Maryland has 80 state parks, 22 of its 24 counties have a state park, more than 500,000 acres of public land, and over 1,000 miles of trails. It has mountains and ocean, bay and forest, wetlands and waterfalls. And it has something many states don’t: a genuine commitment to outdoor equity — making sure that people in Baltimore City can access the same quality of outdoor experience as people in deep Creek Lake. Sandy Olek, Director of Outdoor Recreation at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, joins The Parks Podcast to share the full picture — and announce the second annual Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit.

A note from Missy: Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit celebrates its 2nd year, bringing together speakers, brands, activities that make Maryland an outdoor haven.

Episode Guest

Sandi Olek, Director of Outdoor Recreation

Maryland Department of Natural Recreation

Park Stats

State parks: 80 (in 22 of 24 counties; goal: every county)
Public land managed: 500,000+ acres (state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas)
Trails: 1,000+ miles
Highlights: Patapsco Valley State Park (oldest and largest, 200 miles of trails, 32-mile river, spans 4 counties); Deep Creek Lake; Savage River State Forest; Green Ridge State Forest
Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit: 2nd annual; Baltimore Inner Harbor area; focus: business of outdoor recreation, outdoors for all, health and wellness

Show Notes & Links

Episode Transcript

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit — Parks, Forests, and Outdoors for All

The Parks Podcast, Episode 43 | Sandi Olek, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland’s Parks, Public Lands, and Forests — By the Numbers

Missy Rentz: I’m really excited to have Sandi Olek, who is the Director of Outdoor Recreation at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Sandi, thanks for joining The Parks Podcast.

Sandi Olek: Oh, thanks so much for having me.

Missy: You are my neighbor in Maryland, so I love talking about this land. We start each episode with park stats, but in your case we’re going to call it parks, public lands, and forest stats to talk about the work that you do in the Department of Natural Resources. Maryland is home to 80 state parks, currently in 22 of the 24 counties in the state. The aim is so that every county eventually has a state park, which I think is fascinating and amazing. Maryland manages over 500,000 acres of public land, including wildlife management areas, state forests, and more. And there are over 1,000 miles of trails in the state. Maryland is an outdoor state.

Sandi: We sure are. We have a little bit of everything in Maryland, and those are just the public lands that the Department of Natural Resources manages. We have regional parks and we have some fantastic robust local park systems too, and we have a lot of federal lands like the C&O Canal and smaller parks like Fort McHenry and things like that, that are really important to our landscape and the parks in Maryland.

What Value Do Parks Bring to Maryland?

Missy: One of the reasons I wanted to chat with you today is because Maryland is bringing all these people together for a conference — and we’ll get into that. But parks are clearly important to Maryland. What value do they bring to the state and local communities?

Sandi: Parks are so important for people and for recreation opportunities. They’re important for habitat for our animals, as a buffer to protect our waters and help clean our waters. But more than that, they’re just the backyard and gathering spaces for so many of our communities. And as you mentioned, we have that goal of having a park in every county — we actually have 23 counties and Baltimore City, which is its own jurisdiction. These spaces are just a place for people to unwind and recharge. We see so many community gatherings, whether it’s christenings or weddings or family reunions that are happening there. But they’re also places of employment and they’re great for local businesses — outfitters, rental providers, and then nearby businesses like hotels, restaurants, and breweries that really are supported by the parks being nearby.

Parks, State Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas — What’s the Difference?

Missy: You have a unique opportunity because in coastal states like Virginia and Maryland, you go from ocean to mountains and everything in between. How does Maryland manage the diversity of the types of parks and the people that use them? Because it’s not like a cookie-cutter program.

Sandi: No, it’s really not. Between the parks and the forest service, we have state forest lands and wildlife management areas, and they’re all managed for maybe a slightly different user group or in a slightly different way. The parks have heavy infrastructure and are really a great experience for people who are new to getting outside or just getting introduced to outdoor recreation — you’ll have parking and bathrooms, and for camping, for instance, you have car camping in the parks all over the state. But then we have some really great backcountry camping in some of our state forest lands in the west. Green Ridge is one of the most popular camping destinations across the state. We really try and make the introduction easy for people through our guided experiences, through our rangers, through our staff and interpretation.

Sandi: We had just this past year a 25 in 2025 challenge — a self-guided program giving people a prompt to go visit different aspects of the parks, whether it’s historical sites or one of our lighthouses. We have lighthouses all over the bay, and we have one at Point Lookout that was just newly renovated — it is beautiful and there’s so much history there. And out at Deep Creek Lake, we just celebrated the hundred-year anniversary of the lake. Each one is really valued by the local community. And that’s ultimately what we want, because you can’t protect what you don’t love and have never experienced. So our Office of Outdoor Recreation is all about getting people on the land and the waters too.

