MNPS Field Trip: Wye Farm: A Model Restoration of Native Wildflower Meadows and Grassland Habitat (SATURDAY)

AN EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER EVENT.

Leader: Jon Shaw
Co-Leaders: Cristina Niciporciukas/Wayne Bell

Location: Wye Farm

Description: Wye Farm is a 450‑acre historic estate (ca. 1800) in Queen Anne’s County. It is the family farm of Anne Habberton and is co‑managed with her husband, wildlife artist Jonathan Shaw. In 2021, thirty‑three acres of former cropland were converted to native grasses and wildflowers. Since then, the fields have been managed as early‑successional wildlife habitat through selective mowing and invasive‑plant control.

The transformation has been remarkable. The wildflower meadows provide a shifting display of color throughout the growing season and support an impressive diversity of pollinators, from bees to butterflies. They also offer food and year‑round cover for birds, including declining grassland species such as Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Northern Bobwhite. The project is now considered one of the most successful native wildflower restorations in the region.

Jonathan Shaw will guide us through the heart of the restoration and explain how the habitat is managed to support both plant productivity and wildlife. Expect fields alive with butterflies and other pollinators—and American Goldfinches making the most of the abundant seed crop.  

We will mostly follow well maintained paths but even those can have ticks.

For additional information: Please reach out to Cristina Niciporciukas at cnicipo71@outlook.com or 973-216-5216

FREE EVENT

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.   Limited to 25 people. Registration Deadline: 06/04

Directions will be included in registration confirmation. A waiver will be signed at the location.