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An Outdoor Volunteer & Learning Activity
Leaders: Christine Campe-Price, Friends of New Germany State Park & Liz McDowell, MNPS
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Then bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, & some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the native plant garden. As you work, you’ll learn how to identify common weeds and why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the dam. Please bring your own water bottle, insect spray, & sunscreen. In case of rain this activity will be cancelled.
Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 and follow signs for New Germany State Park. Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road. The program will be held in the native plant garden near parking lot #5.
No registration.
Co-sponsoring Organization: Chesapeake Climate and Conservation Corps and Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks
Leader: Luke Lanham (Program Assistant, Chesapeake Climate and Conservation Corps)
Location: Bacon Ridge Natural Area. Address: 1555 Severn Chapel Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032.
Description: This bioblitz will collect data regarding the biodiversity of the forest in tandem with Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. Through the BioBlitz, the organizers hope that the data collected will ultimately assist both Scenic Rivers and Anne Arundel County Rec & Parks in developing appropriate conservation plans for the future of the forest. Open to seasoned professionals or first-timers.
For additional information: Please reach out to Luke Lanham at luke@srlt.org or 410-424-4000
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
Bring: Hat, insect repellent, water bottle, snacks/lunch.
Cancellation Policy: call contact information above in case of inclement weather
Description: Learn from plant experts (your MNPS ES Chapter Chair will be there!) how natives can enhance your home garden while supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Attend expert-led talks and demonstrations. Shop native plants in-person, chat with fellow plant people. Schedule below.
9AM - Coffee/Pastries plus native plant experts on duty and plant sale 10AM - 'Herbaceous Plant ID: Learning how to recognize plants like they are members of your family' with Clark deLong (Delmarva Native Plants co-owner) 11AM - 'Container gardening with native plants' with Concetta Gibson (Leaf and Bed owner and co-founder, WildOnes Delmarva co-founder)
This event is free to attend, but advance registration with Adkins Arboretum is appreciated.
For additional information: https://adkins.donorshops.com/product/Native-Plant-Cafe-2025/native-plant-cafe-may-10
Discover the important connection between native plants, people, & wildlife! (download event flyer)
Backyard Forest- Bellefonte, PA Evergreen Heritage Center - Mount Savage, MD Native Roots, Inc. - Mineral Wells, WV Wild Indigo Native Nursery - Grantsville, MD Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery - Floyd, VA
Backyard Forest- Bellefonte, PA
Evergreen Heritage Center - Mount Savage, MD
Native Roots, Inc. - Mineral Wells, WV
Wild Indigo Native Nursery - Grantsville, MD
Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery - Floyd, VA
ABPH Art - Accident, MD (handmade paper art) Appalachian Wax Works - Oakland, MD (quality goods from the bee hive) Keen and Bright - Swanton, MD (glass creations) Marta Fiscus Photography - Cumberland, MD (award winning macro photos) Peggy Nixon Designs - Salisbury, PA (hand-painted slates & note cards)
ABPH Art - Accident, MD (handmade paper art)
Appalachian Wax Works - Oakland, MD (quality goods from the bee hive)
Keen and Bright - Swanton, MD (glass creations)
Marta Fiscus Photography - Cumberland, MD (award winning macro photos)
Peggy Nixon Designs - Salisbury, PA (hand-painted slates & note cards)
11:30 AM - Attracting Pollinators To Your Garden - Candy DeBerry, Washington & Jefferson College As much as one third of the food we eat – from apples to zucchini – is dependent upon pollination of crop plants by bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds or bats. Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden by using native plants to provide nectar, pollen, and nesting and overwintering sites. Dr. DeBerry gardens on 1/3 acre on the edge of the small city of Washington in southwestern Pennsylvania. She is most passionate about growing native plants to support biodiversity, harvesting blue ribbons from the county fair for her garlic, tomatoes, and peppers, and collecting eggs from her three backyard chickens. To support her gardening habit, she is also Professor of Biology and Director of the Biochemistry program at Washington & Jefferson College, where she teaches Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and a senior seminar on cancer. 1:00 PM - Plastics in the Environment - Raymond Najjar, Penn State University Plastics are remarkable materials that have transformed our lives in a relatively short time. The strength, durability, flexibility, and low density of plastics make them extremely useful but at the same time a menacing environmental and human health threat. Microplastics have found their way to nearly every corner of the globe and every part of the human body. This presentation will cover the rapid growth of plastics production, the fate of plastics in the environment, the impacts of plastics on ecology and human health, and potential solutions to what may be viewed as a crisis comparable to global warming and biodiversity loss. Dr. Najjar is a Professor of Oceanography at Penn State University, where he has been teaching since 1993. He conducts research on topics in oceanography and climate science, focusing on how climate change and human activity influence coastal waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay. Plastics pollution is a current research interest of his, particularly the role that estuaries play in trapping river-borne plastics. He also recently developed a general education course at Penn State on plastics in the environment.
