Assateague Island State Park
Dune Grass Plantings and Protection
Increases the stability of the dunes by planting native dune grasses (American beachgrass) in areas around the campground, bathhouses and Nature Center.
Grants
Just Awarded! 2026 Small Grants/Big Impact Projects
Special Grants – Ranger Erik Ledbetter History – Gathland State Park
Special Grants – Happy Little Forest Health – Garrett State Forest
Assateague Island State Park
Bohemia River State Park
Cedarville State Park
Deep Creek Lake – Sang Run State Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Gambrills State Park
Greenbrier State Park
Harriet Tubman State Park
Janes Island State Park
Martinak State Park
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary State Park
New Germany State Park
Point Lookout State Park
Rocky Gap State Park
Sandy Point State Park
Seneca Creek State Park
South Mountain State Park
Tuckahoe State Park
Statewide Bilingual Junior Ranger Activity Book
Statewide Track Your Trails
Statewide Invasive Species Interpretation
Statewide Outdoor Afro Program
Statewide Water Safety
Statewide 5K Passport
2025 Small Grants/Big Impact Projects
Bohemia River State Park
Middle School Bioblitz – We Need a Ride!
Funds the transport of 155 students from Bohemia Manor Middle School to Bohemia River State Park to conduct two comparison Bioblitzes. A Bioblitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species as possible in a short time frame within a designated location.
Cedarville State Park
Activity Guidebook
The activity booklet is an excellent alternative to sharing the parks' history, important rules, and Leave No Trace ethics with park visitors when park staff cannot be present. The activity booklet is full of various activities that are both engaging and educational.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Audio Tour for Aviary
Self-paced audio device will provide visitors, when no staff is present, to learn about each of the park's avian ambassadors and assist visually impaired guests.
Cypress Branch State Park
Outdoor Educational Program Kits
Provides Park staff with educational resources for promoting outdoor stewardship. Topics will include Leave No Trace, Fishing 101, Wildlife C.S.I. and Orienteering.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Rain Garden Enhancements & Native Wet Gardens
Project will expand the rain garden installed in 2024 and include additional plants to reduce erosion around park pavilions. Also planting native species for reclaiming areas no longer used for recreational activity and around the park aviary.
Fair Hill State Park
Kiosk and MCC Skills Training
Installation of a new parking lot Kiosk to improve and update the old information board. This project will also be used to train Maryland Conservation Corps members on carpentry skills.
Franklin Point State Park
Trail Improvements
Installation of wooden puncheon walkways on the White-blazed Trail at Franklin Point State Park. This is a heavily saturated area lying in a floodplain that floods regularly.
Greenwell State Park
Horse Hitching Rail
Installation of hitching rails to improve safety for equestrian users at the park. The hitching post will also protect trees and surrounding area that are currently being damaged.
Herrington Manor State Park
Recreation Opportunity and Accessibility
As part of Healthy Lifestyles initiative, this grant will provide visitors access to outdoor recreational equipment that will promote physical activity and recreation in the park.
Janes Island State Park
Introduction to Archery & Night Sky
Provides resources to offer introduction to archery programs to school groups and campers using National Archery in Schools curriculum. Also provides resources to assist with stargazing interpretation toward Dark Sky Park certification.
New Germany State Park
Winter Recreation Accessibility
As part of Healthy Lifestyles initiative, this grant will provide visitors access to winter outdoor recreational equipment that will promote physical activity and recreation in the park.
North Point State Park
Bicycle Accessibility
Installation of two bicycle repair stands to be strategically placed to support cyclists in the park. The park staff will encourage visitors to live healthy by biking, running or walking.
Sandy Point State Park
Pollinator Garden
Planting a diverse array of native flowering plants to provide year-round shelter for Pollinators. The project will provide visitors with enhanced opportunities to observe activity in the pollinator meadows.
Seneca Creek State Park
ADA Interpretive Signage
Installation of an interpretive sign to educate visitors about the recently placed color-blind accessible view finder near Clopper Lake.
Tuckahoe State Park
Lore of the Land: Sensory Trail
Create, fabricate and install interpretive signage for each of the 15 stations on the trail. In addition, the project will also include a sign providing the rules of the trail.
Youghiogeny River State Park
Invasive Plant Removal
Provides the tools necessary to provide a hands-on experience for Department of Juvenile Services YOLO project youth and local college club to remove large thickets of Japanese Barberry along the river banks.
