Roots for Resilience: Strong Roots for a Changing Landscape is a new Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Initiative designed to help Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore adapt to the challenges of climate change by enhancing nature’s ability to store carbon and buffer climate impacts. Through tree planting, coastal habitat restoration, and community engagement, the Initiative will strengthen our natural defenses while reducing carbon emissions. Roots for Resilience unites the existing relationships, initiatives, and passions on the Lower Shore to nourish roots — ecologically and socially — to preserve this rapidly changing landscape.

As part of the Roots for Resilience initiative, Maryland DNR released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit applications for construction, design/build, and design proposals for living shoreline projects located in Wicomico, Somerset, or Dorchester Counties and protect substantial areas of adjacent wetland. The RFP will be open until April 6, 2026 and is posted on the Roots for Resilience: Open Solicitations webpage along with further instructions and eligibility requirements.