11:30 AM - Attracting Pollinators To Your Garden - Candy DeBerry, Washington & Jefferson College
As much as one third of the food we eat – from apples to zucchini – is dependent upon pollination of crop plants by bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds or bats. Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden by using native plants to provide nectar, pollen, and nesting and overwintering sites.
Dr. DeBerry gardens on 1/3 acre on the edge of the small city of Washington in southwestern Pennsylvania. She is most passionate about growing native plants to support biodiversity, harvesting blue ribbons from the county fair for her garlic, tomatoes, and peppers, and collecting eggs from her three backyard chickens. To support her gardening habit, she is also Professor of Biology and Director of the Biochemistry program at Washington & Jefferson College, where she teaches Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and a senior seminar on cancer.
1:00 PM - Plastics in the Environment - Raymond Najjar, Penn State University
Plastics are remarkable materials that have transformed our lives in a relatively short time. The strength, durability, flexibility, and low density of plastics make them extremely useful but at the same time a menacing environmental and human health threat. Microplastics have found their way to nearly every corner of the globe and every part of the human body. This presentation will cover the rapid growth of plastics production, the fate of plastics in the environment, the impacts of plastics on ecology and human health, and potential solutions to what may be viewed as a crisis comparable to global warming and biodiversity loss.
Dr. Najjar is a Professor of Oceanography at Penn State University, where he has been teaching since 1993. He conducts research on topics in oceanography and climate science, focusing on how climate change and human activity influence coastal waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay. Plastics pollution is a current research interest of his, particularly the role that estuaries play in trapping river-borne plastics. He also recently developed a general education course at Penn State on plastics in the environment.
10:30 AM - Tree ID - Learning to identify trees without leaves is a challenge. Discover other tree features that help with identification on this easy walk with a Park Ranger! 2:15 PM - Native Plant Garden Tour - Visiting New Germany's demonstration garden is always a joy. Learn about the 70+ plants native to our region from a Friends of NGSP gardener. All day - MMNPF Bingo - Explore the entire festival and win a prize! All day - Nature Center Open - Investigate the cool animals found at the Park!
10:30 AM - Tree ID - Learning to identify trees without leaves is a challenge. Discover other tree features that help with identification on this easy walk with a Park Ranger!
2:15 PM - Native Plant Garden Tour - Visiting New Germany's demonstration garden is always a joy. Learn about the 70+ plants native to our region from a Friends of NGSP gardener.
All day - MMNPF Bingo - Explore the entire festival and win a prize!
All day - Nature Center Open - Investigate the cool animals found at the Park!
American Forest Foundation Evergreen Heritage Center Friends of New Germany State Park Garrett County Forestry Board Garrett County Solid Waste & Recycling Garrett Trails Maryland Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation Maryland Conservation Corps - Sadly the MCC crew will not be able to participate! Due to Federal cuts to Americorps, MCC has just been disbanded. We are grateful for MCC's help in removing invasive species & planting trees at New Germany State Park. The MCC crew members will be missed. Maryland Master Naturalist Program Maryland Native Plant Society Mountain Laurel Garden Club University of Maryland Extension - Garrett County Master Gardeners West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation
American Forest Foundation
Evergreen Heritage Center
Friends of New Germany State Park
Garrett County Forestry Board
Garrett County Solid Waste & Recycling
Garrett Trails
Maryland Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation
Maryland Conservation Corps - Sadly the MCC crew will not be able to participate! Due to Federal cuts to Americorps, MCC has just been disbanded. We are grateful for MCC's help in removing invasive species & planting trees at New Germany State Park. The MCC crew members will be missed.
