We created the Partnership for Children in Nature to make sure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to learn about their environment, connect with their natural world and grow to become responsible stewards.

Thanks to the hard work of the Partnership and the support of the national No Child Left Inside Coalition, our program is being heralded as a national model. Together we are laying the groundwork for programming that will forever change the lives of Maryland’s children and the future of our planet.

Martin O'Malley Governor

Governor O'Malley’s Stream Restoration Challenge
Open for Round Two!

New grant program open to local governments, schools and NGOs

On August 6, 2012, Governor Martin O'Malley kicked off the Stream Restoration Challenge. The challenge is a new grant program where the State and its partners plan to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers by 2015. The program-open to local governments, school systems and non-governmental organizations-will provide up to $6 million over the next three years to help to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and create service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. Proposals from the first round were awarded in fall 2012.

The Stream Challenge is now accepting proposals for Round Two projects!

All proposals are due by close of business on May 30. Review the RFP contact Gabe Cohee (gcohee@dnr.state.md.us) with ideas and questions.  Click here to view the latest full press release.

16 Organizations Partner to Expand Opportunities for Children in Nature

In a new effort supporting Governor Martin O’Malley’s Children in Nature (CIN) initiative, 16 state, federal, county and private organizations are coming together to improve and expand opportunities for children to learn about, play in and experience our natural world. The new public-private effort, which officially re-establishes the Governor’s Partnership for Children in Nature, will be responsible for putting the state’s CIN plan into action. Read more...

Proclamation

Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights EVERY MARYLAND CHILD SHALL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO... Discover & connect with their natural world. Play & learn outdoors. Splash & swim in the water. Camp under the stars. Follow a trail. Catch a fish. Watch wildlife. Explore wild places close to home. Celebrate their culture & heritage. Share nature with a great mentor or teacher. Download a Poster