Maryland’s Best AgriTrails highlights Maryland food along with outdoor recreation
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources were recently awarded $100,000 of grant funding by the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways to support AgriTrails, highlighting Maryland’s agricultural and natural resources. The initiative will connect Maryland agriculture and aquaculture businesses with outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands and State Parks to increase awareness, appreciation, and economic vitality across Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Gateway communities. The collaboration will guide Marylanders and visitors on an adventure of “Maryland Grown Food and Fun.”
“Through the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways grant, we have the opportunity to showcase Maryland’s agricultural resources, while also highlighting Maryland’s outdoor recreation,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Sip & Shuck is an example of a marketing campaign that shines a light on Maryland’s rich agricultural products.”
The State of Maryland plays a vital role in protecting its natural resources, supporting local agriculture and aquaculture, and expanding equitable access to nature. With over half of the Chesapeake Bay located within Maryland’s borders, numerous working waterfronts and communities are dependent on Bay resources. Maryland has over 280 dairy farms, 475 commercial shellfish operations, 800 licensed oyster harvesters, and 500,000 acres of public land.
“In Maryland, oysters aren’t just food, they’re part of our culture, our economy, and our environment,” said Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation. Maryland’s outdoor experiences are just as distinctive as our local flavors. Sip & Shuck brings that story to life by pairing Maryland-grown food with outdoor adventures, helping people experience how the Chesapeake Bay, local farms, and our state’s beautiful recreation spaces are all connected.”
National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways (NPS Chesapeake Gateways) offers competitive grant opportunities to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed. Chesapeake Gateways grants inspire and help people discover, experience, and connect with Chesapeake Places and Experiences across its rivers, landscapes, and communities to enhance stewardship, heritage, and outdoor tourism economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Through this grant, AgriTrails will link agricultural tourism with outdoor recreation to increase public engagement, support agribusinesses, encourage Bay-friendly consumer practices, and foster a greater understanding of Maryland’s natural, cultural, and agricultural heritage. The initiative will showcase Maryland’s outdoor landscapes while connecting residents and visitors with local farms and producers.
In 2026, the partnership will offer three Maryland AgriTrails 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 the designated locations for a chance to win prizes. The first trail to launch, Sip & Shuck, begins February 1 and pairs breweries, restaurants, and distilleries that use local Maryland oysters and ingredients with nearby outdoor recreation activities.
More details are available at marylandsbest.net/agritrails.
