Roots for Resilience: Strong Roots for a Changing Landscape, a.k.a. R4R, is a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Initiative designed to help Maryland’s Mid and Lower Eastern Shore adapt to the challenges of climate change. Through tree planting, coastal habitat restoration, and community engagement, R4R aims to strengthen natural defenses and enhance the landscape’s ability to store carbon.
As part of R4R, the Maryland DNR Forest Service has released (open Friday, May 1, 2026) a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit applications for a non-profit organization to join the team through a Conservation Service Opportunity (CSO) Agreement. The selected partner will engage with county governments and conduct outreach to communities in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. They will also provide support for the R4R Forestry Goal of forest management implementation on 1,000 acres by finding, hiring, and paying contractors. The RFQ is available on our Open Solicitations webpage. The total award amount for this CSO is up to $1,040,000, over an award duration of 3 years.
Please express interest in applying to charly.sager@maryland.gov. An information session will be held on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – RSVP here to receive the link to join. The submission deadline is Monday, June 15th, 2026.
