Make Your License Count!
We’re hooked on healing and wild about wellness! The Chesapeake Bay Trust is honored to help reel in support for the Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund—a fund that’s all about harnessing the outdoors to help people feel their best. When Maryland hunters and anglers register or renew their licenses online through the Department of Natural Resources’ online system, they have the option to make a voluntary donation to this important fund. These contributions are directed to the Bay Trust and awarded through competitive grants to nonprofit organizations.
The funds support a wide range of impactful activities, including therapeutic outdoor experiences, recreational programs like hunting and fishing, and workforce development in conservation and green jobs.With each donation, we’re helping more people connect with nature and access the many benefits it has to offer.
Renew Your License and Donate to the Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund
Extensive research shows that spending time outdoors can significantly support healing for individuals recovering from physical or mental trauma or health challenges. To fully realize these benefits, two key things must occur: first, more people need to understand and embrace the positive impact that nature and time outdoors can have on their well-being; second, we must ensure that safe, healthy outdoor spaces are accessible for individuals to use as part of their healing journey. The Bay Trust is committed to advancing both of these goals through the Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund.
Renew Your License and Donate to the Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund
Extensive research shows that spending time outdoors can significantly support healing for individuals recovering from physical or mental trauma or health challenges. To fully realize these benefits, two key things must occur: first, more people need to understand and embrace the positive impact that nature and time outdoors can have on their well-being; second, we must ensure that safe, healthy outdoor spaces are accessible for individuals to use as part of their healing journey. The Bay Trust is committed to advancing both of these goals through the Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund.
Explore some projects made possible by the Healing, Hunting, & Fishing Fund
The Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund supports organizations like Nature Worx in helping veterans heal and thrive through nature-based activities. Using funds from our Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program, Nature Worx created nature immersion sessions and wellness events with service dogs, giving veterans opportunities to connect with the outdoors, while enhancing their mental and physical well-being. These initiatives promote individual healing and strengthen the bonds between veterans and their communities.
Watch the video to learn more about this project and see these funds in action!
American Legion Post 217
District 5 Children Garden
Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park
Veteran’s Day Adaptive Fishing Event
Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection Ruff Mudder
The mission of the veteran children’s educational garden is to provide a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that nurtures curiosity and fosters a connection to nature. Through interactive activities and family involvement, the program encourages healthy habits, nutritional awareness, and a deeper understanding of food sources by linking classroom learning to real-world experiences.
The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park hosted an Adaptive Fishing Event on Veterans Day, promoting accessible outdoor recreation and fostering a stronger sense of community and connection to nature among Veterans. A dedicated staff member engaged with local Veterans groups to promote the event, gather feedback, and support its planning and execution.
The WCC Ruff Mudder was a service-dog version of the Tough Mudder, where 50 Veterans and their canine companions navigated an outdoor obstacle course designed to build teamwork, problem-solving, and connection. Held at Maryland’s Seneca Creek State Park, the adaptive, non-competitive event promoted health, well-being, and community among Veterans.
American Legion Post 217
District 5 Children Garden
The mission of the veteran children’s educational garden is to provide a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that nurtures curiosity and fosters a connection to nature. Through interactive activities and family involvement, the program encourages healthy habits, nutritional awareness, and a deeper understanding of food sources by linking classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park
Veteran’s Day Adaptive Fishing Event
The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park hosted an Adaptive Fishing Event on Veterans Day, promoting accessible outdoor recreation and fostering a stronger sense of community and connection to nature among Veterans. A dedicated staff member engaged with local Veterans groups to promote the event, gather feedback, and support its planning and execution.
Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection Ruff Mudder
The WCC Ruff Mudder was a service-dog version of the Tough Mudder, where 50 Veterans and their canine companions navigated an outdoor obstacle course designed to build teamwork, problem-solving, and connection. Held at Maryland’s Seneca Creek State Park, the adaptive, non-competitive event promoted health, well-being, and community among Veterans.
The Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program
The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program supports organizations that serve veterans or engage veteran communities through healing, outdoor recreation, community involvement, and green jobs training. Funding can support a wide range of activities, including outdoor meditation, adaptive camping, therapeutic green spaces, and stipends for veterans participating in environmental workforce development.
To explore eligible project ideas, review evaluation criteria, and learn more about the application process, visit the Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program webpage.
