Irvine Nature Center Awarded Tourism Grant To Offset COVID Losses

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Owings Mills nonprofit was among 32 tourism-related institutions in the state that received grants to provide relief during the coronavirus emergency.

Irvine Nature Center was the only organization in Baltimore County listed among the award recipients. The list of grantees also included places like Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park in Anne Arundel County and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore City.

Gov. Larry Hogan said the grants to the 32 organizations totaled over $8 million and would be disbursed through the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative, which was created to help organizations like museums and other cultural attractions that contribute to the state's economy through visitor-driven activities and programs.

After visitors were lost during the state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic from March through December, the grants will go offset revenue losses and support operating costs like staff, marketing, rent, utilities, payroll and supplies.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many of Maryland's great cultural, educational and historical institutions," Hogan said in a statement. "We're proud to dedicate this funding through our Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative to help our nonprofit partners weather this storm and keep Marylanders on their payrolls."

See the full list of state tourism grant recipients announced Friday, Dec. 18.

Irvine Nature Center is at 11201 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills.