~ Annapolis, MD - The National Park Service has awarded a grant of $100,000 to the State of Maryland for their AgriTrails initiative. The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will use this funding to promote and support the state's agricultural and natural resources through outdoor recreation opportunities.

The collaboration between these two departments aims to increase awareness, appreciation, and economic vitality in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Gateway communities. This initiative, known as "Maryland Grown Food and Fun," will connect local agriculture and aquaculture businesses with public lands and state parks.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks expressed his excitement about the opportunity to showcase the state's agricultural resources while also highlighting outdoor recreation. He cited the success of their marketing campaign, Sip & Shuck, as an example of how they can shine a light on Maryland's rich agricultural products.

With over half of the Chesapeake Bay located within its borders, Maryland plays a crucial role in protecting natural resources and supporting local agriculture and aquaculture. The state is home to 280 dairy farms, 475 commercial shellfish operations, 800 licensed oyster harvesters, and 500,000 acres of public land.

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Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Office of Outdoor Recreation, emphasized the importance of oysters in Maryland's culture, economy, and environment. She also highlighted how Sip & Shuck brings together local flavors with outdoor adventures to showcase the connection between the Chesapeake Bay, farms, and recreational spaces.

The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways offers competitive grants to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act within its watershed. These grants aim to inspire people to discover and connect with Chesapeake Places and Experiences while enhancing stewardship, heritage preservation, and outdoor tourism economies.

Through this grant funding, AgriTrails will create three trails for visitors to explore: Sip & Shuck (February-March), Maryland's Best Ice Cream Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and Bikes & Brews (September-November). Interested participants can use the online platform Bandwango, accessible through Maryland's Best website, to learn more about the trails and check-in at designated locations for a chance to win prizes. The first trail, Sip & Shuck, will launch on February 1 and will pair local breweries, restaurants, and distilleries that use Maryland oysters and ingredients with nearby outdoor recreation activities.

For more information on AgriTrails and its upcoming trails, visit marylandsbest.net/agritrails.

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