Statewide Work Group
Invasive Species Management Toolbox, Outdoor Afro Campout & Safety Training
Creation of an Invasive Species Management Toolbox available for loan throughout the state park system. Supports the Assateague Island SP Outdoor Afro campout. Provides resources for American Red Cross Training including a newly released ARC smart manikin.
2024 Small Grants/Big Impact Projects
Assateague Island
Horse Safety Signs
Designing two interpretive panels to educate park patrons about the history of the horses, where to find them on the island, and how to safely coexist with them during the visit.
Bohemia River
Middle School Bioblitz – We Need A Ride!
Bohemia River State Park will be providing transportation funds to bus 155 students from Bohemia Manor Middle School to conduct two comparison Bioblitzes.
Cedarville (Four Projects)
Trail Puncheons & Bridge Resurface
Blue Trail Puncheon, Brown Trail Puncheon, and Green Trail Bridge Resurface (20'). These projects fund materials to replace aging puncheons and tread boards on trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Cunningham Falls
Aviary Improvements – Snapping Turtle Enclosure
Funds for renovation of the outdoor summer enclosure of Edmund, a snapping turtle and popular animal ambassador, to abide by new USDA regulations regarding wildlife care facilities.
Cypress Branch
Archery 101
Seeking funds for archery equipment. This archery program aims to make archery more accessible and provides opportunities for students and families to participate in an activity together outside.
Deep Creek Lake
Discovery Center Educational Enhancements
Connect the Discovery Center amenities with the natural resources in the surrounding park and greater Garrett County. Purchase new signage for the current 'in flight' display and new binoculars and field guides for birding programs.
Statewide Outreach Work Group
Maryland Park Service Regional Outreach
Purchase basic, branded setups (canopies, tables, tablecloths) to be more visible and self-sufficient at local events such as community fairs and job fairs.
Franklin Point
Branded Entrance Signs
Purchase and install Maryland Park Service branded wood routed signs to mount at each entrance to advertise the park, clarify where visitors are, and improve the aesthetic atmosphere.
Gathland
Sign Frames for Battle of South Mountain Waysides
Three sign frames to mount new interpretive signs for a new trail extension at Gathland State Park in Cramptons Gap, an important area where the Battle of South Mountain occurred.
Greenbrier (Two Projects)
BeachFront Native Pollinator Garden & Swim Buoys
An eighty-four plant native pollinator garden along a heavily trafficked route. Also replacement of larger marker-style buoys essential for the safety of visitors along 1,000 linear feet of beachfront.
Gunpowder Falls
Dundee Creek Fishing Line Recycling Station
Increase public access to fishing at the Dundee Creek Marina by creating a visible access point, delineating the fishing area, introducing fish identification, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Harriet Tubman
Back Deck Interpretation
Buying two 8-foot-long portable benches made from recycled plastic for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center back deck to assist with interpretation and enhance the visitor experience.
Janes Island
Eliminating Cigarette Litter, One Vote at a Time
Establish a Ballot Bin which allows visitors to 'vote' with their cigarette litter. The box has an interchangeable question and two options leading to separate columns to 'vote' with cigarette butts, reducing litter while engaging visitors.
Pocomoke River
Scales & Tales Aviary Enhancement & Renovations
Replace door fixtures, hinges, locks, rat wire, refrigerator, shelving, counters, and sink to bring the beloved aviary up to 2024 federal USDA standards.
Point Lookout
Nature Nook Rejuvenation
Revamp Point Lookout's educational initiatives centered around the beachfront Nature Nook. Paint and re-roof the building and modernize exhibits inside for the park's 400,000 yearly visitors.
Rocky Gap
Interpretive Aviary Signage/Healthy Parks Healthy People
Creating permanent interpretive signage for the park's aviary building and expanding program opportunities for the Healthy Parks Healthy People program.
Rosaryville
Perimeter Trail Bridge
Fund materials for a bridge on the Perimeter Trail connecting a rerouted portion back to the main loop, benefiting hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian users.
Sandy Point (Two Projects)
East Beach Pavilion Grill Replacement & Water Safety Outreach
Replacement of aged grills in the East Beach area and purchase of supplies for water safety outreach programs and lifeguard recruiting at local events and career fairs.
South Mountain State Battlefield
Sign Frames for South Mountain Inn Interpretive Waysides
Sign frames for planned interpretive waysides near the recently acquired South Mountain Inn, helping visitors understand the history and conservation of the building.
