Jay's Real Estate Blog – Find out about Real Estate in Deep Creek Lake

Maryland Sets 51 Youth Fishing Rodeos for 2025

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is ready to make waves in 2025, rolling out 51 youth fishing rodeos across the state for kids ages 3 to 15. From the first blooms of spring to the crisp days of late fall, these free events aim to hook young anglers—whether they’re casting their first line or sharpening seasoned skills—in a tradition that’s been reeling in Maryland families for over six decades. Spanning 16 counties, the rodeos promise a blend of excitement, education, and a chance to connect with nature, often set against the backdrop of Maryland’s sprawling State Parks.

This isn’t just about fishing—it’s about legacy. Some of these rodeos trace their roots back to the 1960s, sparked by a vision to give kids a safe space to learn the art of angling while planting seeds of environmental care. Last year, the program drew over 3,300 young participants, a splashy success that’s buoyed DNR’s plans for 2025.

A young angler with his catch during a 2024 youth fishing rodeo near Easton. Maryland DNR photo.
Partnering with dozens of local organizations—from community clubs to park rangers—they’re staging events at ponds, lakes, and streams statewide, backed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. That federal funding keeps the rodeos free, ensuring every kid gets a shot at the water.

Picture this: a sunny morning at Patapsco Valley State Park, a 5-year-old gripping a rod as a sunfish tugs the line, or a 14-year-old at Tuckahoe State Park perfecting a cast under a volunteer’s watchful eye. The rodeos teach more than technique—knots, baiting, patience—they instill a respect for the ecosystems that sustain Maryland’s waterways.

In 2022, DNR stocked over 6,000 hybrid sunfish and trout for these events, per agency records, tipping the odds toward a catch. No license needed for those under 16, though adults and teens can grab one online or at agents, with every dollar fueling conservation efforts like habitat restoration and fish stocking.

The schedule’s a county-by-county haul—Garrett’s mountain streams, Worcester’s coastal flats, and everywhere in between. But some venues cap attendance, so DNR’s nudging families to hit the website, register via listed contacts, and double-check for weather-driven shifts. Last fall’s downpours bumped a few 2024 dates, a heads-up to stay sharp. Events often come with perks—loaner rods, bait, even snacks at spots like Cunningham Falls—making it low-stakes fun with high rewards.

Maryland’s fishing heritage runs deep, from the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty to Deep Creek Lake’s quiet shores. With over 500 miles of fishable streams and countless ponds, per DNR’s maps, the state’s a natural stag

Garrett College spring headcount grows 8%

The Parsons Advocate

Number of spring credit students is highest since 2016
McHenry, MD – Garrett College recorded its highest total of spring semester credit students in nine years this semester, according to data released by the College’s Office of Records and Registration (ORR).

GC has 677 credit students this spring, an increase of eight percent, the highest since the College enrolled 693 students in spring 2016. This spring’s enrollment is the second-highest headcount in the last 12 years.

“We’re very pleased to see enrollment continuing to grow,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “With spring enrollment now finalized, we’ve seen credit enrollment growth for three consecutive fiscal years.”

Total spring credit hours taken by Garrett’s students increased 8.4 percent, rising from 5,650.50 in spring 2024 to 6,126.50 in spring 2025. That’s the highest total since spring 2020, when the College logged 6,190.75 spring credit hours.

The College’s headcount enrollment has grown 28.7 percent over the last four years, according to ORR data. GC’s spring credit hours increased 23 percent over the same four-year time period.

“Our student headcount is almost 12 percent higher than spring 2020, which was our last pre-COVID semester,” said Dr. Robert “JR” Kerns, GC’s dean of student affairs. “That’s really quite an achievement.”

Kerns said new academic programs, including sport management, and expansion of the College’s intercollegiate athletic program have both played roles in GC’s enrollment growth.

“We’ve been intentionally trying to expand opportunities that provide enrollment growth potential,” said Kerns, adding he expects the radiologic technology program that launches in June and the men’s soccer program that starts in August to further expand enrollment.

Ongoing increases in the number of High School Dual Enrollment (HSDE) students is helping to drive headcount increases, according to Dr. Kelli Sisler, GC’s director of institutional effectiveness.

“HSDE grew almost 15 percent from last spring to this spring,” said Sisler, noting that the Garrett College Scholarship Program continues to fund HSDE. “The five-year trend data is even more impressive – there has been an 85 percent increase in the number of HSDE participants this spring compared to spring 2020.”

Professor Christa Bowser, GC’s chief academic officer, said implementation of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) and Garrett College has played a key role in expanding HSDE.

