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.

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.

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.

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Members must be logged in to take advantage of the early registration.

An Outdoor Learning Activity

Leaders: Ashley Bachtel-Bodkins, UME, and Liz McDowell, MNPS

Join University of Maryland Extension and Maryland Native Plant Society for a kick-off to National Pollinator Week! 

11:00 am - Pollinator Power!  

Learn more about the importance of pollinators and how everyone can get involved in protecting and creating an environment that is friendly and full of pollinator friends! 

12:00 noon - While munching your picnic lunch, make a Seed Spiral with seeds from pollinator-friendly native plants. 

12:30 pm - Native Plants for Birds and Pollinators  

Learn the importance of planting the right native in the right place, and discover some of the best native plants to add to your landscape for the benefit of birds and pollinators in western Maryland.

This program is free and open to the public (registration is not required). Participants should pack a picnic lunch and 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. 

No registration.

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. 

No registration.