MNPS Field Trip: Evening Spring Plant Walk at the Don Miller Forest (Tuesday)

Sponsoring Organizations: Maryland Native Plant Society and Natural History Society of Maryland

This small forest is named in memory of a son of Charles E. Miller, Howard County politician and businessman. Don Miller was president of Miller Chevrolet and was interested in trees and other plants. One must get permission to visit this small stream valley.

It contains a diversity of species: spring beauty, fringe tree, blackhaw viburnum, arrowwood, mapleleaf viburnum, spicebush, oak, hickory, red maple, dogwood, black gum, ash, tulip tree, beech, wild geranium, false solomon's seal, bedstraw, jack-in-the-pulpit, mayapple, New York fern, sensitive fern, blackberry, black cohosh and sedges.

This is the eighth year that we will explore this area as we add to our survey of its flora and note changes over time.  Learn to identify plants with a botanist who can answer your questions.  The field trip will be facilitated by Charlie Davis and Heidi Pringle.  Charlie Davis is a professional field ecologist who specializes in plants.  Heidi has studied a little botany.  

Leader: Heidi Pringle

FREE

Notes:  A climb down a small, slippery, steep hill is necessary to enter the forest. There is also a stream crossing that requires a big step over the shallow stream. There are only animal trails, and participants are asked to be very careful not to step on the native plants. The leader has encountered only one tick, but tick populations change each year and there are many deer. Please take precautions for ticks. Wear long pants, since there is an area with poison ivy that must be crossed. There are muddy areas.

Bring:  hand lens, pad and pencil/pen, rain gear, boots

Cancellation Policy: In the event of heavy rain, the walk will be postponed. 

Contact: (for additional information; not to register)
Heidi Pringle, hepringle@verizon.net

Directions: included in registration confirmation.