Five Pillars of Outdoor Recreation

​​​The Office of Outdoor recreation strives to serve the citizens and visitors to Maryland and share with them the wonders of outdoor recreation. We abide by these five pillars and depend on them to guide our actions. These “five Es” are as follows:​


Environmental Conservation & ​Stewardship


The office is currently working towards a number of projects which will be updated as they are completed.


Education & Workforce Development


The office is currently working towards a number of projects which will be updated as they are completed.


Economic Development


The office is currently working towards a number of projects which will be updated as they are completed.


Exercise Health & Wellness


  • February 2024: A Forest Bathing guided hike was put together for members of DNR, who enjoyed the fresh air and time in nature as well.
  • March 2024: Hike & Unplug Event featured First Lady Dawn Moore, Chesapeake and Coastal Forest Bathing Guide Monserrat Pizarro and a collection of high school students from high schools as they learn more about the importance of unplugging and reconnecting with nature.


Equity, Access & Inclusion


  • January 2024: We presented a Spanish Workshop with Spanish-speaking members of Chesapeake and Coastal Service to increase the linguistic and intercultural communication skills of Park Rangers and provide them with the skills to give the best outdoor recreation service to park patrons for the 2024 season and beyond.
  • February 2024: February 2024: We presented “Engaging the Spanish Speaking Community” at the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education to provide teachers, interpreters and more with the skills to cater their programs to a more diverse audience.
  • February 2024: We began an inter-unit advisory group to craft policy around eBike management and regulations on state land.
  • February 2024: Supported Deep Creek Lion’s Club blind ski program which hosted 20 visually impaired skiers and their families for a Monday to Wednesday adventure including pizza dinner, equipment and fun on the slopes at WISP resort in western Garrett County, MD. This project included 12 breakfast volunteers, 37 high school volunteers, and 20 adult ski volunteers. Contact dclions@gmail.com for volunteering and donation information!
  • March 2024: Began the collection process of Accessibility/ADA initiatives throughout the agency.
  • Coming Soon: May-September 2024: Supported the Es Mi Parque (It’s My Park) initiative to increase stewardship activities to the Spanish-speaking patrons in Maryland’s state parks!
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