Swallow Falls
Tree Planting
Planting trees in a section of the old-growth forest near Muddy Creek Falls to rehabilitate a trail and overlook, conserve natural lands, prevent soil erosion, and promote biodiversity.
Tawes Garden
MD Native Plant ID Signs
Provide identification of pollinator habitat plants in the Tawes Pollinator Demonstration Garden at MD DNR headquarters, serving as templates for other pollinator demonstration gardens in Maryland Park Service.
2023 Small Grants/Big Impact Projects
Nineteen Maryland State Parks projects were awarded grants that focused on conservation, environmental education or outdoor recreation. The grants awarded totaled $31,280.
Assateague State Park
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Purchasing 2-3 stand up paddle boards for park visitors to learn how to safely and efficiently use this type of watercraft. The boards will also be used for the Healthy Parks, Healthy People event.
Cunningham Falls State Park
SUCCESS Program Support
Will provide support for the SUCCESS Program – a program offered through the Frederick County School System for young adults with developmental disabilities from ages 18-21.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Bike Work Stands
The park will install two public bike work stands at each of the park's two mountain bike trail heads. Over 1000 mountain bikers use the trails at the park each year.
Gambrill State Park
Movie Night Equipment
Purchase equipment to host Movie Night at the park. This will be an outreach program to engage the local community and introduce them to the staff at the park.
Gathland State Park
Self-Guided Interpretation Sound Box
Installing a self-guided interpretation sound box and sign to better inform the public about Townsend's estate and the unique history of Civil War correspondent George Alfred Townsend.
Greenbrier State Park (4 projects)
Big Red Bridge Trail, Pollinator Garden, Campground & Field Reforestation
Four projects: Big Red Bridge Trail, BeachFront Pollinator Garden, Campground Reforestation, and Field Reforestation.
Janes Island State Park
Osprey Platform
Construct an Osprey platform with predator guard that will provide suitable nesting areas for the ospreys that return each year to the park.
New Germany State Park
Ice Safety and Ice Fishing Program
Development and implementation of an Ice Safety and Ice Fishing Program. Participants will learn the skills to be a successful ice angler.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Fishing Kits
Will provide fishing kits at three locations in the park for free fishing days, CJC, Junior Rangers, and Beginner Fishing programs.
Pocomoke River State Park
Canoe and Kayak Rack
Construct a new commercial canoe and kayak rack for the boat house to provide a safe and experiential opportunity for accessing the Pocomoke River.
Rocky Gap State Park
Open-Water Swimming
Will add an open-water swimming component and designated space for fitness swimming in the park to expand aquatic fitness program offerings.
Sandy Point State Park
Conservation Landscape Plantings
Will enhance the Sandy Point Plaza Bathhouse Conservation Landscape Plantings on the plaza near the bathhouse in the South Beach Plaza area.
Sang Run State Park
Blackbox Audio Device
Install the Blackbox U-Turn Round audio device near the square foot garden that is behind the Friends Store and is also the starting point of the Blue Bird Trail.
Smallwood State Park
Blackbox Audio Tour
Install a Blackbox U-Turn Round audio device on the General Walk's Tour from the waterfront to the historic area. The recordings can be easily changed to accommodate all visitors.
Seneca Creek State Park
Kayaks for Clopper Lake
Purchase 2-3 kayaks to allow visitors to explore Clopper Lake. The kayaks will be available to rent at the boat house.
Statewide Program
Spanish Language Resources
Provides additional Spanish language resources, materials, and give-away items that are accessible to Spanish speaking guests to engage visitors in educational efforts and promote a sense of ownership.
2022 Small Grants/Big Impact Awards
Fifteen Maryland State Parks projects were awarded grants that focused on conservation, environmental education or outdoor recreation. The grants awarded total $25,840. We were able to increase funding by 90% because of small donations from state park supporters like you.
Assateague Island State Park (2 projects)
Pollinator Habitat & Alternative Energy Campsite
The first project will continue on creating pollinator habitat through the park. The second project will demonstrate an alternative energy demonstration campsite that will replace a generator with green energy options.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Discovery Center Interpretive Signage
Upgrade interpretive signage at the Discovery Center to connect exhibits at the center with the county amenities. New signs will include text in braille to compliment the Sensory Trail at the park.
Gambrills State Park
Camp Out Program
Developing a new Camp Out program to provide camper kits to local community members interested in learning to camp.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Legacy Garden
Creating a new legacy garden that will educate visitors to the flora and fauna that was present during the time Harriet Tubman lived. Besides interpretive panels, Park Rangers will provide guided hikes.