Missy: You’ve mentioned your department of recreation, state parks, wildlife, forests. What’s the difference between everything? Because as a user of the outdoors, it’s just outdoors.

Sandi: It varies within each land management system, but in general, think about the infrastructure. Parks may have concessions, rangers that are staffed there, bathrooms, access, rentals, the ability to car camp. Whereas state forests are managed not only for habitat but for forestry — so you will see cuts and replanting and harvest happening, but there’s still a lot of trails and camping. One of our most beautiful places to go fly fishing is Savage River State Forest in the west. And then our wildlife management areas are often managed for unique habitats or wildlife, or they’re managed for hunting grounds — which gets you a lot of habitat restoration. A lot of times the trails may be less developed or less marked, whereas the parks are going to be more of a grill and camping area. But it’s all on a spectrum, and with half a million acres, there’s so much to explore.

Parks for All — Accessibility and Inclusion

Missy: One of the things I noticed is that a “parks for all” mentality seems to be really important in Maryland — through accessibility, inclusion, and so on. That seems to be one of your core values. Am I reading that right?

Sandi: Oh, absolutely. And we have great partners to work with on that. We have a lot to learn ourselves, and we are really striving to improve our own infrastructure and make our spaces more inclusive. That could be having an adaptive kayak launch, or we even have adaptive fishing areas with a platform that takes you out toward the middle of the river so you can get more of that fly fishing experience, not just be on the shoreline. Or handicap-accessible hunting blinds. We’re learning more and more about the needs of hearing-impaired or vision-impaired visitors and getting people outside. We couldn’t do a lot of this work without partners. We have fantastic partners who do programming across the state, including the Lions Club of Deep Creek — they’ve done a lot with blind children and adults, working with families and getting them skiing at our ski resort at Wisp on Wisp Mountain, or camping at Deep Creek Lake State Park. And our Friends of Patapsco Valley do so much programming — kayaking, fishing, different kinds of hiking programs — in partnership with park staff and rangers. And these are some of the stories that we’re hoping to share at the summit.

Missy: I think one of the things that’s really important to know is that these rangers love to introduce people to the outdoors. The programs that are put on — they want people who are on the cusp, listening and just not sure. They want to teach you. They want to answer all of your questions. So go out and take advantage of what Sandi and her team and colleagues are putting together to help introduce you to opportunities in the parks.

Sandi: People who work on our public lands and on our public waterways — they’re doing it because they have a passion, they have a love. Someone reached out a hand to them at some point and said, let me show you. And so they want to be able to share that. And if you put yourself in the shoes of a forester or a ranger or a wildlife specialist — you don’t always want to be saying “don’t do that” or “you can’t hammock here” or “you can’t fish here.” It should be a place where you feel at ease and really at peace and you’re, in a knowledgeable way, learning to explore and learning to push your own boundaries. There’s just so much to be had, from listening to the sounds of the trees or running water.

Missy: There was some research indicating that the vast majority of people who use the outdoors — as much as 95% — are beginners or casual users. And I think there’s a perception that everybody who uses the outdoors is like hardcore climbing huge rocks or running centuries on trails. And that’s just not the case. A majority of people are having a picnic or going for a leisurely walk on a pretty calm trail.

Sandi: Absolutely. In the outdoor rec industry, there’s definitely the perception that we’re talking about very technical outdoor recreation pastimes — a very expensive mountain bike or knowing how to bow hunt or trap and prepare your own food. But I love to tell people that just taking a walk down the path is outdoor recreation, and there is a space for everyone. It’s viewing the water as well as fly fishing. It’s just getting outside — journaling, listening to the sounds, birding. There’s something on the spectrum for everyone. I love those adventure days and I’ve been learning about mountain biking lately and enjoying that, and I love long hikes that challenge me. But not everyone has the time or opportunity to carve that out. Some people are afraid of things like insects, or just getting away from the sound of a highway. I’ve worked in environmental education and I’ve worked with young adults who said if they can’t hear the highway, they’re nervous — because to them, they’re getting into a danger zone. Everyone comes to nature from a different place with a different experience, and there’s a lot to unpack there.

The Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit — Why Bring Everyone Together?

Missy: That’s one of the things that’s so fabulous about Maryland — because of the diversity, you have things in Baltimore City, things in Annapolis, ways for people to meet where they are. Recently there was research attributing $1.2 trillion to the outdoor industry. And next week you are bringing the outdoor industry in Maryland together. Why is it important that all the different facets come together in one place for a couple of days?