Maryland Master Naturalist Program
Maryland Native Plant Society
Mountain Laurel Garden Club
University of Maryland Extension - Garrett County Master Gardeners
West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation
The Maryland Native Plant Society is partnering with both New Germany State Park and the Friends of New Germany State Park to sponsor this FREE event! The public is welcome to attend (no registration required) but your support of the vendors and organizations through your purchases is deeply appreciated! Only snacks and drinks are available at the Lake House, so pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at this beautiful mountain park!
Driving Directions:
From Baltimore: West on I-70 to Hancock. Pick up I-68 and travel through Cumberland, MD. Continue west to Exit 22. Enter the roundabout and take the fourth exit onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Pass the Comfort Inn and follow Chestnut Ridge Road for three miles to New Germany Road. Turn left and travel two miles to the New Germany State Park entrance on left. Travel time ~ three hours. Signs will direct you to parking for this special event.
From Washington, D.C.: Take 270 north to Frederick, MD. Pickup I-70 west and follow directions above for Baltimore. Travel time ~ 3.5 hours.
From Pittsburgh, PA/Morgantown, WV: Take I-79 to I-68 east into Maryland to Exit 22 toward the Comfort Inn. Enter the roundabout and take the first exit onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Travel about three miles to New Germany Road. Turn left and travel to the New Germany State Park entrance on left. Travel time ~ one hour from Morgantown and 2 hours from Pittsburgh. Signs will direct you to parking for this special event.
Additional information to follow as details become available. Questions? Phone the park office at 301-895-5453 or email Liz McDowell at wmtchapter@mdflora.org
Co-sponsoring Organization: Anne Arundel Master Gardeners and Maryland Native Plant Society
Leader: Dr. Dennis Whigham and Judy Fulton
Location: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD
The ecology of plants has been Dennis' primary interest, and his research has resulted in journeys through forests, fields and wetlands around the world. Explorations have lead to studies of woodland herbs – including orchids, vines, wetland species, and invasive species, and studies of forests in the tropics, temperate and boreal zones. In recent years, studies of interactions between orchids and fungi have lead in new and exciting directions. His current passion is to establish the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC), an initiative of the Smithsonian and the United States Botanic Garden. NAOCC will be based on continentally focused public-private collaborations that will result in the conservation of the genetic diversity of native orchids, initially in the U.S. and Canada.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 8 people. Registration through April 30 for members only. Directions will be included in registration confirmation.
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Note that An "Account" is not A "Membership" Our website allows non-members to have a "Contact Account" to receive emails about upcoming field trips, programs, and other events. When you login, click on your name (it should be on the top right of the page); if there are no details on membership, you are have a "Contact Account" only. Consider joining to support our programs and take advantage of members-only early registration.
Co-sponsoring Organization: Maryland Biodiversity Project
Leader: Jim Brighton
Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely
Description: Join Jim Brighton at Adkins Arboretum this Sunday from 1-3PM for the Biodiversity Walk. It is free for members, $10 for non-members. Registration with Adkins Arboretum in link below.
https://adkins.donorshops.com/product/BDW051125/biodiversity-walk
ONLINE REGISTRATION WITH MNPS IS NOT REQUIRED.
Bring: Hat and walking shoes. Water bottle. Insect repellent.
Cancellation Policy (trip will proceed in drizzle, but will be canceled if heavy rain or thunderstorm; cancellation will be emailed at least 2 hours before meeting time):
Volunteer Opportunity at Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) Bird Sanctuary
We had a great restart of work days at Carey Run last year. This spring's projects will include trail marking/maintenance, porch/gate painting, invasive plant removal, and I am sure other projects will come up. As always there will be plenty of time to stroll the trails and BIRD!!! If you would like to join, please RSVP to jeremy.castle@mdbirds.org no later than Wednesday, May 7th. If you want to stay overnight, there are a limited number of beds at the house, tent camping on the lawn, and Frostburg motels (approximately 10-15 minutes away). If you know of someone who might like to volunteer for this event, feel free to forward them this message. If you have any questions, I would be happy to try and answer. More details will be provided to those who RSVP as we approach the workday.
