In maryland, there is a need for students, teachers, and community members tobecome environmentally literate about watershed wide aquatic issues and to haveaccess to nature

The State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources received a $610,697 Sport Fish Restoration (CFDA 15.605) formula grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. This award funds the Aquatic Resources Education (ARE) program to increase environmental literacy and access to aquatic resources across Maryland. Key deliverables include operation of the State Tackle Loaner Program, angler education clinics, kayaking programs, stream education initiatives, and the Fish in the Classroom curriculum. The grant also supports comprehensive aquatic teacher training opportunities designed to develop educators and mentors who can foster environmental stewardship among students and community members.

The funded activities directly support Maryland's commitments under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and the state's Outdoor Learning Partnership by providing coordinated access to relevant aquatic education resources and hands-on angler experiences. Through these programs, ARE staff will serve students, teachers, and community members across Maryland watersheds, creating a more environmentally literate population with increased connection to and knowledge of the state's natural resources. The initiative emphasizes both conservation education and recreational access to Maryland's aquatic environments.

This grant will provide the aquatic resources education (are) staffthe ability to increase access to aquatic and angler experiences and knowledge as wellas provide training opportunities for teachers and mentors. These experiences andopportunities will create more knowledgeable and connected students, anglers andeducators. Through programs such as the state tackle loaner program, angler educationclinics, kayaking programs, stream education, fish in the classroom and aquatic teachertraining opportunities are staff will help to develop environmental stewards whoaccess, conserve and preserve maryland s natural resources. These programs andtraining help the state meet the environmental literacy and access goals of thechesapeake BAY agreement, and maryland s outdoor learning partnership byproviding a coordinated effort and access to relevant and timely resources for students, teachers and community members.