Sandi: First, to create that community and to raise up the perception that Maryland is an outdoor wonderland. There might be a perception that you have to leave the state to really spend time outside, or leave the center of the state and go to the mountains or the shore. But there’s so much you can do right around Baltimore City. For instance, Patapsco Valley State Park is our oldest and largest park — it spans four counties, 32 miles of river, and there are 200 miles of trails, and it comes right up to and touches the city. By bringing people together, we’re hoping to form communities that support each other, share best practices, and create a louder voice to talk about the need for getting people outside for health and community support — and also for the resources that we need to care for these public lands. Whether it’s trail maintenance, funding rangers or foresters, water access points and maintenance — it takes a lot. And that’s one of the things we’re hoping to get out of this.

Missy: So who’s going to be there, and what are you talking about?

Sandi: This is the great thing about the summit — and as you mentioned, this is our second year. We did the first one last year and we didn’t really know what to expect. We started in western Maryland, which is the heart of one of their economic development strategies around outdoor recreation. And we had such a great time. The outdoor industry is so big — you could break it down into people who are the producers of outdoor gear and infrastructure, like our sponsors Life Straw and Under Armour, or City Bonfire. But we also have providers of outdoor experiences — land managers and park staff, but also people who are working as guides or outfitters or providing that retail experience and getting people outside. And then there are the professionals who do the mapping and teaching people about invasive species or how to use nature for health benefits. We’ll have people who work in the creative side too — outdoor writers and filmmakers. We’re really excited to bring all these people together because the conversation that happens surprises even us. Last year we had two women who were both outdoor writers — one down in Worcester County near the ocean and the other at Deep Creek Lake — who met each other for the first time and got the chance to share practices. They would have never really had that chance to meet had we not brought them together at that summit.

Missy: Do you enter into hosting something like this with a goal of what comes out of it, or are you just holding space for whatever organically happens?

Sandi: That’s a great question. I think it will evolve over the years. The first time was, like you said, holding space and creating community. I think there hasn’t been that collective voice — you might have an equestrian community who represents their interest and wants to make sure there’s space to ride on trails, and then there’s mountain bikers who may want technical features on a trail, and there’s boaters who want to make sure there’s water access, or anglers who want to talk about fishing limits. But bringing these voices together and realizing that they’re stronger together and that they have a lot in common — that was our first goal. And we’re furthering that this year. This year we’re also exploring more of the health connections and access within the urban context.

The Health Benefits of Nature — A Hot Topic

Missy: That is something I’m really intrigued by personally — the health benefits of nature. I think it’s a hidden message in a lot of our podcasts. Why is that such a hot topic and why is it important now?

Sandi: I would say it’s a stressful time for everyone right now — whether it’s budget constraints or, particularly here in Maryland, we have a lot of federal workforce that’s been affected. And we’ve seen trends in society, whether it’s social media or screen time. We know that fewer children are getting outdoors as much as we would like, and as much as their parents or grandparents did. I know myself — I work in this realm and I don’t get outside enough. It’s just something that people are really starting to see. It’s a non-medicated way that there’s just so much healing to be had.

Sandi: We’ve done a lot here in Maryland on training our own staff on how to welcome the public and lead more relaxing hikes and nature walks — where it’s not so much a hike to get there, but a slow, deliberative experience in nature. We’ve done resiliency training even for our own staff, because our staff are constantly in situations where they have to close parks due to capacity, or trying to make sure visitors are safe — and they carry that with them. And so we’ve even done some training on how the outdoors can help our own staff recharge. We’re also going to be announcing our Maryland Outdoor Equity Grants at the summit — small grants to provide assistance to help build capacity for organizations that are getting people outside with health in mind, whether it’s veterans with PTSD or children who have been in foster care. The research is really growing. People are really understanding the benefits.

Missy: I’ve read a couple of things recently about how in other countries, physicians can actually prescribe time outdoors. And I hope that makes its way here. I think everybody would benefit from — leave your desk and go just sit outside.

Sandi: Absolutely.

What to Expect at the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit

Missy: Obviously I want people to go to Maryland. I want to go to Maryland to spend time outdoors. For people attending the summit — what can they expect?

Sandi: We’re really trying to highlight the outdoors that is nearby nature to Baltimore City and the surrounding areas of central Maryland. So we’re not only going to have amazing speakers and talks and panels, but we’re going to get people outside. We’re going to have excursions and opportunities for people to network while they’re kayaking in the Baltimore Harbor or rock climbing in Patapsco Valley State Park. We have one day where we’re doing an Outdoor Rec Trek — teams working and visiting partners around the harbor and Baltimore area, learning about things happening in the harbor, all while doing a fun competition with prizes. Using our water taxi, or learning about oysters in the harbor, or how art and nature can integrate, as well as bike safety and things like that. We have some amazing boat trips and field trips for people and we’re really excited to show off what we’re so proud of.

