Maryland Native Plant Society

The Washington, DC, Chapter coordinates the Civil War Fort Hike series; for current events, see the Society's field trips calendar.

The Maryland Native Plant Society's mission reflects a concern for Maryland's plants, yet we have come to adopt an ecological perspective on native habitats. Ecosystems rarely follow political jurisdictions. The ecology of Washington, D.C. illustrates this - it is one point along the Piedmont-Fall Line-Coastal Plain continuum. A few years ago, a Washington, D.C., chapter (WDC) was formed to focus on the conservation issues within the city. The actions of our WDC members, specifically Lou Aronica and Mary Pat Rowan, have resulted in some important outcomes. Over the years, they have led close to forty excursions to the Civil War Forts and surrounding lands. This continuous study resulted in the discovery of terrace gravel communities relatively free from non-native species. Because of the knowledge gained from these field trips, Mary Pat and Lou are writing an article for a National Park Service publication about the Civil War Forts.

The Chapter has been invited to serve on the Steering Committee of the Green Infrastructure Forum to promote low-impact development and natural landscaping as a method for reducing urban pollution into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. In addition, they have been working with The Casey Tree Foundation, whose mission focuses on the city's trees. MNPS is advising the Foundation on appropriate native tree species and encouraging a perspective that goes beyond the street trees. Those of you who live or work in Washington, D.C., are encouraged to become involved in issues critical to preserving the "urban forest" that comprises the city. Please contact Mary Pat Rowan about upcoming Civil War Fort trips or other opportunities to help the Chapter.

More Information

Mary Pat Rowan, 202-526-8821, or dcchapter @ mdflora.org.