Maryland Native Plant Society

Chair: Roderick Simmons

The Botany Committee is responsible for research, surveys, identification, and reports of native (or exotic) plants and their habitats for purposes of conservation, education, and publication.

Chair: John Parrish

The Conservation Committee is responsible for active participation in efforts to protect natural landscapes statewide whenever and wherever possible, by doing things such as surveying threatened sites, causing others to become aware of threats, preparing reports and/or testimony, writing letters, and/or appearing in court to defend threatened sites.

Currently, the Committee has representatives for Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties and seeks to expand its activities into other areas. The Conservation Advocates are:

• Calvert County: Karyn Molines
• Cecil County: Matthew Bazar
• Charles County: Marc Imlay
• Montgomery County: John Parrish
• Prince George's County: Linda Keenan

Committee Reports:

• Conservation Committee 2006 Activities (PDF, ~22 KB)

Chair: Roderick Simmons

The Education Committee is responsible for all Society public programs. These currently include the monthly meetings, field trips, and the Fall conference. The Committee secures locations for the events, plans and coordinates the speaker presentations and other activities, ensures that the event is adequately publicized, and, if necessary, registers participants and collects any charges that may be made. Committee members coordinate their efforts to minimize duplicity and to take advantage of the diverse audiences attracted to the programs.

The Executive Committee is responsible for all Society functions and forms the backbone of the Society’s functions. The presence of Executive Committee members on other Committees provides the authority and leadership to fulfill the Society’s mission. The Executive Committee may meet and make decisions relating to Society policies, initiatives, and actions, as long as they report their actions at the next general Board meeting.

Chair: Karyn Molines

The Fall Conference Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating the Annual Fall Conference.

Chair: Beth Johnson

The Finance Committee is responsible for all Society financial functions. The Committee maintains financial records, determines the annual budget, and produces regular reports to the Board, membership, and state and federal agencies.

The Fundraising and Development Committee explores ways to raise funds beyond memberships and occasional donations.

Chair: Marc Imlay

The Habitat Stewardship Committee is responsible for coordinating a state-wide effort to reduce the presence of alien, invasive plants from our natural areas. Efforts include removal projects, education (via publications and programs), and coordination with regional and national groups.

Chair: Karyn Molines

The Membership Committee is responsible for managing the Society’s membership. The Committee maintains a membership database, solicits membership renewals, collects and ensures the timely deposit of any membership dues received, provides current mailing lists to other Committees, and produces an annual Member Directory. The Committee also develops subscription strategies to retain current members and to recruit new members.

Chair: Kirsten Johnson

This Committee is responsible for recommending the slate of Directors and Officers for annual elections. The Committee supports current and potential board members in enhancing skills through such opportunities as courses offered by MANO. The Committee recruits new Directors to enhance, complement, and improve the functions of the Society. The Committee also coordinates all aspects of the annual elections.

Chair: Linda Keenan

The Nursery Committee maintains the list of native plant nurseries for publication.

Chair: Roderick Simmons

The Publications Committee is responsible for producing all Society publications. These currently include the bi-monthly Native News and infrequent publications such as Marilandica and the Gardeners Guidelines brochure series. The Committee determines the content of the publications, develops publication schedules, produces copies for distribution, and handles any payments received from the sale of publications. The Committee also maintains the Web site.

Chair: Carolyn Fulton

The Publicity Committee is responsible for promoting the Society outside of the general membership. This Committee maintains the mailing list of Distribution Sites and Exchange Memberships, and produces press releases of upcoming events. The Committee coordinates with:

• the Membership Committee to enhance member recruitment goals;
• the Publications Committee to advertise available publications; and
• the Program Committees to increase non-member participation.

Chair: Karyn Molines

The Volunteer Committee works to increase volunteer participation in MNPS-related activities. The Committee tracks the volunteers and identifies what tasks need volunteer help.

• View list of Volunteer positions.