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 Liz McDowell at 301-895-3686 or info@....   Or visit the chapter web site at www.mdflora.org

2008 Schedule of Native Plant Happenings in our Region (June 8, 2008)

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

June 14 & 15

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

Plant It & They Will Come!

Tour the native plant nursery and wildlife garden at Elk Ridge NatureWorks to see a variety of conservation landscaping and wildlife habitat practices you can use to enhance biodiversity around your home, school, or office.  Experience the joys of conservation landscaping: a garden filled with bees, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants.   Free guided tours at 10 am, noon and 2 pm.  Sorry, but no pets allowed and no rest rooms available. For more information contact Liz McDowell at 301-895-3686 or info@....

June 17

Finzel Swamp at 7 pm

Focus on Finzel

The Western Mountain Chapter of MNPS will meet outside to explore this unusual shrub swamp owned by The Nature Conservancy.  Finzel Swamp is located in a landscape feature called a "frost pocket".  It lies at high elevation (2700') in a poorly drained depression surrounded by hills.  This combination provides more moisture and cooler temperatures compared with other areas on the Allegheny Plateau.  As such Finzel Swamp is home to state-rare northern vegetation, including Canadian burnet, wild calla, and larch.  It also supports state-rare breeding birds such as the alder flycatcher and saw-whet owl.  Wear waterproof footwear; bring insect repellant and a flashlight. Sorry, but no pets allowed and no rest rooms available.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 29 and head north on Route 546 for ~ 1.5 miles.  Turn right onto Cranberry Swamp Road (just past ballfield) and follow signs for TNC property. Parking is limited so please car pool.   

June 20

Bear Pen Wildlands from 8:30 am to noon

Battling Botanical Bullies

Adult volunteers are needed to continue control efforts of Japanese spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest.  Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species.  Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Specialist with the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, is providing technical support.  Larry Maxim, Savage River State Forest manager, is providing work tools.  Mike Gregory, Big Run & New Germany State Park manager, is providing free camping the night before for any out-of-town volunteers.  Elk Ridge NatureWorks is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers with assistance from the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more details or to register, contact Ron Boyer at 301-895-3686 or info@.... 

July 19 & 20

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

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

August 1 & 8

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to noon

Wildflower Identification for Beginners

Interested in knowing the names of the wonderful wildflowers you encounter in forest and field?  Then take this class where you'll learn to actually "key-out" local plants using the popular Newcomb's Wildflower Guide.  This hands-on, two-part class is being offered on consecutive Fridays.  Limited to six adults; the total cost is $40; and pre-registration is required.  For more details contact Liz McDowell at 301-895-3686 or info@...

August 16 & 17

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

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

August 19
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm
Monarch Butterflies, Culture and Conservation

Speaker – Caroline Blizzard, Director of the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

The miracle of the monarch butterfly migration brings diverse cultures and conservation together.

Adults and children in Garrett County and Mexico have come to know each other and understand they are working together thousands of miles apart for the same goal.  The goal is the preservation of a single insect and conservation issues they both have in common.  Join us as we present cultural and conservation connections we have come to understand through our tagging program, travels to the over-wintering sites in Mexico, on-line student blog and pen pal program.

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.  

September 13 & 14

Elk Ridge NatureWorks from 9 am to 3 pm

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

October 21
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm
The Deep and Tangled Roots of Pennsylvania's Ginseng Industry

Eric Burkhart, Program Director of the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is a native North American forest plant whose root is harvested for the international medicinal plant trade.  In this talk, Eric Burkhart, doctoral candidate with the Penn State School of Forest Resources, will share results from his recently concluded four-year study of the Pennsylvania ginseng industry.  The history, importance, and complexity of the industry will be discussed along with what is known about the current status of one of North America's most valuable, and vulnerable, plants.

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.