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.
Liz McDowell at wmtchapter@mdflora.org
Tick Talk Follow UpAt the 2025 Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival at New Germany State Park, Dr. Rebekah Taylor discussed the ticks of western Maryland, the diseases they carry, and tick prevention strategies. With summer officially here, outside activities are on the rise and so too are encounters with ticks. Those who find ticks on themselves or pets are encouraged to donate them to the tick research project run by Dr. Taylor at Frostburg State University. This research provides a better understanding about various ticks found in the region and what pathogens they carry, such as the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Every donated tick is identified, mapped, and tested. All of the data is uploaded to an open-access website called FieldScope for the public to see at https://fsutick.fieldscope.org/ Donated ticks should be from the following counties (or areas very close to these counties):
To donate ticks:
Ticks are becoming more common as a result of warmer winters and the spread of invasive plant species such as Japanese barberry, a favorite home of mice, which carry ticks. Research has linked climate change to both expanded ranges and increased seasons of activity for ticks. Dr. Rebekah Taylor, Professor and Department Chair of Biology at Frostburg State University, trained as an immunologist. She became interested in tick-borne disease after her son contracted Lyme disease on a camping trip in western Maryland. She has engaged students and community members in both passive and active surveillance projects in the region since 2017. For more information, Dr Taylor can be reached at rtaylor@frostburg.edu |
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.