We had a great restart of work days at Carey Run last year. This spring's projects will include trail marking/maintenance, porch/gate painting, invasive plant removal, and I am sure other projects will come up. As always there will be plenty of time to stroll the trails and BIRD!!!
If you would like to join, please RSVP to jeremy.castle@mdbirds.org no later than Wednesday, May 7th. If you want to stay overnight, there are a limited number of beds at the house, tent camping on the lawn, and Frostburg motels (approximately 10-15 minutes away).
If you know of someone who might like to volunteer for this event, feel free to forward them this message. If you have any questions, I would be happy to try and answer. More details will be provided to those who RSVP as we approach the workday.
Leaders: Monika Relman (property owner), Cristina Niciporciukas and Jil Swearingen
Location: Holland Point Shores, 24082 Deep Neck Road, Royal Oak, MD
Description: Holland Point Shores is located on a Choptank River peninsula. About 7 years ago, the property owners started letting their sorghum and soybean fields to grow naturally. Broomsedge is now the predominant native plant in the meadows. The owners created several wetlands. which are now home of a multitude of reptiles and amphibians. The farm attracts innumerous bird species that thrive on these habitats. The forested area is managed for deer browsing thus protecting seedlings from damage. The owners are committed to improve each one of the habitats aiming at increasing the local biodiversity. They are ready to share their challenges and successes.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 12 people. Registration through May 20 for members only. Directions will be included in registration confirmation.
Bring: Wear hat and boots, bring water, and insect repellant.
Cancellation Policy: Trip will proceed in drizzle, but will be canceled if heavy rain or thunderstorm; cancellation will be emailed at least 2 hours before meeting time.
Speaker: Nancy Lawson
A World of Discovery: Exploring the science and heart of sensory wildscapes.
Co-sponsor: The University of Maryland Extension with host Lisa Kuder
Physical location: Central Maryland Research and Education Center (CMREC) 4240 Folly Quarter Road Ellicott City, MD 21042 Directions: Enter the building at the front door under the portico. (The door next to the parking lot will be locked.)
The program is free and open to the public.
Much has been written about gardening for human senses, but how do plants and animals perceive the world around them? What do we miss when we landscape for human visual appeal but neglect the sensory experiences of our wild neighbors? Conventional gardening practices often interfere with other organisms’ abilities to interact with their environment in ways we can scarcely imagine. Through science, heart, and our powers of observation, we can learn to mitigate these disruptions and create sensory refuges in an increasingly noisy world.
Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife and Wildscape: Trilling Chipmunks, Beckoning Blooms, Salty Butterflies, and other Sensory Wonders of Nature. A nature writer, habitat consultant, and founder of The Humane Gardener, she pioneers creative wildlife-friendly landscaping methods. Nancy co-chairs Howard County Bee City in Maryland and co-launched a community science project, Monarch Rx, after discovering a little-known butterfly behavior in her own garden. Her books, garden, advocacy and scientific endeavors have been featured in Science Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah magazine, Entomology Today, Ecological Entomology, and American Gardener. Her most recent book, Wildscape, received an honorable mention in the American Horticultural Society's national book awards and was a finalist for the 2024 AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books.
YOU MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK
Zoom opens at 7:00PM for pre-program board update and member Q&A. Presentations begin at 7:30PM and generally run until 8:45PM.
We can accommodate the first 300 people who enter the Zoom meeting at the meeting time. After you register, you will receive a registration confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting, as well as the in person location information.
If you enjoy MNPS programs, please consider clicking here to make a donation. And don't forget to renew your membership!
Note that if you donate through the event registration, and subsequently cancel, the donation will temporarily appear as a credit. It will take time for the donation to be reinstituted to your account. Donations and membership dues are non-refundable.
Co-sponsoring Organization: C&O Canal National Historical Park
Leader: Rachael Renzi & Bradley Simpson
Location: Carderock Recreation Area / Billy Goat Trail Section C Trailhead
Explore the unique habitats and flora of Billy Goat C at C&O Canal. Expect to spend some time keying out plants of interest.
