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Maryland Department of Natural Resources
DNR Offers New Year’s Resolutions Marylanders Are Sure To Keep
ANNAPOLIS — We often view New Year’s resolutions as something negative that requires us to give something up or at least cut back on, whether it’s eating or spending money. For most people, New Year’s resolutions are annual tradition and are always made with the best of intentions. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like 2005 to be the Marylanders actually stick to at least one of their resolutions by making the decision to explore Maryland’s great outdoors. Here’s five easy ways to do just that:
  1. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE!
    Just because your tree has lost its decorations doesn’t mean it isn’t useful anymore. Christmas trees are biodegradable - the trunk and branches can be used as mulch for gardens, parks or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a protective barrier for the roots of shrubs, trees and flowers while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive. Contact your local Department of Public Works or Recreation Council to see who recycles trees in your area.
  2. VOLUNTEER!
    If you care about the outdoors, if you want to help improve Maryland's environment, and if you enjoy working with others with similar interests, join with DNR to preserve, protect and enhance Maryland's natural resources. Becoming a DNR volunteer is easy. Volunteers can donate a few hours or several weeks to the Department's many volunteer projects. You can volunteer on weekdays, weekends or a combination of both. Simply find the volunteer project on this site that interests you or your family. All of the Department's opportunities are listed on www.dnr.Maryland.gov along with contact information.
  3. TEACH KIDS TO LOVE THE OUTDOORS!
    Taking a youngster outdoors is the perfect way to help him or her appreciate our vast natural resources. Many outdoor activities on DNR’s managed land and parks allow fishing, hunting, bike riding, bird watching, canoeing, camping, hiking, and much more. There are also many programs available through the Department such as Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, Maryland Envirothon, Outdoor Discovery Camp, and the Junior Ranger Program.
  4. TAKE A HIKE!
    Start by choosing one of Maryland’s 48 state parks and then look for a hiking trail that piques your interest whether you want to view spectacular waterfalls, do some bird watching or lose yourself in one of the state’s majestic forests. As you hike, you’ll soon learn that Maryland State Parks have endless outdoor recreational opportunities including biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, fishing and more.
  5. PLANT A TREE!
    You don’t have to wait until Arbor Day to plant a tree. Take the opportunity now to have trees planted in honor or memory of family and friends, to celebrate holidays and special occasions, and mark remembrances. Your Gift of Trees is actually three gifts - one to someone you care for, one to future generations, and one to the environment. A beautiful certificate, suitable for framing, is sent to the recipient announcing your gift.
For more information on any of these opportunities, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.Maryland.gov.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov