The Return of Wildlife: A Sign of Healthier Forests in Maryland

In recent decades, Maryland has witnessed a quiet but powerful resurgence: the return of native wildlife to its forests. From the oak-hickory ridges of Western Maryland to the bottomland hardwoods of the Eastern Shore, healthier forests are creating habitat for species that had once vanished or declined dramatically.

This recovery didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of years of dedicated work by foresters, conservationists, landowners, and community partners who have protected and restored critical forestland. Through programs that promote reforestation, sustainable forest management, and the preservation of wildlife corridors, Maryland’s woodlands are once again alive with movement and sound.

One of the most visible success stories is the bald eagle. Once nearly wiped out by habitat loss and pesticide exposure, eagles now soar regularly above the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Nesting populations have rebounded dramatically in protected forested wetlands like those at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

In the mountains of Western Maryland, black bears are thriving again. Healthy, contiguous forestland in places like Garrett County provides the food and cover they need to raise young and move freely across the landscape. Even the elusive bobcat, Maryland’s only wild feline, is being observed more frequently, a sign of strong trophic balance and habitat integrity.

Smaller forest inhabitants — from migratory songbirds to amphibians — are also benefiting from the restoration of diverse forest structure, native understory plants, and improved water quality. Forest stewardship practices like selective thinning, invasive species control, and streamside buffer planting are all contributing to this ecological rebound.

These wildlife comebacks aren’t just cause for celebration — they’re proof that smart, science-based forestry works. Forests that are healthy and well-managed support not only wildlife but also cleaner air, climate resilience, and better quality of life for Marylanders.

At a time when environmental challenges often dominate headlines, the return of wildlife reminds us what’s possible when we invest in forests — and in the future.