Maryland Native Plant Society

Dedicated to Protecting, Conserving, and Restoring
Maryland's Native Plants and Habitats

Western Mountains Chapter

The Western Mountains Chapter has formed to expand the efforts of MNPS on the Allegheny Plateau and Ridge & Valley physiographic provinces of the central Appalachians. Residents of western Maryland, nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and anyone else interested in learning more about and conserving the native plants of this region are invited to join.

Chapter Events

Chapter Meetings

June

Date: June 17, 2008

Time: 7 pm

Location: Finzel Swamp

Instead of a meeting with speaker, the Western Mountain Chapter of MNPS will meet outside to explore this unusual shrub swamp owned by The Nature Conservancy. Finzel Swamp is located in a landscape feature called a "frost pocket". It lies at high elevation (2700') in a poorly drained depression surrounded by hills. This combination provides more moisture and cooler temperatures compared with other areas on the Allegheny Plateau. As such Finzel Swamp is home to state-rare northern vegetation, including Canadian burnet, wild calla, and larch. It also supports state-rare breeding birds such as the alder flycatcher and saw-whet owl.

Bring: Wear waterproof footwear; bring insect repellant and a flashlight.

Note: Sorry, but no pets allowed and no rest rooms are available.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 29 and head north on Route 546 for ~ 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Cranberry Swamp Road (just past ballfield) and follow signs for TNC property. Parking is limited so please car pool.

More information: The Nature Conservancy's web site.

August

Date: August 19, 2008

Time: 7 pm

Location: Appalachian Laboratory

Speaker: Caroline Blizzard, Director of the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Our guest speaker will be discussing the monarch-milkweed connection. More details to follow as they become available.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit). Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road). There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

October

Date: October 21, 2008

Time: 7 pm

Location: Appalachian Laboratory

Speaker and topic to be announced.

Sponsored Field Trips

Local Interest

The Nature Conservancy has a number of preserves in the area. See a map of Maryland with The Nature Conservancy's preserves. They have workdays throughout the year; some may take place locally, such as at The Glades. Visit the Nature Conservancy's volunteer calendar.

Elk Ridge Natureworks has programs throughout the warm season, including open houses, wildflower identification workshops, and restoration projects.

Wildlife Habitat Garden Tour, Garrett County

Leaders: Ron Boyer and Liz McDowell

Dates: May 10, 11, 24 & 25 and June 14 & 15

Ron and Liz of Elk Ridge NatureWorks are hosting several open house events at their native plant nursery. Tour their wildlife garden to see a variety of conservation landscaping and wildlife habitat practices that individuals can use to enhance biodiversity around their homes, schools, and businesses. Experience the joys of conservation landscaping: a garden filled with bees, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants.

Note: Free guided tours at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm; native plants and habitat boxes available for purchase. Sorry, but no pets allowed and no rest room facilities available. For more info call 301-895-3686 or email info@elkridgenatureworks.com

Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 & follow signs for New Germany State Park. Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road & travel ~ 2 miles to stop sign at Westernport Road. Turn right & travel .25 mile to Red Hill Road. Turn right & drive ~ .5 miles to Elk Ridge Lane. Turn left onto Elk Ridge Lane (private road) & travel .3 miles out gravel lane to site on right.

Conservation Projects

Check out the restoration project descriptions for the area on the Other Organizations' Local Habitat Restoration Projects page.

Location

Contact

For more information contact:

  • Judith Gaydos at 301-687-4425 or jegaydos @ frostburg.edu
  • Cheryl Lough at 301-616-7983 or ckl @ dcldesignstudio.com
  • Liz McDowell at 301-895-3686 or info @ elkridgenatureworks.com
  • Chapter mailbox: wmdchapter @ mdflora.org.

Areas Included

© Maryland Native Plant Society. Last updated: May 5, 2008.