“The Blueprint emphasizes public schools and colleges working collaboratively to offer high school students a dual enrollment option, which GCPS and the College have worked extensively to provide,” said Bowser. “GCPS and the College already had a close working relationship, but the Blueprint sparked an even higher level of collaboration.”

GC’s part-time student population hit an all-time high this spring with 369 part-time students, which Bowser said is largely due to the increase in HSDE.

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce What’s Happening In Garrett County

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

Garrett County Government
Board of County Commissioners

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter.

                     *To comment on agenda items – please send to comments@garrettcountymd.gov

3:00 Administrative Session

Board Appointments – Garrett County Local Emergency Planning Committee
Backbone Housing, Inc. – Request for Fiscal Year 2026 County Property Tax Abatement
Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners
4:00 Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

          County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

          Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05 Recognition: Callis Auto Detailing – 35th Anniversary

                  4:10        Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Purchasing Division

                                 Bid Awards:    Bid #25–0206 Pump Station 1–1 / 2–1

                                                        Bid #25–0306 Galvanized Steel Modular Panel Truss

4:15 PUBLIC HEARING: Garrett County Department of Community Development & Planning – Garrett County Water & Sewer Master Plan 2014 – Amendment #5 – To Incorporate Critical Infrastructure Improvements

4:25 Public Commentary

      ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC SESSION

4:30 FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:

                  Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. 

                  Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

                  Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County

   Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.

Wolf Den Run State Park Trail Added to Jeep ‘Badge of Honor’ Program

Maryland Department Of Natural Resources

An off-highway vehicle trail at Wolf Den Run State Park is now part of the Jeep Badge of Honor trail program. The Jeep brand announced the designation on Feb. 28, along with designations for trails in Minnesota and Washington. There are 61 Badge of Honor trails nationwide.

When a driver takes on the adventure of completing a trail, they are rewarded with a badge through the program, which they can proudly display on their vehicle. For adventure-seekers, these badges mark achievements they can trace throughout the U.S.

“Owner feedback is essential at the Jeep brand, and Trail 2103 was one of the most highly requested. We’re excited to finally bring it to life. With no previous trails in Maryland, this addition helps us achieve our goal of ‘spreading the love’ by filling in geographical gaps and offering new adventures to our Jeep community in every corner of the country,” said Joe Brungardt, manager, Jeep Badge of Honor program.

Located in the Potomac River Area of the park, Trail 2103 follows the north branch of the Potomac River through the rocky forest. Maryland Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance Board Member Ken Kyler nominated Trail 2103 through Jeep’s Badge of Honor phone app, and thinks the trail was selected because it has amazing views of the Potomac River. There are more challenging trails at Wolf Den Run, but none with such scenery.

“Particularly in the springtime when the rhododendrons and dogwoods are out, it’s just a flat-out gorgeous trail,” Kyler said.

Kyler encouraged other off-road enthusiasts to nominate the trail, including those from the Capitol Off-Road Enthusiasts (CORE 4×4).

CORE 4×4 President Jendra Rambharos said his organization has hosted events at Wolf Den Run since the park’s opening in 2019. These trips include camping, eating at local restaurants and using local repair shops.

“The proximity to Deep Creek, and the amenities there are also a draw for us, as we’ve visited, stayed at, and even fished in the area, adding to both public and private resources through amenities and licensing,” Rambharos said.

DNR worked with Jeep to get the information submitted for the recognition.

“We want to thank the community for nominating our trail for this prestigious program – it shows off-highway recreation is gaining traction here in Maryland and provides another way to get people connected to the land as well as provides an important economic impact to the nearby community,” Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Sandi Olek said.

Park Manager Donald Oates said there are unique rock outcroppings along the trail. The area has rugged and mountainous terrain, with meadows, wetlands, small tributaries and many ephemeral streams throughout. Drivers may encounter the occasional water feature depending on the time of year.

Trail 2103 isn’t the only fun OHV trail at Wolf Den – there are more than 50 miles of trails to check out. Campsites are also available.

“We have miles and miles of trails that are good for Jeeps,” Oates said.

Most off-road trails at Wolf Den Run are former mining or logging roads, with plenty of space for larger vehicles like Jeeps. Trail 2103 can be made into a loop using trails 2104 and 2101. A map of Trail 2103 and adjoining trails can be found on the Wolf Den Run State Park website.

There are no air compressors available at the park, so drivers need to plan accordingly and be prepared.

Wolf Den Run State Park opened in 2019, the first park in the state to offer trails for off-road vehicles. Maryland Park Service expanded Wolf Den Run in 2020.

