Please note: 

If you have received this notice regarding upcoming native plant happenings in error, please let us know by sending a reply email with the caption "Remove" in the Subject line.   Your name will promptly be removed from our list.   

Western Mountains Chapter of Maryland Native Plant Society

The Maryland Native Plant Society (MNPS) uses education, research, and community service to increase awareness and appreciation of native plants and their habitats leading to their conservation and restoration.  Membership is open to all who are interested in Maryland's native plants and their habitats.  Preserving Maryland's natural heritage, increasing knowledge about native plants, and helping to further the Society's mission are our goals.  MNPS sponsors monthly meetings, workshops, field trips, and an annual fall conference.  For more information, visit www.mdflora.org

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.  For more information contact Brian Boyd at 301-501-0684 or  baboyd7@... and Liz McDowell at 301-895-3686 or info@....   Or visit the chapter web site at www.mdflora.org/chapters.  

2007 Schedule of Native Plant Happenings in our Region (revised August 19, 2007)

Please note that monthly MNPS meeting locations may change due to scheduling conflicts beyond our control.  We will do our best to keep you advised.   For the most current schedule updates click on http://www.elkridgenatureworks.com/news.htm

August 21
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm
Favorite Plants & Planning Meeting 

We won't be having a guest speaker this month.  The MNPS fall conference will be held at Frostburg University on September 29 at Frostburg University, so we need to sign-up chapter members to help with different volunteer tasks.  We'll also discuss future program and field trip ideas for 2008.  Finally we ask that everyone bring a few photos of your favorite native plants for a 'virtual' plant swap (slide or digital format).  

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.  

August 25

Cheat River near Albright, WV

Japanese Knotweed Removal

Friends of the Cheat need adult volunteers to help eradicate Japanese knotweed from their 12 acre festival site along the Cheat River near Albright.   The Mountaineer Challenge Academy will be sending ten youth to work side-by-side with adults. They need 5 adult volunteers to apply Rodeo herbicide to the cut stalks as the kids use loppers to cut the stalks close to the ground. Rodeo is a glyphosphate herbicide and will not be aerosolized, just placed into the cut stem with the tip of the backpack sprayer hose.   For more information or to volunteer please contact Sally Wilts, Administrative Assistant for Friends of the Cheat at 304-329-3621.

For more information or to volunteer please contact Sally Wilts, Administrative Assistant for Friends of the Cheat at 304-329-3621.

August 25 & 26

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

Plant It & They Will Come! 

September 15 & 16

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

Plant It & They Will Come! (See previous description)

September 29-30

Frostburg State University Compton Hall & surrounding region

Climate Change: Global Effects, Local Impacts Western Maryland's Flora – At Risk?

Annual Conference of Maryland Native Plant Society

The annual conference includes speakers and field trips.  This year the conference is being co-sponsored by the Department of Biology, Frostburg State University.   Registration fees do apply.  For more information or to register contact Beth Johnson 301-949-6338 or bajohnsonjohnson@...

October 16
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm
Wetland Plants in Western Maryland

Speaker - Matt Radcliffe, Natural Resources Planner with the MD Department of the Environment

During his presentation Radcliffe will showcase some of the common wetland plants found in western Maryland.  He will discuss wetland plant adaptations and the use of plants in wetland identification.   Mr. Radcliffe is recognized as a Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists.  His program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter business meeting.

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.