MNPS Field Trip: Wildflower and Orchid Search (Friday)

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland Native Plant Society, Calvert County Natural Resources, Calvert Nature Society 

Location: Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park

Leader:  Karyn Molines

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Directions will be provided in the confirmation email.

FREE 

Adults and older teens

We'll spend time looking for spring flowers and orchids to map via iNaturalist.

The Calvert County Natural Resources Division is partnering with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the North American Orchid Conservation Center to document orchid species found in Calvert County for the purpose of conserving native orchids found in the U.S. and Canada. (Read more about this project)

We will identify locations of orchids so that trained collectors can obtain photographs, viable seeds, fruits, leaf samples, and root samples with the aim of conserving North American orchid species. In special situations whole plants will be collected for voucher specimens to be stored in the Botany Department of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Bring: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a water bottle and trail snacks. A handlens can be helpful. To participate in the orchid study, please bring a fully charged smart phone with the iNaturalist app installed (or a fully charged digital camera) and establish your own iNaturalist account.

To download the app:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android 
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id421397028?mt=8

Notes: There are only port-a-pots at Ward Farm, and no water. If you wish to use "modern" facilities, you may stop at the WaWa at Rte. 4 and Ward Road. Plan for time to travel to Ward Farm.

Cancellation Policy:   This trip will be held in light rain. Bring your rain coat! Those who register will be informed if cancelled.

Contact: Calvert County Natural Resources Division, 410-535-5327

Directions will be provided in registration confirmation email. Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park is only open for special events.