Before the park opened, Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance Board volunteers spent a day clearing appliances and other large debris from the site. The Alliance and DNR work together to promote environmental stewardship when riding. ATV

Riders can recreate responsibly by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other trail users. In addition, riders can practice good stewardship by avoiding muddy areas, crossing streams at a 90-degree angle, using four-wheel low and first gear for engine braking, and going over obstacles like rocks rather than around them to prevent trail widening and erosion.

Price Improvement! 607 K St Mt Lake Park

Price Reduced!

Don’t miss your chance to own this property at 607 K Street, Oakland, MD 21550! Now available at a new, lower price—this is the perfect opportunity to make it yours. https://bit.ly/3DOjBQB

Spacious layout

Prime location

8 town lots

Schedule your showing today! 301-501-0420 #PriceReduction #OaklandMD #DreamHome

JUST CALL JAY!

The 10 Snowiest Cities in Maryland for Scenic Winter Weather

Story by Liz McKinley B.Sc. Environmental Science

No surprises here – every town is in Western Maryland and Garett County claims 6 of the top 10 snowiest towns in Maryland!

1. Oakland: A Snow Enthusiast’s Paradise

Oakland, located in Garrett County, often tops the list when it comes to snowfall in Maryland. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this city receives an impressive amount of snow each winter.

The combination of elevation and position makes it a prime spot for snow accumulation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

The Swallow Falls State Park, with its frozen waterfalls, becomes a mesmerizing sight during winter, drawing in photographers and nature lovers. The charming downtown area, draped in snow, offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying a hot cocoa or exploring local shops.

3. McHenry: Gateway to Adventure

McHenry is another gem in Garrett County, providing a gateway to the Wisp Resort, Maryland’s only ski resort. This city is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

The Deep Creek Lake area, enveloped in snow, provides a serene backdrop for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. McHenry’s snow-covered landscapes, combined with its outdoor activities, make it a favorite among families and adventure seekers.

The local community embraces the winter season, hosting events and festivals that celebrate the joys of snow.

5. Grantsville: A Quaint Winter Hideaway

Grantsville is a small town with a big heart when it comes to embracing winter. Known for its close-knit community and scenic surroundings, this town receives a generous amount of snow each year.

The Casselman River Bridge State Park, with its historic bridge framed by snow, offers a picturesque setting for winter walks. Local inns and bed-and-breakfasts provide cozy accommodations, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the winter charm.

The town’s annual winter festival is a highlight, featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment

6. Friendsville: Nature’s Snowy Embrace

Friendsville, a hidden gem in Garrett County, offers a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the tranquility of snow-covered landscapes. This small town is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Youghiogheny River providing a stunning backdrop.

During winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The local community is welcoming, often hosting events that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the winter season.

Friendsville’s serene ambiance makes it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation amid nature’s snowy embrace.

7. Mountain Lake Park: A Historic Snow Haven

Mountain Lake Park is a town with a rich history and a penchant for snow. Once a popular resort town, it still retains its charm and allure during the winter months.

The town is known for its Victorian architecture, which looks even more enchanting dusted with snow. Winter enthusiasts can explore the town’s parks and trails, which offer opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

The community often comes together to celebrate the season with events that highlight the town’s history and culture, adding to its wintertime appeal.

8. Accident: A Charming Snowy Escape

Accident might have an unusual name, but its winter beauty is no accident. This small town in Garrett County is known for its friendly community and picturesque snow-covered landscapes.

The town’s rural setting provides ample opportunities for winter activities such as sledding and ice skating on frozen ponds. Local farms and markets offer seasonal produce and goods, adding to the town’s charm.

Visitors often find themselves captivated by the town’s simplicity and warmth, making it a delightful escape during the winter months.

More here.

12 of the Most Underrated States in the U.S. For Natural Beauty

By Hannah Healy

Maryland

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1M5cu9_0zgbTuXo00 — Editorial credit: nathaniel gonzales / Shutterstock.com

Named after Queen Mary, Maryland often gets upstaged by the big-city buzz of nearby Washington D.C. and Virginia’s historic sites, but it’s got its own stunning landscapes. From Assateague Island’s wild beaches to Patapsco Valley’s fantastic hiking trails, there’s so much more to see.

In Western Maryland, you’ll find Deep Creek Lake just minutes from Swallow Falls State Park. Southern Maryland offers breathtaking cliffs along the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland may be small, but its natural beauty is anything but!

https://www.newsbreak.com/have-clothes-will-travel-308752581/3856206304868-12-of-the-most-underrated-states-in-the-u-s-for-natural-beauty