Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Catonsville, 1000 Hilltop Circle

Lecture Hall 105, Public Policy Building

Co-sponsored by the Department of Geography and Environmental Systems at University of Maryland Baltimore County and the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council

This year's conference will highlight two of the major threats to Maryland's natural communities -- invasive species and climate change -- and remind us that, without intervention, our native biota will continue to decline and disappear. Speakers will address these threats, as well as actions that could reduce them. In addition, we will celebrate our native plants and communities with field trips to remarkable natural areas in the region.

AGENDA (pdf)

Saturday, September 15

8:00 Registration

9:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:10 Overview of Threats to Maryland’s Flora. Jil Swearingen, Board member, MAIPC

9:30     Why Should We Care About Invasive Species? Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp, Associate Professor, Towson University

10:15   Greening Baltimore’s Vacant Lots. Dr. Christopher Swan, Professor, University of MD – Baltimore County

10:30   Break

11:00   So Many Weeds, So Little Time. Art Gover, Research Support Associate, Penn State University

12:00   Announcements Followed by Lunch in the Commons.

1:00 - 5:00 Field trips – Carpool from the University. Directions and further information will be available at the conference.

Saturday Social (additional $40 fee)

5:00     Evening Social, Cash Bar, Appetizers, Posters, Treasure Table

6:00     Buffet Dinner

7:15     Climate and Rising Carbon Dioxide: It's Good to Be Invasive. Dr. Lew Ziska,  Plant Physiologist, USDA

Sunday, September 16 field trips (included in basic registration fee)

Field trips Meet at the field trip location. Information will be provided at conference.

Accommodations several hotels are located near the conference.

Carpooling

Native Treasures Book Sales

Browse and take home a book related to native plants and habitats. Pay what you want for these treasures and support the Maryland Native Plant Society.

REGISTRATION FEE:

includes the morning speakers, lunch, afternoon field trips and Sunday field trips

Members+: $70 (after July 31: $80)
Nonmembers: $80 (after July 31:  $90)
+ members of other native plant societies may register at members rate

Saturday Social, includes dinner: $40
The Social is a separate fee from the Registration fee. If you are interested in only the Social, contact Karyn Molines: info@mdflora.org

Before registering, please review the list of Field trips.