Janes Island State Park
Inspiration Garden Areas
Construct two new 'Inspiration' garden areas. One will feature an oyster garden using 'Taylor' style floats and the other will feature native plants on a raised bed.
North Point State Park
Native Plant Garden
Construct a native plant garden that will demonstrate best conservation practices.
Pocomoke River State Park
Aviary Enclosures
Construct enclosures for the enrichment and well-being of birds of prey housed in the park's aviary.
Rocky Gap State Park
Nature Center Renovations
Complete renovations at the park's nature center that will improve interpretive exhibits and increase access.
Sandy Point State Park
Bilingual Lifeguard Stands
Build new lifeguard stands that will include signage to communicate public safety messages in English and Spanish.
Sang Run State Park
Election House Renovations
Complete renovations to the Election House. Installing signage and interpretive panels will bridge formal and informal school field trips.
South Mountain State Park
Food Storage Poles
Install two new food storage poles to secure food from the reach of bears, raccoons and other wildlife on the Appalachian Trail.
Martinak State Park
Kayaks for Healthy Parks Program
In partnership with Caroline County's 'Healthy Parks, Healthy People' program, the park will purchase six kayaks and gear for use by park visitors.
Wolf Den State Park
Tree Planting
Plant trees in open areas in need of best conservation practices and to mitigate current erosion issues.
Youghiogheny State Park
Champion Tree Trail
Construct a Champion Tree Trail and install interpretive signage that feature two county tree champions.
2021 Small Grants/Big Impact Projects
The Friends of Maryland State Parks awarded grants totaling $13,619. These grants provided funding for state parks across Maryland to collaborate with community partners to improve shoreline habitats, build interpretive displays, renovate trails and campgrounds, create pollinator gardens, and more.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Sang Run Orchard
Implement a fruit tree orchard including pear, peach, plum, cherry and apple trees. Interpretive signs along a trail within the new orchard will share insights on the history of arboriculture and importance of fruit trees to the nation. The apples will be used to craft apple cider and butter during demonstrations at the annual Sang Run State Park's Fall Festival.
Maryland State Parks (statewide)
Snorkeling Adventures
Offer interactive snorkeling adventures in Maryland's rivers and streams. With the purchase of snorkeling kits, park staff will be able to engage students and visitors in interactive aquatic adventures, exploring life below the surface of the clear waters of our parks' creeks and rivers.
Susquehanna State Park
Native Warm Season Grasses
Establish an 8-acre field of native warm season grasses to enhance the ecosystem and serve as a demonstration, learning resource for local landowners and farmers. Natural grasses will provide habitat for small mammals, wild turkey and bobwhite quail, and hunting grounds for birds of prey such as hawks and owls.
Tuckahoe State Park Complex – Martinak State Park
Diamondback Terrapin Exhibit
Construct a new exhibit tank for two Diamondback Terrapins that will provide the terrapins a more expanded land and water habitat. The new exhibit will give the terrapins a healthier environment and will also help students and park visitors see the terrapins up close.
Pocomoke River State Park
Trail Puncheons (Boardwalks)
Install trail puncheons (boardwalks) to enable visitors to access remote portions of the park. The popular Trail of Change takes visitors through diverse elevations and vegetation, introducing them to a portion of the northernmost bald cypress swamp in the United States.
CONSERVATION
Our goal is to protect and enhance the conservation or recreation value of Maryland's State Parks, and to inspire the public to adopt conservation stewardship ethics.
EDUCATION
Our goal is to create opportunities for hands-on experimentation and minds-on reflection in our state parks. Place-based learning places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities, and experiences, and uses these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and other subjects across the curriculum.
During times like these, we need our parks more than ever. Given COVID self-quarantine, our use of trails and open areas of parks has increased dramatically. In addition to increased visitation, parks face challenges from a changing climate and diminished budgets. Consequently, your park resources and staff are being strained to the breaking point – a Small Grant can provide vital support. Whether you contribute $10 or $1,000 to our Small Grants Program, your dollars will support Conservation & Education activities in 2020/2021.
Our Vision
To raise the awareness and appreciation of the "quality of life" benefits associated with the preservation, protection, improvement, and expansion of our Maryland State Parks for current and future generations.
Our Mission
To develop a constituency of citizens and elected representatives and officials who believe in the advocacy and support of our Maryland State Parks.