Missy: The themes of the business of outdoor recreation with purpose and outdoors for all — how will a regular listener ultimately feel the impact of what you’re doing at the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit?

Sandi: I really hope that this is going to result in the people who are coming here — who are the connectors to getting more people outside — feeling more supported and more capable. If we’re building the capacity of those getting more people outside, then hopefully the experiences will be more abundant. There will be sharing of resources, figuratively and literally, because there will be people announcing grants or tools or things like that. And if there are challenges that are happening, this is a great place to start the conversations — whether it’s a challenge we’re seeing on our public lands, or something that’s happening on the waters. Starting with the community dialogue is a great way to go when we’re looking at policy solutions as well.

Missy: I will put links to your socials and your website on this episode page. I’m also going and I hope to have a few episodes that come out of the content — and I’ll try to do some posting during the summit of little teasers and maybe some quick interviews. It’s very exciting and I’m grateful to be part of it and to attend and witness it, and to be in such a lovely location in the Inner Harbor. Thank you for sharing it with me. You have definitely put a spark in me to go spend some quality time at parks and public lands in Maryland.

Sandi: You are very welcome here in Maryland.

Speed Round

Earliest park or public land memory?
Rock Creek Park — visiting Rock Creek Park. My mom grew up in DC and, trying to keep all four of us kids busy, she would always take us back to the park for afternoons. So spending time in Rock Creek Park in DC.

What made you love the parks?
At Rock Creek Park there was a nature center that had an injured owl on display, and I think that owl captured my attention so much — and the thought of animals living in the woods there. I think that’s what made me love the outdoors.

Favorite thing about Maryland’s parks, forests, and public lands?
The experiences are so different — from the mountains to the sea. But I think I love the cool temperatures in the west and the sounds of the ocean in the coastal areas.

Favorite thing to do in Maryland’s parks, forests, and public lands?
Walk with my dog and hike with my dog in the park. I particularly love when it has snowed and you can see other animal footprints. I always say when I can see the animal footprints in the snow, I can see what she smells — I can see her tracking things.

Park on your bucket list?
We have a tremendous amount of water trails in our system that we have mapped out — you can take a kayak or canoe or paddle and enter in one place and visit some historical sites. I haven’t had the chance to explore all of our water trails. The Patuxent Water Trail is one I’m really interested in exploring. And there’s actually a paddle-in campsite through Prince George’s County — the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission — that I’ve always really wanted to do.

Three must-haves for a park or public land visit?
Water. A good snack. And the right shoes — summertime maybe water shoes, but usually hiking shoes or boots.

Favorite campfire activity?
S’mores. I know it’s very basic, but I just love s’mores.

Tent, camper, or cabin?
I have to admit, I’m probably leaning more towards cabin these days. We have some fantastic cabins that I’ve had the privilege of getting to stay in and experience across the state. And more recently I’ve gotten to stay in some of our yurts, which has been an amazing experience. One night I stayed in a park by myself in a yurt during a really big storm. The sound of the rain on the yurt ceiling was just amazing.

Hiking with or without trekking poles?
Without.

Favorite trail snack?
A good trail mix. But then a PB&J and an apple.

Best animal sighting?
This did not happen in Maryland — I was in Grand Teton in Wyoming. We saw a mama moose and her calf on the trail with my children, who had been warned that the most dangerous thing you could see was a mama moose. So we backed up, gave her space. She followed us a little bit, and we were very patient until she allowed us to go down the hill.

Favorite sound in the park?
Running water — from a stream or creek. Or it could be waves crashing. I love hiking next to a stream.

Greatest gift that the parks and public lands give to us?
The chance to reflect on the landscape and look at the history of who has come before us and lived on that land — whether it’s recent or our native indigenous peoples and their history. I’d love to look around and think of what happened here before. To preserve that and to be able to walk on the same land — I think that’s amazing.

Missy: Sandi, thank you. You are helping one of my visions come true because I’ve wanted to do a 30,000-foot kind of look at a state, and you are doing that. I appreciate it. It was a great introduction to Maryland and I am looking forward to seeing you next week — but also diving in and doing more and maybe bringing some of these stories to life for listeners in future episodes. So thank you for being with The Parks Podcast today.

Sandi: Thank you so much, Missy, and I look forward to seeing you next week.

Missy: Thanks for listening to this episode. Until next time — we’ll see you in the parks.

Music for The Parks Podcast is performed and produced by Porter Hardy. Follow us @TheParksPodcast or visit TheParksPodcast.com.

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