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Registrations will be accepted at the door starting at 9 am--cash or check only. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have not registered for a field trip yet, you will be able to sign up at the Conference.
College of Southern MarylandCenter for Business and Industry8730 Mitchell Road La Plata, MD Charles County
We will focus on the habitats of the lower Potomac River. September 24 is also National Public Lands Day so our field trips will focus on the value of public lands and the role they play both ecologically and socially.
Jim Long, Mattawoman Watershed Society, will discuss the ecological diversity and conservation challenges facing the Mattawoman Watershed. Subsequent to its first description by Captain John Smith, based on his 1608 Chesapeake Bay explorations, southern Maryland was among the first regions in the nation to feel the import of European development. However, the pace of development soon lagged that of the cities burgeoning along the fall line, leaving pockets of marvelous natural delights. Today, this area is the fastest growing in the state, and requires vigilance if we are leave posterity significant remnants of our natural heritage.
Katharine McCarthy, Southern Maryland Ecologist, Maryland Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife and Heritage Division, Department of Natural Resources, will provide an overview of the rare species and natural communities of southern Maryland, with a focus on rare plant species. Kathy will discuss the threats and stewardship concerns for the habitats that support these rare species and natural communities.
Open to conference participants only. You will have the option of choosing a field trip when you register, or you can sign up at the conference. Suggestions for field trips sites, field trip hosts, or field trip leaders are being accepted.
New Location: Hellen Creek: Leader: Bob Boxwell
Patuxent River Park: Jug Bay Area: Leaders: Rachel Holden & Mary Kilbourne
Gilbert Run Park: Leaders: Jessica Milstead & Carole Bergmann
Chapman Forest: Leader: Jim Long
The Social will be held at the College. This is a wonderful opprtunity to share field trip experiences, meet other native plant enthusiasts and enjoy a buffet dinner. Cost is $30 per person. Details to come
Conference Participants can register on-line or at the conference. If you are NOT attending the conference, you may register on-line for these field trips by clicking on the link.
Focus on Ferns at St. Mary's City. Leader: Mary Alves
Swann Park & Chapman Forest Hike. Leader: Marc Imlay
Explore the Mattawoman by Water. Leaders: Jim Long & Karyn Molines
This year we have arranged for a limited number of rooms at a special Conference Rate of $89 + 11% tax at the Best Western in La Plata. Contact them at 301-934-4900 and let them know that you are with the "Native Plant Society" to receive the discounted rate.
Join the Conference Committee in planning the event, coordinating the field trips, food, Native Treasures, publicity or other necessary tasks. Contact Karyn Molines, Conference Chair at mnps@chesapeake.net
Note regarding Saturday Field Trips: Due to limitations of the registration system, registration limits on Saturday field trips can not be set. Therefore, if field trip sign ups exceed the trip size, some participants may not be accepted in the field trip. There will be sufficient field trips to ensure every conference participant can attend one of the Saturday trips. Questions? Contact Karyn Molines, Conference Chair at mnps@chesapeake.net
©Maryland Native Plant Society PO Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914MNPS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Maryland.
