Native plants and pollinator habitat · Maryland

Maryland DNR Backyard Buffers (Buffer in a Bag)

Run by Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Forest Service

SeasonalLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Free bag of about 20-30 native bare-root seedlings (1-2 ft tall) with species and planting guidance
Who qualifies
Maryland landowners (residential and small-scale, not eligible for agricultural cost-share) with a stream, drainage ditch, creek, river, pond or other waterway on or near the property.
Where
Maryland landowners with a stream, ditch, pond or other waterway on or near their property; a 2022 report said Baltimore City was excluded.
Status
Seasonal. DNR announced the 2026 round in February 2026; deadlines and pickup vary by county; next round expected early 2027.
Type of payment
Free item
Official program page

What you do

Plant a free bag of bare-root native tree and shrub seedlings along a stream, ditch, creek, pond or other waterway on or next to your property.

Requirements

  • Waterway on or next to the property
  • Plant and maintain the seedlings yourself
  • Limited bags, first come first served; availability varies by county

How to apply

  1. 1Find your county contact on the DNR Backyard Buffer contacts page
  2. 2Reserve a bag through the county contact (reservations typically taken through March)
  3. 3Pick up at the designated local site before spring planting

Timing and deadlines

Reserve in winter/March, pick up and plant in spring.

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs