Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund - Chesapeake Bay Trust Skip to main content

Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund

Protect Today’s Outdoors for Tomorrow’s Adventures!

Hooked on making a difference? When anglers, boaters, and hunters register or renew their licenses through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ online system, they have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund.

These contributions are put to work through competitive grants awarded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and DNR, supporting on-the-ground projects that improve Maryland’s natural spaces. With an average of 90 cents of every dollar going directly to programs, your donation helps protect waterways, enhance outdoor recreation, and invest in the communities that care for them.

Renew Your License & Donate to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund

Contributions made to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund support fish and wildlife habitat, clean water, wetlands, and K-12 student field trips. Grants from the MD Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund will be made to community and environmental organizations as well as research and watershed groups.

Renew Your License and Donate to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund

Contributions made to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund support fish and wildlife habitat, clean water, wetlands, and K-12 student field trips. Grants from the MD Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund will be made to community and environmental organizations as well as research and watershed groups.

Explore some projects made possible by the Maryland Outdoor Recreation & Clean Water Fund

The Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund supports organizations like ShoreRivers in offering hands-on field trips that inspire students of all ages to connect deeply with the environment. Through funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Environmental Education Program, ShoreRivers developed experiences that immerse students in the Chesapeake Bay’s unique ecosystems—fostering a lasting appreciation that’s essential for future environmental stewardship.

Watch the video to learn more about this project and see these funds in action!

Mount Saint Joseph High School

Introduction of Beekeeping on Mount Saint Joseph Campus

Friends of Cabin John Creek

Public Outreach & Stewardship Promotion in the CJC Watershed

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park

Box of Rain (BOR) Navigating TIDES After School Program

Mount Saint Joseph installed two pre-fabricated beehive boxes and one student-built beehive box on campus. The hives were placed near the front gate in a shaded, secure area surrounded by trees and fencing. This project successfully supports the restoration of native pollinator populations while offering students hands-on learning opportunities about ecology, climate change, and the vital role of bees. Additionally, the honey produced is donated to local shelters and food banks, benefiting the broader community.

Friends of Cabin John Creek (FoCJC) successfully completed a 12-month project focused on Public Outreach and Stewardship Promotion within the Cabin John Creek Watershed (CJCW) in southern Montgomery County, MD. The project aimed to increase watershed stewardship awareness and engagement across diverse CJCW communities. FoCJC delivered a watershed-wide outreach program, promoted the Creek Keepers citizen-scientist initiative to monitor watershed conditions, and made program results and resources publicly available to maximize impact and community involvement.

Box of Rain (BOR) is an award-winning maritime mentoring program connecting over 100 disadvantaged youth to the Chesapeake Bay and their maritime heritage through immersive nature experiences. Its Navigating TIDES Afterschool Program, in partnership with Charting Careers, offers tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment aligned with Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Youth Environmental Education goals. Serving mostly grades 2–8 students from public housing and Title 1 schools in Anne Arundel County, it uses inquiry- and action-based activities to foster environmental literacy and stewardship while empowering youth to thrive.

Mount Saint Joseph High School

Introduction of Beekeeping on Mount Saint Joseph Campus

Mount Saint Joseph installed two pre-fabricated beehive boxes and one student-built beehive box on campus. The hives were placed near the front gate in a shaded, secure area surrounded by trees and fencing. This project successfully supports the restoration of native pollinator populations while offering students hands-on learning opportunities about ecology, climate change, and the vital role of bees. Additionally, the honey produced is donated to local shelters and food banks, benefiting the broader community.

Friends of Cabin John Creek

Public Outreach & Stewardship Promotion in the CJC Watershed

Friends of Cabin John Creek (FoCJC) successfully completed a 12-month project focused on Public Outreach and Stewardship Promotion within the Cabin John Creek Watershed (CJCW) in southern Montgomery County, MD. The project aimed to increase watershed stewardship awareness and engagement across diverse CJCW communities. FoCJC delivered a watershed-wide outreach program, promoted the Creek Keepers citizen-scientist initiative to monitor watershed conditions, and made program results and resources publicly available to maximize impact and community involvement.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park

Box of Rain (BOR) Navigating TIDES After School Program

Box of Rain (BOR) is an award-winning maritime mentoring program connecting over 100 disadvantaged youth to the Chesapeake Bay and their maritime heritage through immersive nature experiences. Its Navigating TIDES Afterschool Program, in partnership with Charting Careers, offers tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment aligned with Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Youth Environmental Education goals. Serving mostly grades 2–8 students from public housing and Title 1 schools in Anne Arundel County, it uses inquiry- and action-based activities to foster environmental literacy and stewardship while empowering youth to thrive.

Plate Perks

Local Businesses offer Perks to THANK YOU for contributing to the health of our communities!

Contribute $10 or more and become a “perks” member, unlocking exclusive discounts at local businesses! Enjoy savings on outdoor gear, merchandise, dining, automotive services, and much more. Explore the full list of perks and start saving today..