My apologies if you already received this email...apparently I tried to blind copy too many emails at one time...some people received it and some didn't. 

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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, Chapter Coordinator, at 301-895-3686 or boyerandmcdowell@...  

2009 Schedule of Native Plant Happenings in our Region (revised January 15^th)

Please note that monthly MNPS meeting locations may change due to scheduling conflicts beyond our control.  If a meeting must be cancelled, a notice will be emailed ASAP. 

January

Jan 24

Appalachian Laboratory at 10 am

Climate Change and the Mid-Atlantic

Speaker – Raymond Najjar, Associate Professor, Meteorology Department, Penn State University

Though climate change has always occurred, humans are likely responsible for the warming of the climate system over the past century.  It is likely that warming will continue over the next few decades as a result of greenhouse gases already emitted.  But the degree of climate change by the middle and end of this century will largely depend on choices we make now.  In his presentation, Dr. Najjar will summarize research about the possible climate futures we face in the mid-Atlantic region, and how the likely impacts are sensitive to our future emissions choices.  His presentation will include a discussion of potential impacts to a variety of native plants and animals, including black cherry, sugar maple, ruffed grouse, white-throated sparrow, and brook trout.  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.  

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February

Feb 17

Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm

Topic – TBA

Speaker – Aimee Haskew, Faculty Research Assistant, UMCES Appalachian Laboratory

Details to follow.

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.  

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March

March 21

John Friend Cave Preserve, Garrett County

Nature Conservancy Workday

Volunteers needed to plant a mix of native trees and shrubs at The Nature Conservancy's John Friend Cave preserve, in an attempt to speed up restoration of the open field below the cave.  For more information or to volunteer, contact Deborah Landau directly at dlandau@...

March 27

Registration Deadline Today!

Master Gardener Training

The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension will offer local Master Gardener Training Classes this spring.  Master Gardeners volunteer to educate the public about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.  Master Gardeners must complete the training course, pass the final exam and volunteer 40 hours the first year to become certified.  In following years, you must volunteer 20 hours per year and have 10 hours per year in advanced training. Course topics will include:  botany, ecology, integrated pest management, composting, soils, fertilizers and plant nutrition.

The Garrett College class will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, April 7 – May 21. Cost is $130.  To register, call 301-387-3069.  Any questions call Sherry Frick, Garrett CO Cooperative Extension Office, 301-334-6960. 

The Allegany College class will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, April 7 – May 21.  Cost is $150.  To register, call 301-784-5341.  Any questions call Derrick Bender, Allegany CO Cooperative Extension Office, 301-724-3320. 

To learn more about the Maryland Master Gardener Program, please visit www.mastergardener.umd.edu

March 28

Frostburg State University from 1 to 5 pm

Arboretum Workdays

Volunteer for the environment!  Help remove exotics, restore natives and build a split-rail fence.  Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside. Tools and gloves provided.  Any questions please call Sunshine Brosi at 301-687-4213 or slbrosi@...

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April

April 4, 11, 18 & 25

Frostburg State University from 1 to 5 pm

Arboretum Workdays

Volunteer for the environment!  Help remove exotics, restore natives and build a split-rail fence.  Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside. Tools and gloves provided.  Any questions please call Sunshine Brosi at 301-687-4213 or slbrosi@...

April 13, 15 & 17

Savage River State Forest from 9 am to noon

SRWA Red Spruce Plantings

Volunteers are needed to help the Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) plant red spruce plugs along streams in the Savage River State Forest.  The goal of these plantings is to maintain conifer cover along native brook trout streams where hemlocks may be killed by the hemlock wooly adelgid, an exotic invasive insect.  For more details or to volunteer, email the Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Ron Boyer, SRWA red spruce planting coordinator, at 301-895-3686. 

April 18

New Germany State Park from 10 am to 2 pm

SRWA Native Plant Demonstration & Sale

Native plant enthusiasts will answer your questions about native plants, conservation landscaping and backyard wildlife habitat practices.  A variety of native plants (grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs and trees) will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more information contact the Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant sale coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 and follow signs for New Germany State Park.  Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road.  Signs will direct you to the native plant display and sale.

April 19

Savage River State Forest from 1 to 4 pm

SRWA Red Spruce Plantings

Volunteers are needed to help the Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) plant red spruce plugs along streams in the Savage River State Forest.  The goal of these plantings is to maintain conifer cover along native brook trout streams where hemlocks may be killed by the hemlock wooly adelgid, an exotic invasive insect.  For more details or to volunteer, email the Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Ron Boyer, SRWA red spruce planting coordinator, at 301-895-3686. 

April 21

Frostburg State University from 4:30 to 6:30 pm

FSU Arboretum Tours & SRWA Native Plant Sale

Learn about native plants and conservation landscaping.  Discover a revitalized arboretum on a free guided tour at 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 or 6:00 pm (tours begin at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot).  Purchase a native plant (grass, sedge, wildflower, shrub or tree) for your backyard. All proceeds will benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more information, please contact Sunshine Brosi, Biology Department, at slbrosi@... or Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant sale coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

April 24

Bear Pen Wildlands from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

SRWA 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.  The Savage River Watershed Association is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers.  For more details or to volunteer, email Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Ron Boyer, SRWA invasive species removal coordinator, at 301-895-3686. 

April 25

The Glades Preserve, Garrett County

Nature Conservancy Workday

The Glades used to be covered with red spruce before intensive logging stripped them from the landscape.  From 1996 to 1998, TNC planted 14,000 red spruce seedlings at The Glades.  This is the second of a 3-year "follow-up" planting effort to create some age diversity among red spruce at this preserve.  For more information or to volunteers, contact Deborah Landau directly at dlandau@...

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May

May 2

Frostburg State University from 1 to 5 pm

Arboretum Workdays

Volunteer for the environment!  Help remove exotics, restore natives and build a split-rail fence.  Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside. Tools and gloves provided.  Any questions please call Sunshine Brosi at 301-687-4213 or slbrosi@...

May 23

Elk Ridge Native Plant Preserve from 10 am to 2 pm

SRWA Garden Tour and Native Plant Sale

Tour this wildlife habitat garden 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 and noon.  A variety of native plants (grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs and trees) will be available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more information email the Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant sale coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

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June

June 16

Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm

Topic – TBA

Speaker – Becky Wilson, Urban Forester, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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.  

June 19

Bear Pen Wildlands from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

SRWA 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.  The Savage River Watershed Association is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers.  For more details or to volunteer, email Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@... or call Ron Boyer, SRWA invasive species removal coordinator, at 301-895-3686. 

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July

July 17 & 24

Elk Ridge Native Plant Preserve from 9 am to noon

SRWA - 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.  All proceeds benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more details or to register for the class, call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant specialist, at 301-895-3686.

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August

August 18
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm

Topic - TBA

Speaker – TBA

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.  

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October

October 20
Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm
Topic -TBA

Natalie Walsh, Graduate Assistant, Department of Biology, Frostburg State University

Details to follow...

Her 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.