Rachael is a plant enthusiast who works at C&O Canal National Historical Park. Bradley is a MNPS Board Member and Habitat Manager at Nature Forward
For additional information: Bradley Simpson, Bsimpso2@umd.edu, 443-433-8819
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 10 people. Registration through April 30 for members only. Directions will be included in registration confirmation.
Bring: Please bring whatever you need for a walk in the woods! This means good shoes, water, lunch, and snacks. Bring a hand lens if you have one, as well as your favorite identification resources.
Leaders: Clara Thiel, Frostburg State University, & Liz McDowell, MNPS
Location: C & O Canal at Spring Gap near Cumberland, MD
According to the C & O Canal Trust, in the mid-1700’s Spring Gap provided a shallow river-crossing of the Potomac River. The canal was constructed in the mid-1840’s and operated until 1924. Long after the canal closed, Spring Gap was the starting point for Chief Justice William Douglas's historic walk to Washington, DC to promote the canal as a national park. This will be an easy walk along the towpath where we’ll find a large variety of both native and non-native plants. Bring your binoculars to appreciate the giant oaks, sycamores, and tulip trees. Bring a hand-lens to take a closer look at the many wildflowers.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Group size limited to 20 people. Members-only registration through May 10. Directions will be sent to those who register.
Participants should wear trail shoes and long pants (poison ivy). Be sure to bring water, tick spray, and sunscreen. In case of severe weather this field trip will be cancelled. The cancellation notice will be posted under the trip listing on the MNPS website by 7:00 am.
Members must be logged in to take advantage of the early registration.
Speaker: Jorge Bogantes Montero
The Anacostia River once had extensive tidal emergent wetlands dominated by Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica), an essential plant in this aquatic ecosystem. Centuries of habitat destruction and neglect deeply changed the riparian landscape of this river in the nation’s capital. For more than two decades, the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) has embarked on an ecosystem restoration journey to try to recover these amazing tidal marshlands, but in a very different River in the 21st century. Since 2020, wild rice has been thriving and even expanding in acreage as a result of our restoration efforts in what is a true restoration success story. Every summer, with the blooming of wild rice and more wildlife sightings, we grow more hopeful and treasure the recovery of a riverine ecosystem in the middle of a major city.
Jorge Bogantes Montero is a Natural Resources Specialist at the Anacostia Watershed Society in Bladensburg, MD. He leads ecological restoration efforts on public parklands in the Anacostia River watershed (in both DC and MD), including wetland restoration, tree plantings, meadow creation, SAV propagation, mussel propagation, wildlife monitoring, and invasive plant management. Mr. Bogantes Montero has a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management and Protection from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in San Jose, Costa Rica, his native country. Before moving to the U.S., Jorge worked in his country in issues related to tropical biodiversity conservation.
We can accommodate the first 300 people who enter the Zoom meeting at the meeting time. After you register, you will receive a registration confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting. Registering does not guarantee a space in the Zoom meeting.
This will be recorded and available on our Webinars page.
If you enjoy MNPS programs please consider clicking here to make a donation. And don't forget to renew your membership!
An Outdoor Learning Activity
Leaders: Ashley Bachtel-Bodkins, UME, and Liz McDowell, MNPS
Join University of Maryland Extension and Maryland Native Plant Society for an introduction to the basic skills and information needed for pruning in your home landscape. Learn why, when, and how to complete simple pruning to encourage plant health and prevent disease. Then take a closer look at a few native woodies and discover why they are so important for regional biodiversity. These digital presentations will be followed by a live-demonstration of how to make clean cuts using sharp pruning equipment. Bring your own pruners, if you’d like to practice on some shrub and tree samples in the pavilion.
This program is free and open to the public (registration is not required). Participants should bring a water bottle. This activity will be held rain or shine.
Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 and follow signs for New Germany State Park. Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road. The program will be begin at the Tall Oaks Pavilion (first structure on the left after entering the park). There is parking in a lot off of McAndrews Hill Road (2nd left after entering the park) as well as diagonal parking along McAndrews Hill Road.
Webinar Recordings page and on the MNPS YouTube channel
Program Resources and Handouts
