MNPS 2008 Annual Fall Conference, "Ecological Communities of the Western Shores of the Chesapeake Bay"

This year we will focus on the western shores of the Chesapeake, from the brackish tidal wetlands to the riparian forests of the Patuxent River.

Our annual fall conference starts Saturday morning with a series of speakers, followed by afternoon and Sunday field trips throughout the region.

Registration includes lunch. The Saturday Social is an additional $30 per person and includes dinner.

Schedule of Planned Activities
Time	Activity
8:30am	Registration opens
9:30am	Welcome
10:00am	Wetlands and Wildlife Chris Swarth Wetlands support large numbers and a high diversity of birds and mammals. Animals forage, nest, and seek shelter among the dense, rich assortment of plants found in wetlands. This presentation will focus on the aquatic plants of the Patuxent River freshwater tidal wetlands and why these marshes are so important for wildlife.
10:45am	Break
11:15am	Maryland's Unexplored Pine Barrens Rod Simmons Pitch pine, Pinus rigida, the dominant tree in Pine Barrens woodlands, is highly rare in Maryland, found in the "sand belt" region of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties. The newly described Maryland community is similar to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, is globally rare, and harbors many botanical rarities.
12:00pm	Closing Remarks
12:30pm	Lunch (provided for those who pre-registered)
1:00pm	Field Trips
6:30pm	Dinner and Social

Field Trips
Time	Activity
times TBA	Field Trips

Photo Contest winners will be on display during the conference and social.

All proceeds from the conference benefit the Maryland Native Plant Society's programs and activities.

©Maryland Native Plant Society
PO Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914
MNPS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Maryland.