell short. Staff are coordinating rehoming for resident otters Mac and Tuck.

County Executive Calvin Ball’s budget sets aside $3.5M to kick off plans for a public ice‑rink complex at Meadowbrook, pitching two competition rinks and supporting spaces.

Druid Hill Park will be closed nights as USDA sharpshooters carry out a three‑park deer reduction. Officials say processed venison will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank.

Black bears are showing up in yards across central Maryland as they wake from winter. Officials and researchers urge residents to secure trash and remove bird feeders.

Maryland has expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine to cover the entire state; businesses must get permits and residents are urged to report sightings as hatch season begins.

Fresh wetlands and connected trails are rising along the Middle Branch, with work visible behind MedStar Harbor Hospital and plans for a Westport park and loop trail. The project mixes federal, state and local funding and aims to restore habitat while improving neighborhood access to the water.

A red fox in Severna Park was filmed with a steel snap trap clamped to its mouth; Maryland DNR says the device likely violates trapping rules and is investigating.

Six Maryland parks will require day‑use reservations starting Memorial Day weekend to reduce traffic and avoid sudden capacity closures. Book ahead at parkdayuse.maryland.gov.

Anne Arundel has opened eight overnight cabins at Jug Bay’s Emory Waters Preserve, adding on-site lodging aimed at boosting research, education and citizen science. The project includes a bathhouse, pavilion and site upgrades tied to federal grant support.

Taneytown crews relocated 25 turtles from Roberts Mill Park pond over Memorial Day weekend as officials try to curb an overpopulation that has frustrated anglers. The multi‑year, state‑approved effort has moved about 90 reptiles so far.